4:00pm Tuesday 9th February 2010
By Chris Wilkin
A CHURCH started its 800th anniversary celebrations with a visit from the former Archbishop of Canterbury.
George Carey, now Lord Carey of Clifton, led a service at St Albright’s Church, in Colchester, on Sunday.
The former head of the Church of England was invited to the historic church, in London Road, by Father Paul McLaren-Cook.
He said: “I thought we needed something to give the celebrations a good start.
“At first, I thought of inviting the present archbishop, but he’s probably booked up four or five years ahead. So I thought, what about George Carey? The worst that could happen was he could say no.
“I e-mailed him and he replied within 24 hours saying he’d love to come.”
It is believed to be the first time an archbishop has ever preached at St Albright’s.
The church was packed for the service, which also featured the Mersea Island Chorus.
Lord Carey said St Albright’s was a solid reminder religion had been practised on the site since at least 1210. After the service, he chatted with members of the congregation.
Father McLaren-Cook said: “He said he thoroughly enjoyed his visit and would love to come again because there was such a welcoming and vibrant feel among the congregation.
“He is a very easy person to talk to. I think he made a point of talking to every member of the congregation.”
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