PARISHIONERS said farewell to their vicar of 12 years at a special service at St Silas's church, Preston New Road, Blackburn.
The Rev Brian Stevenson, 67, and his wife, Marion, are retiring to a new home in Great Harwood and will take with them gifts and good wishes from members of the congregation.
The church was packed as Mr Stevenson, who last week voiced his views that many people worshipped soaps and soccer above God, was presented with two conservatory chairs and a cheque on behalf of the parish.
Mr Stevenson, a former lay reader and curate in Padiham before becoming vicar of Low Moor, Clitheroe, in 1982, plans to continue preaching and speaking in public.
He and his wife, who have been married for 42 years, have two sons -- Adrian, a teacher, and Peter, a television sports reporter -- and three grandsons.
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