Minister leads final service after 15 years with Herringthorpe church

Rev Pauline Calderwood, the Minister of Herringthorpe United Reformed Church, based near the Stag roundabout, is retiring after Sunday’s service.

She began her career working as a nurse and midwife, before training for the ministry at the Northern College, Manchester.

After completing her training, the minister was called upon to serve in Rotherham, joining Herringthorpe URC in 1998.

Pauline has played a key role in building links between the church and the communities that it serves.

Under her leadership, the Church has launched many new initiatives including a church-run nursery and special services for children and young families.

Earlier this year, the church launched a community café aimed at providing a safe environment for older people to make new friends.

At the same time, the church's uniformed organisations, including Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides have continued to grow.

Pauline was part of a team that helped to launch the Rotherham Homeless Project, now Lighthouse Homes, to provide support and accommodation for homeless people within the borough. In addition to her work in the local community, Pauline has also played an active role in the Yorkshire Synod and the local Churches Together initiative, which brings together members of different Christian denominations.

Church Elder Mike Ede said: “Throughout her time at Herringthorpe, Pauline has offered support and comfort to many members of the congregation and during her tenure we have seen the church grow, both spiritually and in terms of membership.

“On behalf of all the church elders and members of the church, I’d like to thank Pauline for all her hard work at Herringthorpe, and wish her a very happy retirement.

“She will be greatly missed by the many friends that she has made in Rotherham.

“We’d like to invite all the friends of the church to come along and join us for Pauline's last service, which takes place this Sunday.”

Pauline’s last service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am.

After retiring, Pauline will move to Harrogate, allowing her to live closer to her family.