A Dorchester man has been thanked for a remarkable 60 years of service supporting communities through his work as a licensed lay minister, a role that involves preaching, teaching and offering pastoral care within local churches.
David Bowen was formally recognised at a special service at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester, which was attended by around 170 people, including the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne, marking the end of a role he first took on in 1965. The service marked not only an ending but a moment of gratitude and celebration.
A licensed lay minister, often known as a reader, is a trained volunteer who is authorised by the Church to lead services, support individuals and families and work alongside clergy. Although not ordained, licensed lay ministers play an important role in community life, often serving for many years alongside full-time jobs. David’s journey began as a student in Devon, when he decided to commit himself to lay ministry after attending a church service. In November 1965, he was admitted as a reader in the Lady Chapel of Exeter Cathedral, beginning a journey that would span six decades.
After early years in Devon and later Stratford-upon-Avon, David and his wife settled in Dorchester, where they worshipped at and served across several parishes, including St Peter’s, St George’s and finally St Mary’s. Throughout that time, David combined his voluntary church work with a professional career as a social worker and in education, supporting children and families and also taking part in education appeal panels, both roles reflecting his wider commitment to public service.
Reflecting modestly on his years of service, David said:
“Sixty years ago, as a young student aged just 19, I came out of a chapel service and paused on the steps. I knew then that I should become a reader. I didn’t know any readers, I’d never heard one preach and had no idea what it entailed, but nevertheless I knew that that was what I had to do. Not long after, I was licensed as a reader to preach and teach on behalf of Church. If I hadn’t been so young, it would have been terrifying. That's how I started.
“Now, sixty years on, I can tell you what I haven’t done: I haven’t brought thousands of people to church. But I have tried always to be there for people and to help where help was needed. That’s what this work has always been about for me.”
Rt Revd Karen Gorham, who led the final service, paid tribute to David’s contribution, saying:
“Licensed lay ministers like David are vital to the life of our communities. His service over six decades shows the impact that dedication, compassion and quiet commitment can have on people’s lives.”
One highlight of David’s ministry was being invited to speak at Salisbury Cathedral, an experience he described as a great privilege. More often, however, his work took place away from public attention, in local churches, community settings and everyday conversations.
As he steps back from formal responsibilities, David says he is still considering what comes next but hopes to spend more time writing and reflecting. At his final service, he encouraged others to pause and consider how they might use their own skills and experience to help others – just as he had done himself, sixty years earlier.