Sam holds the certificate of recognition of 60 years service
The Parish of The Leighs and Little Waltham celebrated 60 years of Reader ministry of Sam Marriage last Sunday.
Sam was licensed as Reader in 1951 and has given himself with great faithfulness, sensitivity and commitment to a ministry both within the church leading services and also visiting the sick and the elderly.
Those who know him well and have enjoyed his ministry consider him to be something of a saint, but he would characteristically not agree and the children in the parish know him as a source of great joy – searching for him at the end of services for his regular supply of chocolate!
The Rector congratulates Sam as he receives the scarf.
The childrten sing to Sam
Sam cuts the cake
During the service, Sam was presented with a certificate from Bishop Stephen by a leading Reader of the Diocese, Andrew Merchant. The Rector gave him a specially commissioned Reader’s scarf and a picture of the three churches on behalf of the congregations and the children had all made bookmarks and a card and sang to him.
Sam shows his picture, certificate and scarf
We would like to extend to Sam our deep thanks and appreciation, hoping for many more years of his enriching presence, support and ministry. Thank you, Sam!
