Half a century ago Keith and Elaine Bland were asked to become sacristans at their new church. Fifty years later they are still serving at St Mary Magdalene Church, Norwich.
The couple worked together as sacristans for much of the 50 years, with Keith still remaining in the voluntary role, supported by Elaine. During a special presentation at the church he was given a certificate of thanks from the Bishop of Norwich.
Priest in charge at St Mary Magdalene, Revd Carol Pritchard, said: “Keith is humble and rather wonderful. He tells funny dad jokes in the vestry, is endlessly encouraging and always says that what is said in the vestry stays in the vestry. He has a genuine respect for the priesthood and for the sacred. He is a jewel. Elaine has been a very supportive wife and church member for many years. She washes all the cloths that Keith takes home.”
The duties range from buying the church’s candles, communion wine and wafers to looking after robes and altar cloths and the communion chalice.
Keith said: “The aim of the job is to free up time for the vicar, to allow them to focus on the pastoral side of their vocation with the congregation and visitors after the service.”
They have served under several vicars, beginning with the Rev Malcolm Menin, who went on to become Bishop of Knaresborough.
They remember bringing the 500-year-old St James or Pockthorpe Cope to the church for Malcolm to wear. At the time the exquisitely embroidered silk and velvet cope was probably the oldest such garment in use in England and is now displayed in Norwich Castle Museum. It was turned into a tablecloth during the Reformation and restored to a church vestment in Victorian times.
Keith also remembers taking a ciborium, or cup to hold communion wafers, for repair and the silversmith being so impressed by its history that he placed it on a cushion and locked his workshop doors.
One of Keith’s favourite parts of his job is meeting visiting clergy before services.
Alongside his 50 years at St Mary Magdalene he worked for the Norvic Shoe Company, Harmer’s clothing factory, Eastern Electricity and Zenith double glazing. His final role before retirement was working as a verger for Norwich Cathedral. “This job was a privilege, and I really enjoyed working with the other members of the team,” he said.
“As a sacristan at St Mary Magdalene’s, it’s been a real privilege to work with a varied group of clergy over the years. The role is voluntary and I look forward to continuing in the post in the future.”
