An appreciation

When Oxford's Development Plan emerged, Jericho was designated as an area for light industry, whereupon the then Vicar of St. Barnabas, Father Donald Nicholson, organised a campaign which resulted in Jericho's eventual redevelopment being hailed as a show-piece for the world. In the years during which the refurbishment and replacement of homes took place, the Vicar of St. Barnabas has been Father John Overton.

In his thirteen years with us he has seen large chunks of his parish transformed. It is therefore perhaps fitting that the completion of the major part of this transformation coincides with his decision to live in retirement in Malvern. His successor will inherit a settled parish and a parish church with an ever-rising number of communicants. St. Barnabas' parish is bounded by Lucy's to the north, Worcester College to the south, the canal to the west, and Walton Street to the east, and within its boundaries Father Overton has become a familiar figure to those of all faiths and those of no faith. Although the geographical boundary of the parish is larger than the actual Jericho, to many people the two are synonymous.

It has been by maintaining a close personal contact with his parishioners from all walks of life that Father Overton has exercised a highly effective pastoral ministry. On Sunday, 4th May, Father Overton will sing Evensong in St. Barnabas' church for the last time as our Vicar. After Evensong there will be a party in the school he fought so hard to preserve. Two days later, with his wife Mary, our Vicar will slip quietly away to their new home, and another chapter in the history of this unique part of the City of Oxford will have closed.