Parish bids fond farewell to rector Father Edward

A RECTOR who has retired after 28 years in his Tarring parish has described a farewell service to him as ‘overwhelming’.
Father Edward Jervis, who is retiring at the age of 66 after 28 years of ministry at West Tarring Parish Church of St Andrew SUS-140403-143712001Father Edward Jervis, who is retiring at the age of 66 after 28 years of ministry at West Tarring Parish Church of St Andrew SUS-140403-143712001
Father Edward Jervis, who is retiring at the age of 66 after 28 years of ministry at West Tarring Parish Church of St Andrew SUS-140403-143712001

Father Edward Jervis, of West Tarring Parish Church of St Andrew, in Church Road, bade a fond farewell to parishioners on Sunday.

Some 400 people turned out for his final service, with the church decorated with flowers as a final surprise 
to him.

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Father Jervis, 66, said: “It went extremely well and the occasion was overwhelming.

“Over 400 people turned up. It was incredible and the atmosphere was amazing .

“The church had also been decorated with flowers without me knowing. I came in and it was like a flower festival.”

Father Jervis originally worked as a chartered surveyor before training as a priest in Lincoln.

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He spent three years in West Bromwich and six years in Horsham, before moving to West Tarring, where he remained for 28 years.

He said: “My father was a priest and he was my inspiration. But I didn’t necessarily want to follow him without trying other avenues.

“I was a chartered surveyor but then I thought I ought to pursue a role in the ministry.

“I offered myself and I was accepted, and that was 40 years ago now.”

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Father Jervis now looks forward to his retirement, and is planning to move 
to Rustington.

He said: “I am not a person who likes to be inactive, so I will fill my days with something which I find keeps me occupied.”

But Father Jervis said he will miss his role in 
the community.

He added: “It has been a joy to be here and I have been so happy in my work. I have loved it. I shall miss the church community.”

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In the latest parish newsletter, churchwarden John Hubbard paid tribute to Father Jervis’ reign as a ‘remarkable achievement’.

He said: “We are not only grateful for his ministry but also for the unstinting support of his wife, Janet, whose ready smile and unassuming manner have endeared us all.”

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