Helen Ford, Pastor Jim Beveridge, John Ford and Jenny Beveridge.

Herstmonceux Free Church has a new pastor. He is Jim Beveridge, who was inducted at a packed ceremony on April 20. Jim, who retired recently as a senior officer with Hastings Borough Council, was previously a leading member of Rye Baptist Church. The induction was led by the Rev Peter Mckintosh of Crowhurst Christian Home of Healing.

More than 100 village, friends, family and visitors from Jim’s former church were present for the occasion. A mixture of modern choruses and profound hymns were sung and Jim shared the church’s path – and his journey to the induction day. The church presented him with a commemorative study bible and beautiful flowers to his wife Jenny. Afterwards food and drinks, prepared by church members, were enjoyed by all.

Jim’s wife Jenny has strong historic family links with country clergy in Sussex. She is a direct descendant of 17th and 18th century father and son parsons named Hawes – her maiden name – who served Berwick, Glynde, Selmeston, Alciston and Westham.

[This article was taken from the Eastbourne Herald, you can also view it in PDF format]