Long serving Canon steps down

7:40am Thursday 4th September 2008

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A LONG serving Canon has stepped down after eight “enjoyable” years serving at four Kidderminster churches.

Rev Canon Harold Goddard has retired as team rector of the Kidderminster West Team Ministry, which covers St John the Baptist Church, Holy Innocents Church, St Peters Church, in Birchen Coppice and St John’s Church, in Habberley.

As well as Kidderminster, Mr Goddard served as a vicar for 42 years in parishes in Portsmouth, Stoke Prior and Martley. He has also served as chaplain to various hospitals and hospices.

The 66-year-old, who will be retiring to Great Malvern, has enjoyed many celebrations in the team ministry, such as the 70th anniversary of Holy Innocents Church and the centenary of the rebuilding ot St John’s church.

Mr Goddard, who was appointed rector of the Kidderminster West Team Ministry by the Archbishop of Canterbury, said: “It’s been 42 years hard work. I’m going to take some time off to start with. I have been very busy in the last eight years and I just want a rest. I will help out when needed.

“I’ve enjoyed my work. It’s been very challenging but enjoyable. There have been lovely people in every parish I have worked in.”

The father of three has served on many diocesan committees and for many years was vice-chairman of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of the Churches.

In 2003, the Bishop of Worcester appointed him as Honorary Canon of Worcester Cathedral. He is now Canon Emeritus, after his retirement.

“I aim to get on with people and to fit in,” Mr Goddard said. “I shall miss a lot of people in Kidderminster. They have been very kind to me.”

Mr Goddard has been given a permanent reminder of his work, in the form of a painting of himself standing in front of the alter at Holy Innocents Church.

He celebrated his retirement with a party at Holy Innocents’ Community Hall.