Vicarage build is underway to welcome reverend to village
BUILDING work is underway on a new vicarage to serve Sutton and three amalgamated parishes.
Construction workers are on site laying foundations for the building, which is on land owned by the Diocese in part of the former garden for the old vicarage at Church Lane, Sutton.
The old vicarage and the remainder of the garden was sold to a family last summer.
It’s hoped the building will be finished in the summer.
The new two-storey house will serve Sutton as well as the Wincle, Bosley and Wildboarclough parishes in a new combined benefice.
Ian Bishop, archdeacon of Macclesfield, said: “The house is going to a splendid addition to the village. It’s a very nice design which is in keeping with the village and will provide a good base for the new vicar to work from.”
The work is welcome news to the community, which has been without a vicar since Verena Breed left the parish. It’s now been announced that Rev Dr John Harries, from St John the Evangelist Church at Higher Walton near Warrington, will take over.
He will be installed as the new vicar with a special service by the new Bishop of Stockport, the Reverend Libby Lane, who is the Church of England’s first female bishop.
Rev Harries is likely to move into the Wincle vicarage in April ahead of the service in May.
Graham Smith, who helps at the churchyard at Sutton, said: “We’re all pleased to see the work start on the new vicarage.
“We have been without a vicar for too long and are looking forward to welcoming our new vicar.”
The vicarage is in the green belt but was granted planning approval due to its benefit to the community. It’s hoped the plan will help protect the heritage of Sutton St James, which has been at the heart of the village since 1840.
John Evans, a church warden at Sutton St James, said: “It’s been a long vacancy with no vicar and we’re delighted that John has accepted the appointment. We’re looking forward to him being with us.”
Rev Harries will officially become the new vicar at a service at Sutton St James on Monday, May 11.