PARISHIONERS on the Blackdown Hills were invited to watch as long-serving Church minister the Rev John Stone hung up his cassock for the final time.

Mr Stone retired fully on Sunday (August 30) after more than 40 years in the Church of England.

A congregation of more than 100 people attended St Mary’s Church, in Hemyock, for his final service, one of Holy Communion.

They included friends and one small dog from the Bampton area, where Mr Stone had held his last full-time living before retiring to Hemyock and taking on a part-time role.

The parishioners gathered to say ‘thank you’ for all his work within the United Benefice of Hemyock with Culm Davy, Clayhidon, and Culmstock.

The Rev John Stone with his daughter Sarah after taking his final service in Hemyock's St Mary's Church before his retirement. PHOTO: David Bawler.
The Rev John Stone with his daughter Sarah after taking his final service in Hemyock's St Mary's Church before his retirement. PHOTO: David Bawler. (David Bawler)

After his move to the Blackdowns community, Mr Stone had become deeply involved with the parish church of St Mary’s.

The Holy Communion service was assisted by the rector, the Rev Vanessa Cole, Diana Cooper, and Stewart Smith, with organist Nigel Atkinson, and saw a reading given by Mr Stone’s daughter Sarah, and prayers led by Claire Sibley.

In his sermon, Mr Stone spoke of his calling by God to enter the ministry, which he felt was not for him.

But, in time, he knew this was the right course his life should take.

St Mary’s churchwarden David Bawler read a tribute from Rev Canon Becky Totterdell, who was the previous rector in the united benefice, and Ms Cole presented Mr Stone with Lee Abbey vouchers which had been purchased with donations from parishioners.

An iced cake made and decorated by Jenny Doble was cut by Mr Stone before it was included in the refreshments served by the catering team.

The service had originally been planned for a week earlier, but was moved to the bank holiday weekend.