“I have millions and millions of photographs of the life of St James’, and I do want to put that in some kind of collection so that they’ve got a record of these fifteen years,” said Father Burniston
Father John Burniston will retire from his post as parish priest of St James’ Church in Angel on Sunday after fourteen and a half years.
Father Burniston’s last service will be on November 26, in accordance with the Church of England’s Clergy Age Limit Measure requiring clergy to vacate their office at 70 years old.
A keen photographer, the vicar explained what he will do in his retirement. “I have got millions and millions of photographs of the life of St James’, and I do want to put that in some kind of collection so that they’ve got a record of these fifteen years.”
The priest said it will not be easy to leave the church. “I have become very much a part of the community; I am glad to say. We have been delighted to live in this part of Islington,” he said. The vicarage must be left too which comes with the post. “We also lose our home,” added the vicar.
Father Burniston said the Church of England (CofE) will not advertise for a replacement until early 2024. All his responsibilities, as well as being priest, taking care of the physical building and writing the monthly e-newsletter, for example, will be distributed among volunteers from the existing church staff and congregation.
Though it is CofE custom to have the laity take over in this way between priests, Father Burniston recognises it will be challenging for the volunteers. “They’ll just have to try and work as best they can, but running a church is actually quite a major operation,” said the priest.
His proudest achievements are implementing recent technologies, like streaming; opening the space to the public; renovating the church interior; hosting the annual Islington Proms concerts; and running a free weekly lunch for the street community.
Father Burniston enjoyed local organist Adrian Gunning’s recital on 11th November as one of his final events. It displayed the newly refurbished organ, only finished in May this year.
News reporter for Islington Now and freelancer across other outlets. ENO Responder 23/24. Ex-Editor-in-Chief at The Tab Cambridge.