LEIGH Unitarian church's lay leader was greeted by the President of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches at the recent General Assembly conference anniversary service in the University of Glasgow Chapel.

Mrs Mary Bennett has been lay leader at Leigh Unitarian Church in Twist Lane since 1993, and was welcomed to the newly-instituted roll of lay leaders in the Unitarian movement by the G.A. President, Rev. Anne McClelland, before a congregation of more than 400.

As she shook hands with Mrs Barratt, Mrs McClelland told her: "We recognise the commitment you have made to your congregation, as far as in you lies to maintain the freedom of the pulpit, to lead worship with sensitivity and courage, to speak the truth in love without fear of persons, to give pastoral care and service to the community.

"May you find inspiration in your calling, joy in your living, and strength to serve. Let there be mutual love and respect between you and those with whom you work, and let integrity be the hallmark of your living."

As well as her work for the Leigh church, Mrs Barratt is a regular visitor to conduct worship at Astley Unitarian Christian Chapel in Manchester Road.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.