A PACKED Octagon Theatre saw the first ordination of pastors from Okehampton?s Church of the Nations on Friday ? Mike Davies, Chris Bourne and Simon Bourne.
The service was conducted by Pastor Johnny McCabe of the New Hope Church, Cardiff and the actual ordination was carried out by Tony Fitzgerald, who is the international director of Church of the Nations and based in Richmond, USA.
The guest of honour was the Mayor of West Devon Cllr Richard Phillips and in attendance were methodist superintendent minister Rev Philip Wagstaff, Father Peter Morgan of the Roman Catholic Church and Rev Derek Hayward of the Baptist Church amongst other local church leaders.
During the evening the new South West?s new bible school which is based at Okehampton?s Church of the Nations was also officially opened by Mike Davies who has been appointed as Dean to the school, which is offering full degree courses in various religious subjects.
Mr Davies said the evening was very significant both for him and the church: ?I was so pleased with the way the church members helped with so many tasks to ensure the evening was a success,? he said.
?We have several plans for development within Okehampton and are now looking for extra people to be added to the church and for finances to be available to purchase additional property within the Okehampton area.?
l First ordination of pastors from Okehampton?s Church of the Nations. Picture by Ian Snell