A NEW beginning for an Arborfield church was announced at a special service held last weekend.
St Eligius, the former REME garrison church, dedicated a new piano and organ and, during the service, it was announced that the church is to recruit a new minister, who will live and work on the new Arborfield Green development.
The Revd Canon John Edwards, from the parish of Finchampstead and California, led the service which was attended by borough mayor, Cllr Rob Stanton, former REME servicemen and a number of donors including Lord Brooke, a former member of the church.
Music for the service was performed by church member Rita Le Var on the new organ and members of the Blackwater Valley Wind Quintet.
During his sermon, Canon Edwards spoke of the gratitude that the church had for those who had helped with the appeal for the new organ and piano.
“We have reason of real gratitude … we’re here to celebrate a labour of love. People have been extremely generous,” he said.
Using Psalm 100 from the Bible, he led a round of applause for their efforts: “O clap your hands together”.
And he added: “This is not an end: it’s just a beginning. The church has made a large commitment to this new and developing community.
“A new minister will be located here and we expect great things to happen in the future.”