CHURCHGOERS in Haddington have said their farewells to their probationary minister.

Maggie Hunt’s time at St Mary’s ended late last month after 15 months in the community.

The probationary minister, originally from Dundee, signed off in the church’s newsletter, calling it “one of the hardest letters I have ever had to write”.

She said: “I have had an absolute ball over the past 15 months. You have all been such a big part of my life – from helping me find Tesco to sharing with me where was best to find ‘X’ or ‘Y’, letting me listen to your stories and helping me when I repeatedly got lost up at Riverside Drive trying to find the right address!

“I have enjoyed social evenings, chats over coffees, ecumenical services, celebrations at Harvest, Christmas, Easter and the Haddington Festival; and I have mourned alongside many of you as we laid to rest dear friends, relations and neighbours.

“It has been an amazing adventure to come to somewhere new, to join your church family and to develop my ministry.

“Jennifer Macrae [the church’s minister] is an excellent supervisor and she has done a great job over the past 15 months.

“A special thank you too to my support group for all your guidance and help.” Mrs Hunt was unsure where she would be going but trusted fully that “God has something wonderful planned” and vowed to keep in touch with the congregation.

She added: “Any church will have to be something really special to compare to you.

“You will never be too far away as I will hold you all in my heart and pray for you often.” A spokeswoman for the church wished Mrs Hunt all the best, adding she had “become part of the life of St Mary’s”.

She said: “Sunday by Sunday she has led us in worship; she has visited us and shared in our joys and our sadnesses; at times we have laughed together and at other times she has reminded us of what it means to be followers of Jesus in this part of the world.

“For all that Maggie has brought to us we give thanks.” The church also gave thanks to three of its elders.

Stewart Carruthers has given service to the church for 30 years in a variety of different roles, Bill Baptie has served as an elder for 50 years and Russell Darling has served for 40 years.