New Interim Priest-in-Charge Licensed for Parishes in Salisbury and Devizes
SALISBURY, Wiltshire — A new era of ministry has begun for two Wiltshire parishes following the official licensing of Father David Martin Swyer SSC as the interim Priest-in-Charge of St Martin’s, Salisbury and St Peter’s, Devizes.
The licensing service took place during a solemn and joyful liturgy on the evening of Monday, 13 July 2026, at St Martin’s Church on St Martin's Church Street, Salisbury.
Fr Swyer’s license was formally administered by the Rt Revd Dr John Inge, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Salisbury, who acted on behalf of the Bishop of Salisbury. Under this new appointment, the two historic parishes will work in close partnership under Fr Swyer's pastoral care.
The celebration featured a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, which was presided over by the Rt Revd Paul Thomas SSC, the Bishop of Oswestry. Bishop Paul, who serves as the provincial episcopal visitor for the parishes, also preached a powerful sermon to a well-represented congregation of local clergy, regional church chapters, local civic dignitaries and parishioners.
Fr Swyer, an experienced priest who previously served in the Diocese of Chichester, is married to the Revd Canon Rebecca Swyer, a prominent permanent deacon in the Church of England. 0n the occasion of their 35th Wedding Anniversary they were presented with a Coral rose bush by two children from St Martin’s Primary School.
Local churchgoers and members of the community have expressed great joy and extended a warm welcome to Fr David as he begins his new evangelistic ministry across Salisbury and Devizes.
Click here to view more photos |
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Ascension Day Service on Thursday 14th May
Saint Martins celebrated the Ascension Day service on Thursday 14th May plus an added bonus was the baptism and Confirmation of Holly Conroy. The Very Reverend Paul Thomas SSC, Bishop of Oswestry celebrated and welcomed Holly into the church with Fr Paul Collins concelebrating. A celebration reception after was enjoyed by the congregation. |
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Baptism of Archer Griffen
A wonderful happening at St.Martins on Easter Day when baby boy, Archer, was Baptised and welcomed into the church. His parents Christopher and Chloe Griffin were married at St Martins and before that happy event Christopher had also been Baptised at St. Martins. Fr Paul Collins, seen in photo, had officiated at all events. |
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The wedding of Christopher Griffin and Chloe took place on Wednesday 23rd July at 3.00pm
Fr Paul Collins officiated. Christopher, and his new bride Chloe, will be taking a short honeymoon before he resumes his duties as a serving member of the army based in Bulford. We wish them every happiness in their new life together.
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A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH
Almighty God, you have made us members of Christ and of his Church in this parish. May we as a congregation reach upwards to your throne in worship and adoration: inwards to one another in understanding and fellowship; and outwards to the world in evangelism and social compassion. Make us like a city set on a hill whose light cannot be hidden, so that men and women may find Christ as the Light of the World, and his Church as the family of the redeemed, and eternal life as the gift of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. |
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