MINEHEAD Baptist minister the Rev George Bowden celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination on Saturday (August 18).

Around 70 people gathered at Minehead Baptist Church for a surprise celebration lunch followed by a service of thanksgiving during which family and friends recounted memories and recalled events of George's life.

In 1946, aged 20 and serving in the RAF, George felt the call to ministry and then studied at Manchester Baptist College from 1948 to 1952 when he was ordained.

From 1952 till 1966, George and his wife and helper Agnes, served churches in Oxford, Inskip, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Plymouth.

He then worked for the Christian Endeavour organisation in administration and as an itinerant minister for 11 years.

Following this, George became a lecturer at Princes Park and Liverpool Bible College and at Birmingham Bible Institute until he retired in 1991.

In 1994 he and Agnes moved to Minehead where George has continued to preach in many churches in the area as well as being fully involved in the Bible Society, Minehead Baptist Church, Credit Union and many other organisations in the town.

Sadly, Agnes died three years ago after a long and very happy marriage and is greatly missed by George and the family.

During the thanksgiving service, his eldest daughter, Rosemarie, recalled their happy family life over the years and tributes were paid by George's friends and fellow workers over the years.

Written congratulations were read from Jonathon Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and Jez Brown, Senior Regional Minister of the South Western Baptist Association.

Once over his initial surprise, George enjoyed a great afternoon and thanked everyone for making his own Diamond Jubilee Day so special.