Parishioners from around Ashburton and Dartmoor are preparing to bid farewell to a former bishop who has served their communities for last seven years.

The Right Reverend Mark Rylands celebrating Ash Wednesday in the heart of his community
The Right Reverend Mark Rylands celebrating Ash Wednesday in the heart of his community (Contributed)

The Right Reverend Mark Rylands took on the role of team rector of the Ashburton and Moorland Mission Community in July 2018 after serving as Bishop of Shrewsbury in Shropshire for nine years. When he became priest-in-charge of Ashburton, Bickington, Buckland-in-the-Moor, Holne, Huccaby, Widecombe, Leusdon, Postbridge and, more recently, Ilsington, Mark said he had felt called by God to serve as a parish priest again.

However, after 37 years of ministry, he is now retiring and will celebrate his last service on Sunday April 6.

A keen cricketer and angler, Mark has been recovering from a quadruple heart bypass operation since January and been unable to work.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys fishing and cricket
In his spare time, Mark enjoys fishing and cricket (Contributed)

‘I have so enjoyed being team rector of the Ashburton and Moorland team,’ said Mark. ‘It has not been without its challenges, but it has been a huge privilege to see God at work here these past seven years. My wife Mandy and I have treasured your friendship, encouragement, acts of kindness and care.’

During his time at Ashburton, Mark has encouraged churches to work more closely together and helped introduce more services and events for children and families. He has also built stronger links with the farming community and local businesses.

He steered the local church congregations through the Covid pandemic, when church buildings were temporarily closed for worship, and ensured church land and buildings could be used for the community.

Ashburton church hall was used to house the town's foodbank, and the carpark became a base for ‘Ashleigh’, a specially adapted community black cab that was used to transport people from Ashburton and Buckfastleigh to medical appointments. During the pandemic Mark enthusiastically embraced zoom and live-streamed services - once memorably including his runaway chicken 'McQueen' in his video.

He has forged closer connections with other church denominations and last year signed a formal covenant with the local Methodist community to become partners in mission. He has also helped develop a strong musical heritage - a highlight was leading the annual Good Friday walk of witness into Ashburton town centre, carrying a cross, giving out Easter eggs, accompanied by a New Orleans-style jazz band.

'Mark loved people, fun and food'. Here he combined all three as he joined representatives from a local charity in the centre of Ashburton. Right Reverend Mark Rylands
'Mark loved people, fun and food'. Here he combined all three as he joined representatives from a local charity in the centre of Ashburton. (Contributed)

‘Mark has been a visible presence both inside and outside our places of worship,’ commented Mission Community support worker Gillian Parker. ‘Whether shopping in Ashburton, presiding at civic events or enthusiastically taking part in any activities involving children and young people, we soon learned that Mark loves people, fun and food, as well as fishing, and of course, cricket. Mark also has a passion for God's mission, he has provided encouragement and support enabling many of us to grow in our Christian faith and take on new roles.’

Mark and Mandy will retire to Taunton. He will continue as Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Exeter. The appointment of a new team rector for the Ashburton and Moorland team is underway and regular services and events are continuing.

Mark’s farewell service will be followed by a bring and share lunch at St Andrew's in Ashburton on Sunday 6 April at 10.30am. There will be children's activities and a 'bake-off' style cake competition between the churches in the afternoon.