Popular pastor bids fond farewell to Bilston congregation
A popular minister and his family paid a bostin' bon voyage as they move to new pastures after more than a decade at a Bilston town centre church.
Rev Adrian Lloyd and his wife Cath served Bilston Baptist Church from 2008 until last autumn where they helped the congregation to develop a more multi-cultural approach to ministry in the town.
After almost 12 years the couple have moved to new pastures to Bideford, in Devon, where they led their first Christmas services at their new church.
Mr Lloyd said: "After 11 and half happy years in the Black Country at Bilston Baptist Church the Lord made it clear it was time for a move, when we and the church would have been happy for us to stay until we retired.
"Over that time the church has become more multi-cultural with around a dozen different nationalities represented in the congregation.
"One previous Minister who came to take a service a couple of years ago, commented on how encouraging it was to see the congregation reflecting the surrounding community.
"I had an opportunity to moderate at two other Baptist churches during time in Bilston.
"It's a privilege to serve our Lord, the church and community over the time, to witness young and old growing in faith, with some taking on roles they never thought they would. To see new people joining the fellowship and others returning.
Celebration
"It's a fascinating area to live in with its industrial history, mix of cultures and genuine, good hearted people.
"There is also a vibrancy of Christian witness among the many churches in Bilston and nearby Wolverhampton."
Mr and Mrs Lloyd, both 63, were being joined in Bideford by their daughter Kezia Lloyd-Jones, 21, and her husband Josh, 22.
The family said many people from this area had promised to visit them while on holiday in the south west.
Around 150 well wishers attended a celebration service at the worship centre, in Prouds Lane, Bilston, to thank them for their time serving the community.
