The Rev Simon Harvey and congregation at his final service on Sunday. ‘It was an emotional occasion,’ he said
A VICAR said an emotional farewell as the congregation packed the church for his final service.
The Rev Simon Harvey gave his last sermon on Sunday, the feast of Epiphany, after more than eight years as spiritual leader of St Mary’s Church in Upper Street.
The father-of-two said: “It was a very moving and emotional occasion. A wonderful way to say farewell to a place that has welcomed me with open arms from the moment I moved here.”
The 55-year-old is moving to Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk, with his wife Jo to take charge of a parish there.
“Islington has been full of surprises,” he said. “Life runs at such a fast pace. It’s one of the busiest boroughs in London. You might expect this to make people impatient and agitated, but my experience has been the opposite.
“The people I have met were amazingly friendly and patient. They welcomed me into the community.
“When my first wife passed away, I was touched by how many people came forward to offer their condolences.
“It’s a special place.”
Lay ministers and the Rev Caroline Shuttleworth, who is curate, will take over Mr Harvey’s services while the church looks for a replacement.
