by John Prince
Scores of worshippers gathered on Sunday to say goodbye to a much-loved vicar as she prepares to begin a new chapter in her ministry.
Rev Tina Minett Stevens, who has served as vicar of St Nicholas Church in Hornsea for more than eight years, delivered her final service before she relocates to Scotland this month to take up a new post in Birnam north of Perth.
In that time, she has cared for the parishes of Hornsea, Skipsea and Atwick through seasons of celebration and challenge, becoming a calm and much loved presence at the heart of the community.
Her final sermon was personal and reflective, and delivered with Rev Tina’s customary warmth and humour. She spoke of arriving in Hornsea as a stranger and leaving surrounded by friends, a sentiment that drew smiles and nods from the congregation.
She quoted the 14th-century anchoress Julian of Norwich, offering the timeless reassurance: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”. The words prompted a moment of quiet stillness across the church.
The mood soon lifted as she referenced Bob Marley’s uplifting classic Three Little Birds, which captured the joyful and hopeful spirit of the morning.
Tina urged the congregation to keep working together, to keep loving one another, and not to let the uncertainty of the wider world pull communities apart.
Thanking God for her time in Hornsea and the members of the congregation, prayers of love were said and words of hope were shared about inner strength and the need to strive to put injustices right.
A farewell prayer was led by curate Rev Rosie Evans and other church members before Rev Tina signed off with a flourish, turning to long-standing organist John Boxall with the cheerful instruction: “Take it away, John.”
After the service, people gathered in the parish hall for refreshments and were joined by the Hornsea Ukulele Band, who provided the lunchtime entertainment.
A queue of people were able to say their own goodbyes in person, passing on their good wishes to Tina for the future as she prepares to take her ministry north of the border.
Rev Tina said: “It’s been quite the day. I’ve never felt quite so loved as I do right now. So many people came to wish me well in church and in the lovely do afterwards. Such lovely words and memories I’ll take with me.
“I hope I’ll be leaving the loving bits of me here, where I’ve enabled all sorts of communities to come together, to work together and to be together. Because that’s what it’s about.
“I’m motivated by my love of God of course, but it’s more than that because it’s about building community because that’s what we’re made for as people – to be in a community with one another.”
Churchgoers spoke of their love and admiration for the work Tina has done as the vicar of St Nicholas.
Church warden John Moss, 84, said: “I’m gutted that she’s going, but I know she’s going to do something she wants to do in Scotland, so all good wishes to her.
“She’s been an excellent servant to us in Hornsea. When she first came the three churches didn’t move together at all, but she’s united us all, which is lovely. It’s a wonderful legacy.
“We’re going to have to get used to her going. It’s very sad for us. When she was selected by the bishops they got it right.”
Ruby Seager from Hornsea Royal British Legion said: “She is an incredible individual of this century – not only as a woman but as a dedicated person of God.
“She not only does her job, but wears an extra hat in that she can relate to the community in a number of ways and on a number of levels.
“She joined and volunteered with our Royal British Legion and has conducted our services. When I came to church today she gave me her sash with our emblem on, to go back into our care for the next vicar.
“It’s her care for others, and the information and help she gives. She doesn’t do it in teaspoons, she does it in ladles.”
Doug Whittard, who had come from Skipsea, said: “All the time she’s been coming to do the services at Skipsea and Atwick I’ve served the wine in church and have done the readings for her.
“What a fabulous send-off for her. I’ve known Tina since she first came here. It’s warranted. She is helpful and kind. It’s sad, but it was a nice service. She’s going to be a thoughtful and understanding loss.”
Jo Gadie said she had mixed emotions of happiness for Tina and sadness at her departure, adding that she had done so much for everybody.
Fen Rickards said: “I will miss her very much. She certainly has been an asset to our community. We wish her so much luck where she’s going. For us, we’ll be fine if we’ve got God on our side.”
Rev Tina’s final service felt less like a goodbye and more like a reminder of what she helped nurture – a church and community rooted in kindness, strength and shared hope.
As the last notes from the organ lifted through St Nicholas, the congregation rose not just to mark her departure, but to honour the years she spent guiding, comforting and celebrating with them.
Her next chapter may unfold in Scotland, but the imprint of her ministry will remain woven into the life of Hornsea – a legacy of faith, friendship and the gentle assurance that, indeed, all shall be well.