Pershore welcomes James and Lydia 

The new minister for Pershore Baptist Church, James Martin (33), has arrived with his wife Lydia and their three year old son to live in the historic manse in Broad Street

James will be ordained as a Reverend on 8 September, having recently completed his ministerial training at Spurgeon's College in London. 

James formerly worked in Local Government, while Lydia worked for the National Trust in Alcester. As part of his training, James spent an enjoyable week working with the Vicar of Pershore Abbey, the Revd Claire Lording.

'We are delighted to join such a warm and welcoming church in this beautiful town and we look forward to the challenges and pleasures that are ahead,' they said.

The Baptist church is part of Churches Together in Pershore, four congregations which run the town's busy foodbank. Church secretary Kate Portman said, 'We have had a long period without a minister, so everyone is delighted to welcome our new, young leader.'

There has been more than 350 years of Baptist life and witness in Pershore. The present manse was built in 1870. For more on the church's witness and history, visit its website.