Canon Bob White reflects on 20 years at Fratton's St Mary's Church

Celebrating his 20th anniversary at the helm of St Mary’s Church, Portsea, it is clear that Portsmouth is as much a part of him as he is a part of Portsmouth.

And his dedication to the community during the past two decades was highlighted when his 20th anniversary of ministry at St Mary’s Church was marked with the congregation during Harvest Evensong on October 4.

‘I find some aspects of the job overwhelming, like when people came together to mark my anniversary. But I also find it very rewarding,’ says Father Bob, 59, who is Area Dean of Portsmouth.

‘I think it’s not about me, it’s about building relationships with the community. I enjoy seeing people working together.

‘St Mary’s gives the community a good basis to gather and worship on a Sunday, sharing that together and with God.’

Having grown up in Albert Road, Southsea, Father Bob attended Portsmouth Grammar School as a young boy.

‘From there, I went on to read theology at Mansfield College, Oxford from 1980 to 1983,’ he explains. In 1983, Father Bob attended St Stephen’s House – an Anglican theological college in Oxford – and spent three months at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.

He says: ‘I met some wonderful people at Oxford and during training and had a great time. Many of them I am still in touch with.

‘I came back and started at St John’s in Gosport for three years. Then I moved to St Francis in Hilsea. From there I went to St Francis and St Clare at Leigh Park. After that I came to St Mary’s Church. It wasn’t always my intention to be in Portsmouth but I worked wherever I could.’

In 1998, Father Bob married Sara – who he met through her sister at college – in her home town in Wales before having their marriage blessed at St Francis Church, Leigh Park, the following day.

They have one son, 16-year-old aspiring philosophy student Pip, who has been part of the parish since he was born. ‘He has grown up in the parish. It is very much a part of him,’ says Father Bob.

During the past two decades, Father Bob and his ministry team – combining priests, lay people and musicians – have had many challenges thrown at them, but none quite like a global pandemic.

‘Challenging could be a word you could use,’ he says. smiling. ‘We are lucky to have members of our team who are gifted in IT and technology. I think it has shown how much people care about others.

‘It has also been fairly relentless in a way and how we have experienced how to adapt. We were making lots of phone calls and emails to keep in touch with the community.’

Father Bob has been involved in countless community campaigns and projects throughout the years, such as the annual Comfort and Joy Christmas campaign and the recent With Thankful Hearts harvest campaign – both reported by The News. He is also a member of the board at Hive Portsmouth, as well as his commitments as an Honorary Canon at Portsmouth Cathedral and member of General Synod.

Although the buildings around it have changed, the oldest church in Portsmouth remains symbolic of community.

‘Coming to St Mary’s can be a fairly daunting place because of the sheer size of it, its history and reputation in the city,’ he explains. ‘St Mary’s belongs to the community – it’s a great, fun place. It’s a joy to be in such a great part of a city I know well.

‘Fratton Road is a very different place now compared to when I arrived. But we change with it. The work in the community and Fratton Big Local has been crucial.’

To pick just three highlights from his 20 year ministry was tricky, but being made an Honorary Chaplain to the Queen last year, the May Fayre and Palm Sunday were three events which stuck out in his mind. Father Bob explains: ‘It was a real honour to be chosen as an Honorary Chaplain and to visit Buckingham Palace last May.

‘It’s wonderful to be part of the May Fayre when more than 100 members of the church and community come together in the heart of the city.

‘There is always a moment on Palm Sunday which I love. Members of the church walk through the streets while the public wave palm branches and streamers. And then when we move into the church, the transition is an incredible moment. Every year, it moves me.’

The 20th anniversary of Father Bob’s ministry was actually on June 10 but it was celebrated during Harvest Evensong a week ago. He adds: ‘I was presented with a 16-and-a-half minute video of people saying incredibly lovely things about me and my work. They were so moving.

‘It reduced me to being unable to speak, which is very unlike me,’ he says laughing. ‘The past 20 years have been great. There is such a strong sense of community, energy and that we are very much part of the city.’