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Retirement
Sunday 24th May 2009 marked the official retirement of Rev James McEwan after 31 years as minister of Bury Baptist Church.
James (affectionately known as Jim), came directly to the church from training college in Glasgow in July 1978 and was duly
inducted as Minister of the church in Bury and sister church at Cutgate, Rochdale.
Ably supported by his wife Betty, they saw both numerical and spiritual growth to the extent that they had eventually to
give all their full time attention to the Bury congregation where they earned the love and esteem of a great number of people.
Over that span of 31 years, Jim conducted many wedding celebrations, funeral services, baptisms and child dedications. He saw
many children grow up and eventually go on to university. Three members also responded to a call to full-time pastoral ministry.
His work as a Chaplain at Fairfield General Hospital is much appreciated by patients, medical staff and administrators.
This occasion was marked with a special Farewell Celebration on Sat 23rd June. So great was the response to invitations sent
out to present and past members and
friends, that this event was not held at Manchester Road but at the larger 'Bethesda Church' premises in Parkills Road (kindly
offered for the occasion). As the church has, under Jim's ministry, in recent years opened its heart and doors to refugees and
peoples from other lands, this special gathering had an international flavour.
Buffet refreshments were followed by an interesting programme mostly of tributes from members and friends from near and far.
Rev James McEwan conducted his final Service of Worship on the following Sunday in the Manchester Road church.
His valuable contribution to community life in our Bury Metropolitan Borough, has earned him much respect and recognition.
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Jim & Betty