A CHRISTIAN couple celebrated 40 years of ministering in Richmond with a special service on Sunday last week.

David and Pat Rivers moved from West Bromwich to Richmond in August 1963 when Mr Rivers became pastor of the mission, which was later affiliated to the Assembly of God, a national network of Pentecostal churches.

They had three daughters, two of whom still live in the town.

Mr Rivers gained an honours degree at Durham University and taught at secondary school level until the church grew large enough to support him full-time. His wife became a minister and church leader in her own right.

The Pentecostal church was housed originally in a small cottage on Castle Hill. Following a fire in 1980, the congregation was nomadic for three years, before buying the former Zetland cinema in Victoria Road in 1983, and creating their church and Christian centre there.

Speaking on behalf of the congregation, Jane Dowding said: "David and Pat are continuing in full-time ministry within our church, with support from a wider leadership and admin team. They are still full of vision and passion for our community and for God."

The congregation celebrated with a thanksgiving service, buffet lunch and presentation.