A LARGE congregation of members and friends gathered at Tabernacle on October 7 to mark the retirement of Rev Chris Gillham.

Rev Gillham served as Minister at Tabernacle and Bethel for 33 years and for seven years at Mount Zion (Hook).

The Communion service included a solo by Tabernacle Sunday Club member, Sara James, accompanied by Marilyn Lewis, and a prayer led by fellow minister, Rev Steve Woods.

Rev Gillham preached a strong sermon about the need to keep God in our lives at all times.

The organist was Anne Evans.

Following the service the ladies of Tabernacle provided a sumptuous buffet and representatives of all three churches paid tribute to Rev Gillham's ministry.

The members of Tabernacle presented Rev Gillham with a patchwork quilt, made by church secretary, Pat Bannister, based on the pattern of the tiles in the entrance foyer of the chapel.

Rev Gillham has been significantly involved in the Haverfordwest community, having served as town councillor, sheriff and mayor.

His influence has also been felt further a-field during his term as President of the National Congregational Federation, through which he has been involved with Christian Rebuild the Middle East and Syria.

Rev Steve Woods will lead the morning service next Sunday.

There will be no evening service.

The deacons met on Monday and the Ladies Guild will meet on Thursday when the speaker will be Mr Barry Vaughan who will talk about his time managing a hospital in Saudi Arabia.