THE ROLE of 'pioneer priest' for the Deanery of Okehampton will be carried out by the Rev David Muir.
Mr Muir was welcomed into his new role last week when more than 80 people from the area attended an event at the Octagon Theatre at Okehampton Community College.
The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev John Ford, presided and was assisted by the Archdeacon of Totnes John Rawlings and the Rural Dean of Okehampton the Rev Stephen Cook.
Mr Muir, an experienced Anglican clergyman and adult educator, will not be vicar to any church or group of churches. Instead he will be licensed to the whole of the deanery of Okehampton. It was described as being like the assistant curate to every church in the deanery — all 23 of them.
It is envisaged that Mr Muir's work will be mostly based in public places other than church buildings so that he can meet as many people as possible, with the hope of discovering some of their concerns and aspirations. He hopes to devise ways whereby he can respond to those needs.
Mr Muir and his wife June live in South Tawton.