Lancashire church welcomes permanent priest

A Lancashire church has welcomed a new priest.

St Michael’s Church, on Church Road, Weeton, near Kirkham, stood without a permanent vicar for around four years. Now Reverend Ivan Walters has agreed to take up the role after feeling a spiritual connection with the village following a visit in January.

Rev Ivan Walters is welcomed to St Michaels Church, Weeton

placeholder image — Rev Ivan Walters is welcomed to St Michaels Church, Weeton

He said: “In January I was asked to go to St Michael’s. They had been without a vicar for nearly four years. I felt as though I was actually called to be there, as if this was going to be my spiritual home. It was only in June that I discussed it with the church wardens who agreed to discuss it with the Archdeacon.

“I will take over all the services at Weeton St Michael’s. Also I’m going into the school every week to do their assembly on a Monday.”

Rev Walters was welcomed into his new church on Sunday by the Mayor of Fylde John Singleton, Mayoress Geraldine Singleton MBE, church wardens Len Goodlier and Glenys Crossley, and the Archdeacon of Lancaster Michael Everitt.