MINEHEAD Baptists came together for tea and a service of thanksgiving marking the 50th anniversary of minister the Rev George Bowden's ordination.
The service was conducted by Pastoral Moderator the Rev Gwynne Edwards, of Exeter, who spoke about St Paul's second letter to Timothy - a young pastor in the new Christian church.
Mr Edwards linked this with the challenge to everyone to examine their relationship with, and willingness to serve, God.
Representatives from Oxford, where Mr Bowden was ordained, Ilfracombe, where he was Moderator, and Plymouth, Hounslow and Birmingham, where he has served, were among those present.
Letters of good wishes were read from others unable to attend, including Liverpool, Kirkby-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, Inksip in Lancashire, the Christian Endeavour movement and the Birmingham Bible Institute.
Some 80 to 90 people sat down to tea afterwards and Mr Bowden, who recently celebrated his golden wedding anniversary, conducted the services the following day.
Pictured from the left are, at the back, Valerie Fox, Nesta Jenkins, Janet Allen and Agnes Bowden. In front, Keith Burrows, Philip Fox, Gerald Collett, Mr Edwards and Mr Bowden.
Photo: Steve Guscott.