A VICAR described as a “breath of fresh air” has bid a fond farewell to his parishioners after three years.

Reverend Sam Erlandson, who was appointed Aberconwy Mission Area leader in September 2020, and served as vicar at St Paul’s Church in Craig y Don and St Hilary’s in Llanrhos, has taken up a new position as chaplain at St David’s College.

The organist, who often wowed congregations with his impressive singing voice, moved from Wrexham to Deganwy with his four children and wife Karen during the pandemic to take up the seaside post.

Reflecting on his time, Reverend Sam said: “It has been an amazing journey. I have had the privilege and honour to minister to some amazing people. I have also been tested to my very limits, and maybe even beyond. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I can honestly say I have learned so much over the past three years.

"God certainly sent me a test to discover myself and to grow in experience and strength."

Asked about some of the memories he will take with him, reverend Sam responded: "It will always be the people. I love people. I’m the sort of person who wants to be your best friend within five minutes of meeting you which is why I’ve probably found ‘management’ so difficult.

"I think the biggest thing I’ve tried to do over the last few years is to put Jesus at the centre of the church. This hasn’t been the easiest thing to implement, and some have found it difficult to swallow, but it is our calling to unashamedly make Jesus known."

Reverend Sam said he felt, in many ways, "incredibly sad" to leave his role. 

North Wales Pioneer: Sam, his wife and his four children, move from Wrexham. Picture: Aberconwy Mission Area newsletterSam, his wife and his four children, move from Wrexham. Picture: Aberconwy Mission Area newsletter (Image: Submitted)
"I had intended and thought God was calling me to a long placement in the mission area of Aberconwy," he said.

"However, working in a school environment has always been something I felt I am made to do.  So when the opportunity came, I needed to jump at it. 

"I will miss the people. The people of Aberconwy are an amazing people who are a privilege to serve; even the difficult ones. God loves them all. I hope they stay in touch. 

North Wales Pioneer: Revd Erlandson plays piano and sings during his PsalmathonRevd Erlandson plays piano and sings during his Psalmathon (Image: Reverend Sam Erlandson)
"I will take with me the lessons I’ve learned. I’ve really been tested these last three years, and I’ve made some huge mistakes but I was told by a wise treasurer, never regret your mistakes, as long as you learn from them and grow. 

"I can certainly say I’ve done that."

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Due to the pandemic, reverend Sam had the "most difficult starts" to the job.

He said "In my first year, we had been shutdown for about three months on and off and I wasn’t allowed to visit anyone. 

"I had no idea what the parishes were capable of doing and I hadn’t seen what a ‘normal’ week looked like. Because I had planned on spending so long in the parish, it was a placement I was wanting to take slowly to begin with in order to form a long term vision. However, the pandemic meant people wanted a very quick response and immediate action. It was a really jarring experience."

Reverend Sam has started his new job with  St David’s College.

"Everything happens in God’s time," he said.

"I’m really excited to start this new opportunity and to serve the children, staff, families, and ex pupils of St David’s college. 

"This college seems like a school like no other. As I was shown around at the interview, I’ve never experienced a school so positive, caring, and engaging.  Every single pupil is valued and there seems to be a genuine desire to see every single one of them flourish to their fullest potential.

"I'm so grateful that God has called me to this." 

In the latest Mission Area magazine, Andrew James, lay Mission Area leader, wrote: "I contacted members of the congregations of St Paul's and St Hilary's to gauge the impact reverend Sam had made to both churches and the overwhelming reply I received from both was that Sam has been a 'breath of fresh air' and is loved by both congregations."