Colne churches welcome new vicar

INSTITUTION AND INDUCTION: L-R Rev Lisa Senior; Rev Patrick Senior; Mayoress, Joanna Sagar; Mayor, Cllr Graham Roach; Rt Rev Julian Henderson; Rev Ed Saville; Rev Cath Braithwaite; Ven. John Hawley (S)

The Rev. Lisa Senior was instituted by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt. Rev. Julian Henderson, at St Bartholomew’s Church, in the presence of Pendle’s Mayor and Mayoress, Coun. Graham Roach and Joanna Sagar.

The former curate at Dewsbury Minster was also inducted, by being guided around the church by the Archdeacon Rev. John Hawley.

She made promises to God and to the people, taking possession of the font, the key to the door and ringing the church bell, to represent her position as Rector of Holy Trinity Church and St Bartholomew’s Church.

Along with members of the two Colne churches, a coach arrived “over the border” from Wakefield Diocese carrying friends, colleagues and parishioners all wishing her well, and all very sad to be saying goodbye.

The Rev. Cath Braithwaite is to serve as curate to Lisa and she was also instituted at the same service.

Cath, headmistress at Holy Trinity Primary School, Burnley, is to retire at Christmas and will be dedicating more time to her role within the church.

A buffet was prepared by the two host churches and was enjoyed by 230 guests.

Church warden David Hawthorne said: “With a new, forward looking and energetic Bishop such as Julian Henderson and clergy of the calibre of Lisa Senior and Cath Braithwaite, we have a real opportunity to create a breath of fresh air in East Lancashire; a chance to find better ways as a church to serve our communities.”

The new rector’s institution and induction also marked the end of an era for Colne’s five churches, which have now been split into two united benefices. The Rev. John Knott will be welcomed as Rector of the village churches from 7-30pm on Monday at Christ Church.