AFTER 18 years in the church, the Rev Peter Allsworth, 66, is retiring from parish work in Bodelwyddan and Rhuddlan.
During his time within the St Asaph Diocese, Mr Allsworth cared for two parishes, each with different needs, which may merge into a single benefice.
He said: “Bodelwyddan is unusual because of the Marble Church, which is a very special place. It has a huge visitor ministry and is a very important part of the responsibilities of the role there.
“With the Marble Church, which is so well known, there’s a huge number of weddings whereas (hurches in) Rhuddlan are facing significant financial challenges.”
Mr Allsworth, who was born in Delhi, worked for the Birmingham Ambulance Service and went on to become a senior manager for the NHS, before enter the priesthood where he was ordained in the parish of Prestatyn in 1993.
He served as vicar of Esclusham near Wrexham, was appointed associate priest in the Parish of Rhyl and then became priest in charge of Bodelwyddan, adopting Rhuddlan after the departure of Rev Gareth Griffiths last year.
He said: “Ministry does take over your life. A lot of people have the misconception it’s a one day a week job, but it’s totally consuming really.
“I’ve enjoyed working there with the people. The congretations are very welcoming and they are very hard working. I live in Rhuddlan, and clergy never really retire, so I’ll always be available to assist.”
He will be succeeded by Rev Ian Day who will be invested next month