Reverend David Cloake was welcomed into St Mary's with St Alban's Parish Church on Monday 11 September with around 250 people in attendance. 

The Bishop of Kensington, Dr Emma Ineson welcomed Mr Cloake into the church after over a year's interregnum – a period of stillness for reflection and prayer- since the previous vicar Joe Maffatt left. 

Reverend Mary Hawes has been standing in for the last 12 months with extra support from church wardens. 

The new Reverend Cloake said it has been such a "blessing" to move to Teddington and he is looking forward to "serving hard", dubbing himself as a "Highstreet pastor" who is eager to talk to people in the neighbourhood. 

Twin daughters Jessica and Rebekah reading during the service. (Photo: Fred Squire)

Welcoming Mr Cloake, Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said she will pray for Cloake and his family and looked forward to working with him in the Teddington community. 

Representatives from the local community also welcomes Mr Cloake, including Richmond Mayor Suzette Nicholson, Anna Khan CEO of Welcare representing the voluntary sector, and Helen Swain, Headteacher for St Mary's and St Peter's Church of England Primary School. 

Representing Teddington businesses, Mr Higgins said he viewed the church parish and community as the same thig. He added that "helping each other and supporting each other is an important part of the community." 

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Seconding this motion was James Kavanagh of the RNLI, who stated: "This community goes beyond the congregation." 

Stuart Higgins welcoming the new reverend. (Photo: Fred Squire)

A few comical moments throughout the service indicated the clergy's playfulness and excitement of the new vicar starting with the Teddington community. 

Taking the oath of allegiance, there was a humorous pause as Bishop Ineson looked around for a nearby bible. Rev Cloake also gave a couple of comedic glances as if could not believe his eyes at the size of congregation attending. 

Announcing Mr Cloake's first sermon on Sunday 17 September, Reverend Hawes gave a comical "Yes!" which gave rise to laughter in the congregation. 

Rev. David Cloake and Rev. Mary Hawes. (Photo: Fred Squire)

In Bishop Ineson's sermon, she asked the congregation: "What is the most spectacular thing you have seen?" 

Rev Hawes replied, the announcement of Mr Cloake in being their new vicar in the Church Times. She said: "We have a vicar!" 

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The sermon went on to say the most spectacular thing is the congregation of the church, "the body of Christ." 

She urged the community of St Mary's with St Alban's Parsh to continue the good work and grow in "unity, ministry and maturity". 

Following the ceremony, which many of Mr Cloake's family and friends attended, there was a reception at St Mary's Parish Hall with drinks and nibbles.

Rev Cloake giving a small speech at the parish party. (Photo: Fred Squire)

Mr Cloake moved to Teddington with his wife Joanna and twin daughters Jessica and Rebekah, who are just about to start their A-levels. 

Mr Cloake has been vicar of St Philip and St James, Whitton for 11 years and priest in charge of St Stephen, Hounslow for thre years.