Former GP to return to island as parish rector

Sunday 25 August 2024

A former Jersey GP is set to return to the island as the rector of a western parish.

Reverend Sarah McClelland is set to take up her post as the new parish rector of St Brelade before Christmas.

This comes after the Reverend Mark Bond retired in May after two decades as the church's rector.

The Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle, confirmed the appointment this week and said he was looking forward to welcoming the Island's newest parish priest.

Pictured: His Excellency Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd CBE with Reverend Sarah McClelland at Government House.

Rev McClelland, née Williams, grew up in Jersey and was educated at JCG before studying medicine at St Andrew's and Cambridge universities.

On returning to Jersey in 2000 she worked as a GP at the Halkett Place Medical Centre and the Island Medical Centre for a total of 14 years.

Having been involved in church work with young adults, Mrs McClelland and her husband, Cliff, left Jersey to train as priests together in Bristol in 2014, subsequently serving curacies in the Diocese of Winchester.

Since 2018, Mrs McClelland has been vicar of St Francis Church, Valley Park in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, while her husband has been a chaplain at Winchester prison.

She said: "We're thrilled to return to the Island for me to take up the post of rector of St Brelade with St Aubin."

Mr Keirle said the announcement followed royal assent from King Charles III, given by the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd. A royal warrant has been granted for the appointment and the Bishop of Salisbury has given his consent, the Dean added.

Mrs McClelland is expected to move to Jersey in October and to take up the post in November following an induction service.