A special visitor helped to celebrate the retirement of a long serving reverend in Enfield.

The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres visited St Andrew’s Church, in Enfield, celebrated the career of one of the first women priests Olive Cope.

Ordained in 1994, the Enfield resident of more than 80 years was joined by more than 300 members of her congregation and representatives from churches across the borough.

She was awarded the prestigious Mellitus Medal for her ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Christian Life of London’ by the Bishop of London.

The reverend has been involved with St Andrew’s for 50 years.

Rev Dr Steve Griffiths, the Vicar of St Andrew’s Enfield, said: “In the Book of Thanksgiving presented to Rev Olive, three Bishops noted how, as children in the St. Andrew’s congregation, they had sat under her ministry and still counted her as one of their greatest spiritual mentors in life.

“These three Bishops are joined by literally thousands of local people who have been blessed by Olive’s ministry over the last five decades. She serves as an inspiration to us all of what faithful Christian discipleship looks like.

“She will be deeply missed by us all, but we wish her every happiness in a long, healthy retirement that is thoroughly deserved.”

The service brought together attendees of all ages – toddlers, young people and those old enough to remember Olive from her school days – to share gifts, make speeches of thanksgiving and join in the celebrations.

Rev Olive will continue to live in Enfield and worship at St Andrew’s Church.

Even though she is officially retired, Rev Griffiths said that the Enfield community still has much to benefit from her wisdom and ongoing ministry of compassion, kindness and love.

The Mellitus Medal is named after St Mellitus, the Bishop of London who re-founded the Diocese in AD 604, and is awarded in recognition of substantial contribution to the Christian life of London.