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Rocking Rev Peter bows out in style: Gifts and tributes for music-mad vicar
A ROCKING and revving reverend has taken to the pulpit for the last time.
Peter Stoodley, 61, is retiring after 10 years of bringing rock and roll to Christ Church in Sowerby Bridge.
The motorbike-riding preacher – who has his own rock band, the A62s, and plays guitar during services – hopes he has achieved a mix of modern and traditional worship at the church.
"I'm feeling quite sad to be going, I've been here 10 years," he said.
"I'm going to miss everything, especially the people. They are why I came here. They've been warm and welcoming from the outset."
Father Stoodley was ordained in 1991 and was at a church in Osmondthorpe, Leeds, before he came to Sowerby Bridge.
He said West Yorkshire has one of the lowest populations of church-goers in the country, and increasing the congregation size has been challenging.
"I think the rock and roll has helped, especially with the under-45s," he said.
"It's about modern worship that relates to me and relates to other people."
Father Stoodley has been playing guitar since he was 15, and his band, which also includes his wife Ann on saxophone, plays covers of 1960s British rock.
Music runs in his family, with his son, daughter and son-in-law all in their own band – Silverthorn.
A keen motorcyclist who has conducted biker funerals, he has a 650 Yamaha Dragstar which he rides round Calderdale.
At his final service Father Stoodley and his wife were presented with gifts including a picture of Stoodley Pike and a cheque for 500 collected by the congregation.
One church-goer, Susan Thorne, from Sowerby Bridge, said: "He is one of the most grace-filled preachers that I know."
Father and Mrs Stoodley are planning to move to Huddersfield.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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