Rev Philip Hawthorn announced on Sunday 12 April in both Benefice morning services that he will be retiring this summer, with his final service being on Sunday 21 June 2026.
Philip has been with the Benefice for 16 years and is the longest serving incumbent in Bath. The news was received with sadness but with enormous appreciation and gratitude for all that Philip has done for the Benefice during his long incumbency. Both St Stephen's and St Mary's have enjoyed years of inspirational preaching with sermons enriched with moments of theatricality, humour and Christian insight. There is so much to be celebrated about Philip's tenure but the Benefice will be planning a series of appropriate celebrations when the immediate church family and the wider community can give thanks and a joyful farewell to our much loved Rector.
The full text of Rev Hawthorn's retirement announcement can be found here.
Photo: Michael Gane