Page 4 - Grace Mail September 21

A much-loved local minister has retired ‘officially’ after 53 years
Major Pat Charlesworth, who has been involved in The Salvation Army’s work in Whitby for the past 29 years, moved to the town in 1992 with her co-minister Norma Richardson. They restarted The Salvation Army’s work after its absence of 46 years. Major Pat said: “When we first came here to serve the community, we regularly travelled in from Scarborough, as we hadn’t a place to live, and would conduct outdoor church services, as we hadn’t a base. We eventually moved into a community hall where we would have
our Sunday church services and then set it up for the council-run bingo the following morning!”
Pat’s Christian faith inspired her work in the town, letting people know they are valued and making the outreach centre a place of welcome. She organised meals and activities for isolated older people
and started a children’s club. Her faith has also been a source of strength in difficult times.
In 1998, Pat’s co-minister, Norma, died and Pat continued
their work solo for the next eight years. Pat also battled her own ill health, overcoming cancer twice during her ministry. She had been warned by her doctors that the things she loved to do – preaching and singing – would cause further irreparable damage to her vocal cords, which were affected during cancer treatment.
Pat retired in 2006, but, she says: “I never really retired. I continued to help supporting new ministers posted to the outreach centre, filling in the gaps when we were without leaders and then taking on the leadership of the church once more in retirement. Although my doctors told me not to carry out public speaking or sing anymore, the Lord had plans for me!”
4. Grace Mail