OUR PARISH CHURCH

 

LIFE   OF   THE  PRIEST  

 

PART 5

 

I delayed writing an article in the series until we had news of an appointment as Vicar here at St. Peter’s. What I have attempted to do is to write about the historical title of priest, the institution of the priesthood and also to bring matters up to date with us here at St. Peter’s.

 

According to early tradition Moses was himself a priest. On Mt. Sinai, Moses was ordered to consecrate Aaron and his three sons “to minister in the priest’s office” (Ex.28.1) All subsequent priests were believed to be descendants of Aaron. As the holiness of Israel centred on the Sanctuary the importance of the priesthood and especially the High Priest increased with the enhanced place of the Temple in later Judaism.

 

In the NT the idea of Christ as the culmination of the High Priesthood finds clear expression in Heb.5, where he is described as “called of God a high priest after the order of Melchisedek” (Heb. 5.10.) the priest-king of Jerusalem revered by Abraham in the Old Testament. Only Christ who was described as “beyond the veil” (referring to the veil that separated the “Holy of Holies” section from the other areas of the Temple) was believed to be able to save those who came to God through him. The view of Christ as king, high priest, mediator and victim influenced the establishment and gradual development of the Christian priesthood in the church.

 

However the idea of priesthood belonging to the Christian ministry was a gradual development and the term “priest” does not appear to have been applied to Christian ministers until the end of the 2^nd century. At first the use of the term was commonly confined to Bishops. With the spread of Christianity in the country and the establishment of parish churches the practice of Bishops only to consecrate the Eucharist began to diminish when priests began to adopt the role of consecration themselves. When the priest thus independently obtained the power to consecrate in the Eucharist and administer most other Sacraments, the way was opened for the fullest medieval doctrine of the priesthood.

 

During the 16^th century Protestant Revolution, the reformers rejected the Roman Catholic doctrine of sacrifice of the mass and the conception of the priesthood that went with it. The priesthood of all Christians was emphasised. Consequently, ministers were substituted for priests in Protestant churches. The Church of England reformers retained the title priest in The Book of Common Prayer in order to distinguish priests, who can celebrate Holy Communion, from deacons who are not entitled to do so.

 

I have written the above to at least give a basic understanding of the role of a priest. In modern terms the priests’ duties are more embracing because of the position they have in a society which prescribes materialistic values and has somewhat cast adrift the role of the church. But now I take a massive leap forward to the present day here at Bolton to introduce another priest to join the ranks of those who have gone before him. That is why I have got together all the names of previous Vicars of  Bolton. (see the inclusion)

 

So, I introduce the Revd Matthew Thompson, born 1968. MA (Cantab); BA; MPhil; Priested 1995: latest appointment being Priest-in-Charge at St. Cross with St. Paul, Clayton, Manchester where he has been since 2000 and was also Area Dean. He will be licensed in the late summer to be initially Priest-in-Charge. If previous experience follows the title of Vicar will be accorded. But of course, notwithstanding these technicalities, he will be known as Vicar from day one. We also welcome his wife Michelle who is ordained in Holy Orders and is currently Chaplain at H.M. Prison Styal, Cheshire. To make up the family the couple have an 18 month old daughter, Ellie. On behalf of the entire congregation we send our very best wishes to Revd Matthew who will be assured of our total commitment to the work of St. Peter’s.     

 

Vicars of Bolton

 

Note.

· The church would not have been bothered too much with an interregnum due to longevity in post of some Vicars; James Bolton (43years); Edward Whitehead (52 years); James Slade (40years)

· There is an inexplicable gap between Ranulph de Bolton (1351) and John Covertre (1460) with Henry de Smetheley (no date) in between. Needs a little bit of research.

· There have been 42 Vicars of Bolton in 670 odd years.

 

David Bevis