Vicar enjoys special Sunday

3:00pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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A POPULAR Hereford vicar had cause for a double celebration this Easter.

The Rev Phil Williams, who preaches to congregations in the Holmer Parish of churches, turned 60 on Easter Sunday.

"Easter Sunday has never fallen on my birthday in my lifetime," he said.

But for Mr Williams, who has been at Holmer for 11 years, his special day was still a very busy one.

"I led Holy Communion at St Mary's on Grandstand Road at 9.30am, and then took the big Easter service at Holmer Church at 11am," he said.

The congregation hadn't forgotten Mr Williams' big day though, and began a chorus of Happy Birthday as he walked down the aisle to begin the service.

"I'm overwhelmed and close to tears," he told them.

"Thank you so much for your many cards and gifts."

The vicar emphasised he didn't want to take anything away from the importance of Easter, which he described as "a very special festival in the Christian calendar".