A new minister of a parish hopes to build on its heritage and bring a sense of freshness and energy to the congregation. 

Over 100 people welcomed Reverend Andy Trenier as the new rector of Chingford Parish at a service conducted by Bishop of Chelmsford Stephen Cottrell at Ss Peter and Paul in The Green, last night.

Clergy men and women from across the borough came together to welcome the young reverend who has moved from Derby to Chingford with his 7-month pregnant wife Emma and son's Hugo, 4, and Louis, 2. 

The service was also attended by Kenya's Bishop of Embu David Muriithi Ireri, Archdeacon of West Ham Elwin Cockett, area dean of Waltham Forest Rev. Alex Summers and mayor councillor Saima Mahmud. 

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The procession from Rev. Andy Trenier's home to the Church 

Rev. Trenier has filled the vacant position at Ss Peter and Paul and All Saints Church in Old Church Road, Chingford, after father John Connell left the church to take up a post in Wales.

He was ordained at the Derby Cathedral in 2011 and has previously worked in community development in south London and with youth offenders in Oxfordshire. 

Before moving to Chingford last month, the 35-year-old rector born in Ireland admits he had not heard of Chingford, but after research, discovered it was the "land of David Beckham".

He said: "The reception so far has been great from neighbours, the congregations, colleagues, and local people I meet out and about.  

"I'm very much looking forward to bringing up my kids here. 

"If people want to stop me and chat- they will see me about Chingford and they are very welcome to bend my ear.

"I hope to build on the congregation's great heritage and hope I can bring some fresh direction and energy so that we become known for being outward looking, forward looking, and here to serve Chingford in all its many aspects.

"I especially hope to build on the great children’s work here and at the school so that all ages can discover the depth and the excitement of the Christian life.  

"This is your church and I am your vicar and I hope that people will see that we are ‘open for business’". 

Bishop Stephen said Rev. Trenier was "highly recommended" by his peers and hopes he will stick around for the next decade. 

Adding: "This is his first big job. 

"He is a young man who's going to bring a lot of life, freshness and energy to the church.

"His appointment is a big deal for the community and marks the start of new beginnings for the church." 

Rev. Trenier is the first of three new clergy in Waltham Forest, with Jack Dunn taking over as parish priest of St Andrews Church in Colworth Road, Leytonstone and Vanessa Conant as reverend of St Mary's Parish in Church Hill, Walthamstow. 

Archdeacon Elwin described the three new appointments as "absolute stars and leaders of their generation."