At the age of 85, after 53 years of outstanding service to the people of the Holme Valley and the wider community of Huddersfield, the Revd John Capstick has stepped down from public ministry.
At the Holme Valley Team Anniversary Service last Sunday, he was thanked by Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, for all he has done.
John was ordained priest in 1965 and served his curacy at Skipton Parish church. He then served in the Diocese of Derby diocese before returning to the former Diocese of Wakefield in 1961 to be vicar of Rawthorpe. From 1970-89 he was Vicar of Netherthong in the Upper Holme Valley and from 1989-1995 he was Team Vicar with added responsibility for St Andrew’s until retirement.
Since retirement John has served the people of the Upper Holme Valley and said that these years were some of his most enjoyable years of ministry: taking home communions, supporting the wider team in services and making pastoral visits.
He was joined at the Holme Valley Team Anniversary Service by Marlene, his wife of 60 years, and many family members. Bishop Jonathan thanked them both for their long and outstanding service in the Holme Valley - to rapturous applause.