Ordination of Rev'd Ella Harris as Priest

Rev’d Ella Harris was ordained Priest at St Peter ad Vincula, Coggleshall by the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Rev’d Roger Morris, in a service on Saturday 30th September 2023, together with other candidates from the Stansted and Harlow Archdeaconries.

Left: Ella Harris with Alex Jeewan, Bishop Morris and Jeremy Trew.  Right: Three generations of ministers - Rev'd Ella Harris and Bishop Roger with her grandmother Rev’d Ella Harris and her mother Rev’d Sue Hurley. Click on photos to enlarge.

Attendance was by invitation as space was limited, but the service can still be watched on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54X4reAxQ-8
 

Ella Harris with her husband Toby

Before the service, Ella said, “I’m eagerly anticipating my Priesting this Saturday, and am overwhelmed by the support shown from members of our Churches. Right now, I’m reflecting and praying on these words of the ordination service: ‘You cannot bear the weight of this calling in your own strength, but only by the grace and power of God. Pray therefore that your heart may daily be enlarged and your understanding of the Scriptures enlightened. Pray earnestly for the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

On her original appointment as curate, the Team Rector and Area Dean, Rev’d Jeremy Trew, explained that Ella has an interest in rural ministry and so would focus her work on the Cam Village Churches (including Great Chesterford, Littlebury, Littlebury Green and Wendens Ambo) as well as on St Mary's Church, Saffron Walden.  He has now added, “Ella has brought great skill and insight into her role in her first year.  Her ordination as priest is confirmation that she is appreciated and is making a difference."

Originally from Widdington in Essex, Ella now lives in Saffron Walden with her husband Toby.