A POPULAR curate is moving on from the parish he has served for three years.
The Reverend Tony Curtis is leaving Morpeth to become a vicar in Shiremoor.
Morpeth was his first ministry after being ordained at Newcastle Cathedral, and his arrival was something of a baptism of fire as just two months into the role Mr Curtis had to deliver his daughter Ziva when his wife Rachel suddenly went into labour.
He said: “It has been a fantastic experience working in Morpeth, as well as being involved in so many different things in the town.
“It was quite a busy start and I ended up in the Herald because the second month I was here my daughter came along unexpectedly at home, but over the past three years, as well as all of the fantastic work with people I have met through church and through baptism, weddings and funerals, which it has been a real privilege to be involved with, there has been an awful lot of involvement with the town.
“Everything was completely new to me, but the relationship between the town and the churches has been very good.”
Mr Curtis, who is originally from Newcastle, has served at St Mary’s, St Aidan’s and St James’s’ churches in the parish, but he has also enjoyed taking part in events and services with the other churches in the town.
He has also loved working with local schools, particularly All Saints First School.
And he is delighted to have played a part in community events, such as celebrations for Admiral Lord Collingwood and Emily Davison, Christmas lights switch-on ceremonies and Remembrance Day services.
“I’m really looking forward to a new challenge and seeing what we can do together in Shiremoor, but it will be tinged with sadness at saying goodbye to all the friends we have made,” he said.
Mr Curtis’ last Morpeth service will be at St Mary’s Church on Sunday, at 10am.