Warm welcome for new reverend

TWO churches in Upper Annandale will have a new rector as of next week.

The Reverend Vittoria Hancock will be instituted as the rector of All Saints Lockerbie and St John The Evangelist in Moffat on Tuesday October 14 at 7 pm at St John’s.

Both churches have been without a rector for 16 months after Reverend Dr Paul Singh left for a new post in Forfar and Kirriemuir.

Vittoria is excited to start in her new post and getting to know her congregations.

She said: “I am excited to be joining the congregations of All Saints, Lockerbie and St John’s, Moffat as their rector.

“I look forward to getting to know them and their communities, and working alongside them as we explore our ministry and mission together. I wait with eager anticipation to see where God may lead us.”

Ordained in 2001, Vittoria started her ministry in North Wales. Between 2014 and 2025, she was rector of St Kentigern’s, Ballater and St Thomas’, Aboyne, in the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney. She additionally held the roles of Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Canon of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Aberdeen.

Dr David Hickson, worship leader and spokesperson for both vestries, is looking forward to welcoming Vittoria.

He added:“We’re all excited about this new chapter in the history of the two churches.

“Vittoria becomes the first ever female rector to serve in Moffat and Lockerbie. She brings with her a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, and we look forward to her growing not only our churches themselves, but also our presence in the community.”