NEWQUAY’S popular priest was given a rousing send off at his final service on Sunday.

Chris McQuillan-Wright, the vicar of the benefice of Newquay, St Newlyn East, St Columb Minor, Colan, St Wenn and Withiel, wanted to “go out quietly” but the St Columb Minor Church was packed out for the occasion.

Choir Oll an Gwella sang at the beginning and end of the service and the bells were rung in celebration. 

The church was packed for Chris's final service (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

Chris is to become the priest in charge of St Dennis, Roche and Luxulyan and will also be the advocate priest of Par, Charlestown and Treverbyn.

The 53-year-old has been a popular figure in the town after becoming the vicar of St Columb Minor and Colan in 2002.

Chris's family attended the service ( )

Chris said: “It was lovely to see so many people from the church community over the past 23 years show their appreciation.

“A lot of work went into the service by a lot of people. I did say not to make a fuss as I wanted to leave quietly but the service was full of surprises. I was left speechless.

“It was lovely to have Oll an Gwella performing. It shows that people have got to know me and what I like so it was lovely.

“I know I’m leaving the church in good hands until another vicar arrives in the distant future.”

Chris at his final service at St Columb Minor Church (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

Licensed lay minister Lisa Camps said: “For 23 years, Chris McQuillen-Wright has been the priest in charge of St Columb Minor and St Colan churches, in one capacity or another.

“He took his last Communion service on Sunday, where he would have preferred to have left without a fuss, but instead was treated to a full house and some surprises. 

“Oll an Gwella were guests in the choir stalls, and they put on a magnificent performance for the congregation and welcomed Chris to sing with them. 

“A whip round meant that he and his family were treated to a hotel voucher and some bottles of plonk to help him on his way, there were some touching tributes from his church wardens and lay readers. 

“His wife Julia, and their girls Ysella and Rosey were there to support him. They were all sent away with love and prayers from all the village, community and church. 

“It was a very bittersweet goodbye, and hopefully fitting to the man who has helped so many, in their goodbyes or their joys in life, the service was full of humour and tears. He will be very sorely missed but we all wish him all the best, in his new role as Priest in charge of the parish of Roche and St Austell.”