The Whitkirk web site can do no better than to link you straight to the Vicar's own page. This includes text of some of the sermons that he has preached during his time in the Parish.
Click here for the site maintained by Revd. Ian Black
The article below was first seen in the December 2000 Whitkirk Parish Magazine.
Ian's induction at Whitkirk was February 26th, 2002.
INTRODUCING THE NEW VICAR – REVD IAN BLACK
Together with Susan, James (8) and Michael (5) I am looking forward to moving to Whitkirk in February, to meeting everyone and getting to know Leeds. This is new territory for us but from what we have seen and from what friends tells us, Leeds looks like a lively and friendly place. Our dog Pippin will enjoy having Temple Newsam park nearby and the rabbit will be happy with his hutch under one of the trees in the back garden!
I have been asked to write a little to introduce myself to you.
I am currently priest-in-charge of two parishes about 10 miles north of Canterbury in Kent – The Brents and Davington with Oare and Luddenham. One covers about a third of a small market town, Faversham (where Shepherd Neame beer comes from). This is quite a mixed area and includes local authority housing and private estates. Bob Geldof lives nearby and I conducted Paula Yates’ funeral last year. The other parish consists of a small village, the surrounding scattered rural communities and marshes. I have an additional role as the Assistant Director of Post Ordination Training for the Diocese of Canterbury and am also a Minor Canon of Canterbury Cathedral (which means I stand in for the Precentor to lead Evensong).
I was ordained in 1993 in Canterbury having trained at Lincoln Theological College and studied for a Master of Divinity degree at Nottingham University. I served my title curacy in the town centre parish in Maidstone and was a substitute chaplain in Maidstone Prison at the same time. I had a previous career in tax as a PAYE Auditor with the Inland Revenue in Central London and then as a tax specialist with a firm of Accountants.
Susan and I met as undergraduates in Canterbury where I studied Religious Studies and Education and she read Geography and Education. Susan worked for Nat West Bank managing investment portfolios and acting as an executor. She gave this up when we moved to Lincoln and has since worked in libraries, restaurants and in the run up to this Christmas can be found on the first floor of BHS in Canterbury selling among other things Chris Mooses! Like most children, James and Michael are Harry Potter mad, but if the truth is known so am I. We have our tickets to see the film!
I have very broad musical tastes – literally from plainchant to Radio 1. I like Madonna, Bjork and Robbie Williams. I am an Archers Addict and am very difficult to contact between 7.00 and 715pm! I also like watching Ally McBeal and listening to ‘I’m sorry I haven’t a clue’ on Radio 4. I am interested in local history and enjoy walking the dog. I also like mucking around with the computer, so if you have access to the internet you can have a look at where we are at the moment on www.davington-oare.churchgoers.co.uk
St Mary’s has a strong history and I look forward to discerning with you God’s call to develop its future ministry. We have a rich heritage to inspire and enliven our spirituality and together we can add to it as we engage with the challenges of our own age.
Ian Black
The previous incumbent was the Father John Day, who moved to Fendleton in New Zealand at the end of 2001.
Revd
Ian Black's own page