After 26 years in service, a much-loved village vicar is retiring, taking a "bag of happy memories" with him.
Peter Stearn, of All Saints Church arrived in Kings Langley in July 1982, with his wife, Joy and two daughters, Rebecca and Charlotte.
He trained for the ministry at Lincoln Theological College having left behind a singing career that had taken him from the pantomime stage to the opera house.
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Peter was ordained priest by Robert Runcie, then Bishop of St Albans, in the Cathedral and Abbey Church in June 1978.
According to Peter, the highlight of his time in Kings Langley was the quality of the relationships he developed.
He said: "I have been welcomed by everyone and been privileged to serve the Royal British Legion as its chaplain, to enjoy a rich relationship with the ecumenical community, and to tread the boards with other local thespians in Kings Langley Light Opera Company and Kings Langley Players."
But, according to parish clerk, Monica Osborn, it is the congregation of All Saints, in Church Lane, which has taken him to its hearts, "maintaining their faithful relationship with him" through the good times and the more difficult times as Peter's health has deteriorated.
Peter said: "They are an exceptional community who have filled the years since 1982 with enormous commitment and a great deal of fun.
"My daughters both sang in the choir and were married at All Saints, and I have baptised both my grandchildren here.
"What a bag of happy memories to take with me."
Representing the Archbishop at Peter's induction in 1982 was his then chaplain, Richard Chartres.
Richard had been the curate of Peter's sponsoring parish when he went forward for ordination, and they had appeared together at many dinner parties as well as in The Castle of Perseverance at St Andrews, Bedford.
Peter's time at All Saints was full of coincidences.
The organist at All Saints is the former organist of St Andrews, Bedford, and a bride from
St James, Bushey, where Peter served his second curacy, as its director of music. After ordination, Peter went to St Peter's, St Albans, to be guided through his early ministry by its vicar, Allan Medforth.
It is Allan who will preside with Peter at his final service and who, with others, has helped Peter sustain his ministry as his health declined.
Chris Pettit, of Kings Langley, said: "I belonged to the Baptist church, and we did not have a minister at a time when I was seriously ill. "I remember Peter visited me, and it was a very touching experience, which I always appreciated."
Peter and Joy pack up the Vicarage on July 16, the anniversary of Peter's induction 26 years ago, a very special day in the hearts of all the villagers who have benefited from Peter's work in Kings Langley.
A choral evensong will take place tomorrow, at 3.30pm and 9.30am on Sunday, May 11, for Peter's final service, a choral Eucharist for Whitsun.
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