Singers from churches across Saltash and the surrounding area formed a new choir to welcome Bishop of Truro – and a musician celebrated 50 years as church organist.

The choir, which had practiced for eight weeks, sang at Evensong last Sunday (June 29th) when Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd David Williams, and his wife Helen visited.

It was organist and churchwarden Eric Dustin’s idea to create the choir with people from many parish churches. Eric has been playing the organ at St Mary’s Botus Fleming for 50 years – he was presented with a gift to mark the occasion at the service. The congregation gave him a standing ovation.Image shows Bishop of Truro with a collection of people in a church.

Revd Laura Bushell Hawke, The Priest-in-Charge, said: “The Evensong service was filled to capacity, and the choir performed beautifully.

“At the last moment, a solo by Faye Penwill was added as a touching tribute to much-loved Botus Fleming churchwarden, Gill Mingo, who had died earlier that week.

“The occasion was meaningful as it marked the 50th anniversary of Eric Distin’s service as organist at St Mary’s.”

Eric Dustin said: “For a small country church to have an early visit from the head of the Anglican Community in Cornwall was a great honour.

“A choir of all talents came together from the churches to welcome David and his wife Helen to our service and lead the Sung Praise to Our Lord.”

Earlier in the day, six churches from across the five parishes gathered at St Nicholas & St Faith in Saltash for Holy Communion.  Bishop David preached on unity, building on the churches’ current sermon series from the book of Ephesians.

Afterwards, he and Helen joined the congregation for a bring-and-share lunch.

In the afternoon, Bishop David met with the clergy serving these parishes for an informal conversation. They spoke about the joys and challenges of ministry in the area- spanning two town churches and four rural ones.

Revd Laura Bushell Hawke said: “The parishes thoroughly enjoyed their day with Bishop David and Helen and look forward to welcoming them again soon.”