When is Brigg going to have a new vicar appointed? This question was raised during the Town Council's April meeting held last night (Tuesday) by Coun Nigel Sherwood among "requests from councillors for future agenda items."
He said the post had been vacant for an awfully long time and suggested lodging an inquiry with the Diocese of Lincoln.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall agreed, suggesting this would be a good question to ask.
Brigg Blog last raised this point is January, saying: "Brigg will soon have gone a year without a vicar, following Father Owain Mitchell's departure to take over a parish in the Peak District and no successor being appointed."
A popular figure in Brigg, Father Owain conducted his last service at St John's Church in late December 2019, but his tenure in the town did not officially end until late January 2020. He was inducted into his new parish - New Mills, Derbyshire - the following month.
Father Owain spent the best part of 15 years serving our town and some nearby villages as the Church of England's representative.
The Vicar of Brigg also looks after the spiritual needs of Wrawby, Cadney & Howsham, Bonby and Worlaby.
The Lincoln Diocese told Brigg Blog in late January that no appointment had been made at present, nor had the role been advertised.
"The diocese is currently undertaking a review of its finances and the number of clergy that are deployed around the county is one element of this review," the added.
Any vacant roles for the clergy are advertised via Pathways, the Church of England recruitment site, and the diocesan website, we understand.
PICTURED: Father Owain Mitchell conducting his final service at St John's Church, Brigg, in December 2019 - images by Ken Harrison, Brigg Matters magazine.
