A NEWLY ordained Tavistock priest will forever remember his first service as he christened his own son at his very first mass.

The day after being ordained priest at Tavistock Parish Church, the Rev Dr Steven Martin baptised his son during his first Eucharist service.

Steven was ordained by Bishop Nick of Plymouth together with Carl Budden from St Edward in Eggbuckland and Leon Catallo of St Andrew and St Paul in Plymouth.

St Eustachius’ Church was packed for the ordinations, for which the choir was joined by choristers from the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and The Mother of Him Who Hung Thereon, Crediton, where Steven had formerly been director of music.

The following day, he presided over the Eucharist for the first time and christened his son Henry George Buxton. For this service, choristers from Steven’s Taunton choir, In Ecclesia, swelled the choral ranks.

Henry was clothed in a white gown made by churchwarden Hilary Sanders from Steven’s wife Caroline’s wedding dress.

After the service Steven returned to the High Alter to give First Blessings to those wishing to receive one. In this ancient tradition, the newly anointed hands of the priest — sanctified by the Holy Spirit through the bishop with the holy oil of Chrism — are used to give God’s blessing for the first time.

Vicar of St Eustachius, the Very Rev Dr Christopher Hardwick, who is Steven’s training incumbent, said: ‘I am delighted that Steven has been ordained priest and will continue his training within the parishes of Tavistock, Gulworthy and Brentor. We all look forward to his ministry among us and pray for God’s blessing upon him in his new life as a priest.’

Steven, an accomplished musician, chose hymns and anthems for the services. His love of church music stems from his childhood when he joined the choir at St George’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Southwark, aged eight. He progressed to learning the organ and at Tavistock he occasionally supports director of music Sean Sweeney and the choir.

He studied music at Exeter and Bristol universities, was a choral scholar at Exeter Cathedral and led choirs in Exeter and Taunton. His organ playing pursuits include Broadhembury, Payhem-bury, Crediton and Exeter Prison.

Steven began to feel a call to the priesthood while at St George’s Cathedral, initially exploring his vocation at secondary school.

He vividly remembers his interview with the careers advisor. He said: ‘When I told her that I wished to become a priest, I am not sure that she quite knew what to say or recommend, so she telephoned Lambeth Palace and I remember her passing the receiver to me and speaking to a nice gentleman – not the Archbishop, I think! — and he asked me what I was interested in. He recommended that I focus on music for a bit, as I seemed to be enjoying that, and then I could go forward for selection.

‘That is basically what I did, but I focused on my music a while longer than anticipated — about 17 years, before going forward for selection.’

Steven, assistant curate at Tavistock Church, will perform his priestly duties in the benefice of St Eustachius, St Paul, Gulworthy and Christ Church and St Michael de Rupe, Brentor.

He said: ‘Tavistock is an excellent place and Caroline and I love being here. We have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and support we have received since our arrival just over a year ago. Our heartfelt thanks to all who attended the services and for all the good wishes and messages of support we have received.’