Call for Fresh Blood on St. Peter’s Council

Fresh Blood and new ideas need to be instilled on to Rushden St. Peter’s Church Council. This statement comes from the council’s chairman and church vicar, the Rev. Godfrey Barber.

In the church magazine he says “... it often seems that the best qualification for nomination is that someone has been on the council for years when surely this is a good qualification for not being re-elected”.

Mr. Barber for the benefit of the “Echo” enlarged on these opinions.

“We want more talent on the council than it has at present. There are people taking Bible classes and teaching in Sunday schools, who are dealing with the spiritual side of the church work.

“These people too, should be given their chance to shape the future of the church by serving on the council. The council is not fluid enough. There should be more integration between the spiritual and the fabric sides of the church.

“It can become so static when the same people serve on the church council. Thirty years ago it was a thrilling time for them to serve on the council. Now is the time for fresh ideas to be brought into the administration side of the church”, said Mr. Barber.

There are 18 elected members on the council and six ex-officio members. Six councillors come up for re-election every year and elections take place at the annual meeting held around Easter.

“I am not suggesting that councillors should resign before they are due to come up for re-election.

“What I am saying is that when their turn does come round that they seriously consider letting someone else take their place”, added Mr. Barber, who explained that as he was the vicar it automatically made him chairman of the council.

“I see myself in something of a leadership role. Quite naturally I don’t always agree with suggestions from the councillors, and, of course, the reverse applies.

“I put forward various ideas, some of which they are not ready to accept. Maybe they will see the value of them in a few years time”, said Mr. Barber, who has been vicar of St. Peter’s for almost three years.

And he adds: “A high proportion of those doing the basic work of the parish and parochial church council are not and never have been on the council and I would suggest that those who have served longest on the council should consider temporarily standing down”.

In answer to Mr. Barber’s points the ‘Echo’ asked several church councillors for their opinions.

First Mrs. J. Walker, 47 Quorn Road, told us: “With the state of the church at present we need as many members as we can get. You have to look after the older members of the church.

Mrs. W. J. Anker, of 22 Moor Road, said: “I do not think in our case it is theoretically possible for all of these people to resign. If they did I cannot see that it is feasible for them to be replaced. There is not the interest”.

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