The Church buildings date from ... and a short history can be found ...

The Institution and Induction of the Reverend Canon James Campbell as Rector of the Benefice of the Lavingtons, Cheverells and Easterton took place on Tuesday 5th August at St Mary’s, Market Lavington. The Service was led by The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, Bishop of Ramsbury, accompanied by the Patron of St Mary’s, The Reverend Canon Nicholas Coulton of Christ Church, Oxford, The Archdeacon of Wiltshire, The Venerable John Wraw and the Rural Dean, Reverend Sally Attwater, assisted. The non- stipendary clergy of the Benefice and other clergy from the Deanery were in attendance.

The Benefice comprises the parishes of Market Lavington, West Lavington, Great Cheverell and Little Cheverell and Easterton. Over 250 people filled the church for the Service of Induction and most stayed afterwards for excellent refreshments, provided by volunteers, in the new Community Hall in Market Lavington. The Churchwardens of St Mary’s, with their team of helpers, had worked hard to prepare the Church for the Service, with beautifully arranged flowers and extra seating, ensuring a warm welcome for everyone.

The combined Choir of St Mary’s and All Saints, West Lavington was led by Kester Sims and sang the Anthem ‘Cantate Domino’ by Pitoni. The organist was Paul Skelton. The Benefice Bellringers, led by Sylvia Young, Captain of the Tower, rang a ring of six using Call Changes, Plain Hunt, Grandsire Doubles and Plain Bob Doubles, both before and after the Service, adding a joyful note to the occasion.

James Campbell comes from the Diocese of Winchester where he had served the parishes of Bentley and Binstead for eleven years. James is married with four children and he will live in the Georgian Rectory in Market Lavington with his family.

For further information please contact David Part 01380 813563

Rev Ann Cocking (right) is our Assistant Priest, an Ordained Local Minister, as is Rev Pat Strowger, our Assistant Curate. The Team is completed by Bob Young, our Lay Reader. They can be contacted on 812763, 812840 and 812587 respectively.