New Chapter in Rutland Rev. Peter Collins Installed as Rector of the Rutland Water Benefice

New Chapter in Rutland Rev. Peter Collins Installed as Rector of the Rutland Water Benefice

The lengthy 17-month wait for an incumbent across the ten parishes of the Rutland Water Benefice has finally come to an end. The benefice, which covers the southern and eastern sides of beautiful Rutland Water, has officially welcomed The Rev. Peter Collins as its new Rector.

The installation ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 10th, at St Peter's Church, Empingham, marking the beginning of a new phase of ministry for the rural community. The event was met with great enthusiasm and was attended by key figures including Bishop Debbie of Peterborough, Rural Dean Jane Baxter, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Jeannette Warner, and the Church Wardens of the benefice.

Rev. Collins, who has served for the last 11 years as the Rector of the Hykeham Benefice in Lincoln, is now returning to a familiar setting. He and his wife, Sally, expressed their excitement about the move, stating they "look forward to returning to rural ministry in the beautiful Rutland Water Benefice."

The new Rector will be overseeing a group of parishes, each boasting beautiful medieval churches. Rev. Collins shared his personal enthusiasm: "I look forward to serving... as Rector of the Rutland Water Benefice, and excited to be joining Peterborough Diocese."

Rev. Collins arrives with a reputation for being deeply embedded in the community. One former parishioner from Hykeham offered a glowing, heartfelt tribute to his character.

"Peter is our local vicar. He’s not your usual Vicar. He likes the pub and local interaction. He’s a man of the community, he’s a man who is fighting his own demons but has put that aside for his parishioners. He’s the only man of God that I’ve ever met that has put the public before anything else. Peter, you sir are an inspiration, an honour to know and a light that Hykeham loves."

This commitment to public life and local interaction suggests a vibrant and approachable ministry for the Rutland parishes.

Beyond his spiritual duties, Rev. Collins and Sally are eager to embrace their new environment. They are looking forward to getting to know everyone and "discovering new walks and exploring new places with their dog ‘Lady’."

Parishioners should keep an eye out for their new Rector he is known for his practical approach to travel and is likely to be spotted "whizzing to and from his many churches here in Rutland perhaps on a motorbike or even a quad bike" as he manages his new, extensive benefice.

The Rutland Water Benefice is thrilled to have Rev. Collins and Sally on board, bringing a fresh wave of energy and dedication to their historic churches and communities.