There’s a new reverend at the helm of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Lockerbie, and St. John the Evangelist, Moffat.

The institution of the Re. Paul Singh Job Retnaselvsam as rector of the two churches took place last weekend.

For many years the two churches had been part of the Annandale group of Episcopal Churches but following a re-organisation they became a linked charge with their own rector.

Rev Paul was ordained in the Diocese of South Kerala in the Church of South India.

For the past five years he has been living in Edinburgh with his wife, Abida, and their two sons, Kegan and Kevin, and has been studying for his PhD at the University of Edinburgh.

The institution was conducted by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Revd. Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness in front of a packed congregation.

During the service Rev. Paul was presented with various symbols to aid his ministry.

Local clergy from other denominations were in attendance as well as a large gathering of Episcopal clergy from throughout Scotland. An excellent and uplifting sermon was delivered by the Rev’d. John Stevenson.

After the service there was time to meet the new rector, his family and catch up with friends from across Scotland.

Paul and his family are now settling in at the rectory in Lockerbie and at his inaugural services at each church on Sunday Pa

Ul thanked everyone for the warm welcome they had received and said how much he was looking forward to being part of the family of the joint charge and to serving God and God’s people in this lovely part of Scotland.

Everyone is welcome to attend the services in the two churches which are held at St John’s Burnside, Moffat, on Sunday at 9.30 am, and Holy Communion Wednesdays 10 am.

The Services at All Saints, Ashgrove Terrace, are Sunday at 11.15 am and 4 pm on Thursdays and Taize service, a meditative and candlelit service, once a month.