History was made in Monken Hadley on Sunday as crowds of people flocked to St Mary the Virgin church to witness the village's first ordination in 800 years.

Jim Linthicum, Barnet Hospital's chaplain, was ordained a deacon after transferring from the Methodist Church to the Church of England.

"I will keep my full-time position at the hospital and will be an honorary curate. But I will help out Father David at St Mary's when I can," explained the 43-year-old.

Jim, who has worked at Barnet Hospital for three years but is originally from Baltimore, said he could understand why such calls have been made.

He said: "I feel like I have come full circle in terms of my spirituality. I don't think they Church of England and Methodist are radically different and if you read the Church Times they are talking about the two churches working more closely together."

A recent report by the Council of Christian Unity indicated that the Methodist church and Church of England should merge. The Anglican Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev Barry Rogerson, said he hoped such a move would happen by 2010.

"I am looking forward to my role and it won't affect my hospital duties. We provide for many faiths and denominations but most people who want a Christian chaplain do not mind what domination you are."

Jim will remain a deacon for three years and Monken Hadley will be his church home.

December 21, 2001 15:59