ALDERSHOT churchgoers were ‘inspired and encouraged’ by a sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Holy Trinity Church last Sunday.

The recently-appointed archbishop, Justin Welby, took the service at the Aldershot church on March 3 to celebrate the baptism of his six-month old granddaughter Charlotte.

The vicar of Holy Trinity, Rev George Newton, said it was a lovely occasion, with nearly double the usual number of people in the congregation who turned out to hear the new archbishop’s message.

Up to 300 people went to the 11.15am service, some of whom were related to Arch-bishop Welby who worships at the Aldershot church regularly.

“Quite a few people came to the second service of the morning as well as, or instead of the first,” said Rev Newton.

“He was very down to earth, very friendly, and there was a lot of laughter in the service.”

The sermon was not political, he said, adding: “He didn’t, and we didn’t, want that.” Many listening had been ‘inspired and encouraged’ by his words and his manner, as he talked about Luke’s Gospel, and he signed several copies of the New Testament bought specially for the occasion.

“He and his family came back to ours for lunch afterwards, and it was a really good occasion,” added Rev Newton.

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