On Thursday 6th August 2026 the Benefice of Marsden and Slaithwaite with East Scammonden held a Licensing Service for our new Vicar Rev Graeme Blackwell. The service was led by the Right Revd. Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Marsden in the evening.
Attendees included the Mayor of Huddersfield and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire, Local Councillors, congregations of our 3 churches – St. Bartholomew’s, St. James and Shred, vicars from the parishes of Huddersfield and Mirfield, and members of the community. And of course family and friends of Graeme.
Revd. Helen Butler, Priest in the Mirfield Team Parish, spoke about the many gifts Graeme brought with him. Graeme was presented to Bishop Smitha by Revd. Rob Savage along with the Church Wardens who confirmed their wish for him to become our new Vicar.
Graeme reaffirmed his Ordination Vows and Bishop Smitha read the deed of Institution to Graeme, “Receive the cure of Souls, which is both mine and yours, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. She then blessed him.
Bishop Smitha said to Archdeacon Bill Braviner, “I have been pleased to admit Graeme as priest and pastor of these parishes. I now require you to induct Graeme into the real and actual possession of this Benefice”. Archdeacon Bill took Graeme and the Churchwardens down to the main door of the church. Here Archdeacon Bill placed Graeme’s hand on the door handle and inducted him. The Churchwardens handed over sets of keys for the 3 churches, saying together, “Receive these keys as a mark of the responsibilities which we share. Help us to proclaim the Gospel of love and service in this benefice that none my find closed what Christ has opened”. Graeme then rang the bell to signify taking up the Pastoral Charge.
Archdeacon Bill spoke about the 4 I’s of Graeme during the Service – Instituted – done, Inducted as Vicar of our 3 churches – done, Graeme’s first duty as Vicar to pray the Prayers of Intercession – done and shortly he would be Informing, i.e. giving the notices!
Annis Mansaf from Shred Church – welcomed Graeme on behalf of our 3 churches and Sara Brown from St. James welcomed Graeme on behalf of the schools and community. As a congregation those who seek to follow Christ recommitted themselves to God’s service.
We sang some fabulous uplifting hymns throughout the service. At the end there was a long queue of people waiting to personally greet and welcome Graeme. Ezra, one of the children from St. James enjoyed meeting the Bishop, and Stewart was a little disappointed he wasn’t able to ring the bells on this occasion. Great T-Shirt though!
Afterwards there was a reception held in Marsden Parochial Hall where sherry and a great array of food provided by church members was enjoyed, along with lots of talking and sharing.
Many thanks to Liz Baker for taking the photos.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed food for the Reception, helped in the preparation and organisation of the Service and Reception and helped to tidy up afterwards.