Moving (literally) tribute to minister

FOND farewell . . . the Rev David Joynes

Sponsored walk ‘thank you’ for 52 years 

CONGREGATIONS from a cluster of Hollinwood churches will be taking part in sponsored walk in Alexandra Park on Saturday to mark a fond farewell to their outgoing minister.

The Rev David Joynes, Minister of the Beulah Baptist and United Reformed Church, is retiring after 52 years.

The churches, which also include St Margaret’s and the Hollins Methodist Church among others, will set off from the main entrance of the park at 10.30am.

The two-hour sponsored walk will be followed by by running a cafe at the Beulah Baptist church, 1-3pm.

The congregations were inspired to raise money for the outgoing minister as a “thank you” for everything he has done, not only for the church but also for the wider Hollinwood community during his time at the helm.

Church secretary, Betty Meredith, said: “Mr Joynes has given so much to the Hollinwood community over the years, including putting £8,000 of his own money into trying to protect the Oak Colliery site from development.

“We wanted to raise some money for him as a thank you for everything he has done for the church and district over so many years.”