Ceremony and celebration can be uneasy bedfellows, the rigours of formality often inhibiting the expression of emotion that is the essence of a joyful occasion. When we gathered at St Mary’s on the evening of 21 June for the collation and induction of the new vicar of Bowdon, after the Revd Roger Preece’s departure last October, red and purple robes were complemented by the reds and purples of Cadbury’s chocolate bars in every pew. It was a useful reminder that the church is the people rather than a procedure, as well as a rather earthly blessing for those who had come straight from work.
The service is in fact a rich tapestry of worship, tradition, theology and law. In this instance, there were multiple bishops and Ians, as the Bishop of Stockport, the Rt Revd Libby Lane dovetailed neatly with the Archdeacon of Macclesfield, the Ven Ian Bishop to introduce the Revd Ian Rumsey to his flock, local dignitaries and neighbouring clergy, who attended in numbers to welcome him.
This was the culmination of months of prayerful thought and discernment that are a requirement of the transition of a parish from one vicar, or incumbent, to another. The church must draft a profile, or prospectus for publication to potential candidates, who apply and undergo a process of assessment prior to appointment. In the case of Bowdon two full days were given over to introducing Ian to the parish and interviewing him; the result, a unanimous vote to invite him to join us.
So it came to be that on midsummer’s eve churchwardens processed, choristers sang, bishops spoke and then Ian Ramsey ascended the belltower to ring the bell and confirm to the parish and beyond that he had arrived. One toll for every year the vicar will serve, so they say. I’m sure no one was counting.
The evening ended with a joyful gathering in the Parish Centre, where we celebrated in time-honoured fashion with a splendid cake.
William Tyler, Churchwarden