SUNDAY’S service at St Peter’s Church, Machynlleth, will be Rev Canon Kathleen Rogers’s last before she retires.

Her departure is the third in the ministry area and could lead to parishioners having to travel to another church and/or combined services.

Rev Rogers, who took over as priest of the church in 2010, will lead the 10.30am service for the final time, along with the bishop who will oversee the confirmation of six people.

Rev Rogers’ final act as priest will be a Eucharist service on Wednesday, 31 January, at 10am.

During her time at the church, Rev Rogers has witnessed many things, including the completion of £500,000 of renovations.

The work was completed in 2016 when more than two years of building work and restoration saw the inclusion at the church of a new mezzanine room, kitchen, toilets, lift and staircase at the west end of the building; a new church office and welcome area at the back of the church; and a new sound system and internal redecoration.

Now Rev Rogers is looking forward to retirement.

“I don’t have any plans, only to have a rest,” she said. “I am looking forward to it.

“I was ordained in 2008 and took over as priest at the church in 2010.

“I have lots of memories, I have loved it. The renovation of the church has made a huge difference to it. It has brought the community in and the hall is booked most evenings.

“The church looks and feels better. It is more welcoming and warmer.”

She added: “Machynlleth is my home. I was born and bred here and I will be staying in the area.”

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