The Reverend Martin King, rector of Sedgefield, is to retire at the end of the month.
He has served in Sedgefield for 12 years, and during his four decades as a priest he also worked in South Shields, Newton Aycliffe, Chilton and Middleton St George, near Darlington.
On Sunday, August 29, a united service will be held in St Edmund's Church at 10.45am, to mark Mr King's retirement.
People wishing to contribute to a farewell gift are asked to contact the church wardens or treasurer before the end of the month.
A presentation tea will be held on September 25, in the parish hall, from 4pm to 6pm, followed by a ceildh at 7pm.
On the following day, a choral evensong will be held in St Edmund's Church, at 6.30pm. There are plans to perform an introduction composed by Alistair Fisher, a local musician, with pieces by Stanford, Rutter, Fleming and Handel.
Mr King and his wife, Alison, will be moving to Bishop Middleham.
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