A former accountant is the new priest-in-charge of the Parish of Gelligaer.
The Rev Gary Powell, 50, was licensed at a special service recently by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan.
He takes over from Rev Tony Stevens who has retired after serving four years in the parish.
Rev Powell is returning to the Llandaff Diocese from the Diocese of St Davids where he has been vicar of the parish of Dafen in Llanelli for the past four years. Originally from Leicester, Gary moved to Wales at 18, to study economics at UWIST, before going on to work as an accountant until he was ordained at the age of 32.
He said: “I started to go to church in Bridgend and became more and more involved until it reached a point when I thought it was something that I would like to do full-time.”
After being ordained in 1995 at Llandaff Cathedral, Gary was assistant curate at Roath for just over five years and then vicar of Briton Ferry for nine years.
Rev Powell, who is a Welsh speaker, feels like it’s a double home coming for him, because although he grew up in England, his father is from nearby Tredegar.
He added: “My heart has always been with the Llandaff Diocese so I am really happy to return as it feels like I am coming home.
“I plan to build on what is already happening here in this parish. The buildings are in good order so I will concentrate on the pastoral side and be involved in the wider community as much as possible. I want to put the church at the centre of life in the community and ensure that it doesn’t exist on the margins of community life.
“As a Welsh speaker I would be happy to do some services in Welsh such as harvest or carol services for the two Welsh schools in the parish.” Gary will be responsible for looking after St Catwg’s Church in Gelligaer and St Margaret’s in Gilfach.
In his spare time, he likes to travel and frequently takes his holidays abroad. He enjoys walking, and going to the theatre and opera.
Archbishop Morgan said: “I am delighted to welcome back Gary Powell to the diocese since he is a hard working, diligent and caring parish priest.”