Saying goodbye to Rev. Martyn

It was a sad farewell on Sunday, April 23 at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande, as Rev. Martyn Atkins took his leave of us and heads back over the pond to England. Rev. Martyn started at the church as the interim pastor on July 1 of last year. He and his wife, Helen, were sent here after he put in his resignation with the British Methodist Church system. His prestigious career includes appointment to Cliff College for postgraduate studies, being pastor in Methodist churches in the north of England for almost 10 years, as well as earning a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester.

It was a sad farewell on Sunday, April 23 at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande, as Rev. Martyn Atkins took his leave of us and heads back over the pond to England.
Rev. Martyn started at the church as the interim pastor on July 1 of last year. He and his wife, Helen, were sent here after he put in his resignation with the British Methodist Church system. His prestigious career includes appointment to Cliff College for postgraduate studies, being pastor in Methodist churches in the north of England for almost 10 years, as well as earning a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester.
While he certainly knows his Bible stuff, he is more than ready to become a doting grandfather and gentleman of leisure. He enjoyed his sendoff set up by parishioners last Sunday, which included refreshments and his being gifted a piece of art featuring the island church’s red front door by artist John Mitchell.
Helen was honored by her many friends at a luncheon recently at the Boca Grande Club. She has worked tirelessly, volunteering for local charities since arriving here from England last summer. In celebration of her many contributions, she was given an original watercolor painting of a gardenia by artist Melinda Thies (at left).
The Atkins will be returning to England at the end of June.
Photos submitted by Heidemarie Burke and Susan Hanafee