Ordination of Senior Past Master Paul Paterson as Reverend

The announcement of a new Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent was not the only change in senior management among the Provincial Executive.  Mowbray Lodge member, Paul Paterson who has been a member of the Executive for nine years took the opportunity to step down from the role of Deputy Grand Superintendent, which he had occupied for the previous seven years.  However, a ‘fireside-and-slippers’ retirement didn’t beckon; in fact, a complete change of direction lay in store for Paul as, on 30th September, he was Ordained by the Lord Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler in his parish church.

The event made history as it was the first time in the 156-year history of St Michael and All Angels Church in Hawthorn Village that a service of Ordination had taken place.  Furthermore, it was the first time that Bishop Paul had conducted a service of Ordination away from the cathedral.  In a wonderful service to a packed church (including many Mowbray members) the Bishop spoke of how God calls us - despite knowing everything about us - and that we should not be surprised to find ourselves called in all manner of different ways.  Although Paul - now Rev’d Paul -  who has lived in the village for more than 30 years, has been actively involved in the church for some time, this latest direction in his life rather took him by surprise.  Now licensed as Curate to St Michael and All Angels Church in Hawthorn and Holy Trinity Church in Murton, Paul is very much looking forward to the joys and challenges that lie  ahead.