A CARDIFF priest will celebrate 60 years of ministry this week, marking his Diamond Jubilee with a special mass on Friday 13 June at St Mary’s Church Butetown.
The Venerable Martin Innfeld Williams, 88, was ordained priest in 1965 and has served communities across Wales and England. Since retiring in 2004, Fr Martin continues to be active in the church, co-leading worship in South Cardiff churches of Butetown, Grangetown and Splott with Fr Dean Atkins, Ministry Area Leader and vicar Fr Richard Green.
Close friend and colleague Fr Dean says, “It is a joy and privilege to have Fr Martin’s gentle and prayerful presence in the Ministry Area. His faithfulness is an inspiration.”
Fr Martin’s guidance has inspired many people who have since entered the priesthood, including Canon Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St David’s Cathedral, “Fr Martin was on my discernment panel, 30 years ago – and I remember having a delightful and stimulating discussion. I offer him my congratulations and assurance of prayers and he celebrates 60 years as a priest.”
Canon Sarah Rogers, Diocese of Llandaff added, “Fr Martin was a steady presence by dad’s side, a good and faithful priest, always gentle and affirming.”
David Lewis adds his own tribute, “Fr Martin was a big influence on me growing up when he was Parish Priest in Merthyr. His knowledge and spirituality are second to none and the more time I spent with him I grew as a Christian exploring paths I had never gone down before. His total devotion to the church and his love of God and the liturgical and sacramental life of the church shone through ,and he always made sure that Mass was always available daily despite having a busy schedule as Archdeacon.
“Getting to know Fr Martin as a man and priest was amazing, and he never really liked titles such as Venerable but unfortunately that came with the territory. When he retired I felt a light had gone out, but we always kept in touch especially via Llangasty Retreat House and going to visit him in Brecon .
“I value Fr Martin greatly as a priest and a friend. I will always be grateful to him for the person I am today and I pray that God will continue to richly bless him in his continued Ministry as he is one in a million.”
About Fr Martin Williams
Born in 1937, Fr Martin was educated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he earned his BA in 1962 and MA in 1992. He completed his theological training at Chichester Theological College in 1962.
He was ordained as a deacon in 1964 and as a priest in 1965. Fr Martin served as curate at Holy Cross Church in Greenford, London, from 1964 to 1970. He then worked as a tutor at Chichester Theological College from 1970 to 1975, and then as Vice-Principal from 1975 to 1977.
In 1977, Fr Williams moved to Wales when he was appointed Vicar of St German’s Church, Roath, in Llandaff. He held the post for 15 years until 1992.
From 1992, he took on a number of senior roles. He served as Treasurer of Llandaff Cathedral from 1992 to 2004 and as Vicar of St John the Baptist Church, Penydarren, from 1992 to 2004. He was appointed Archdeacon of Margam from 1992 to 2001, and his final role was as Archdeacon of Morgannwg from 2002 to 2004.
Fr Martin’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Mass takes place at 7pm on Friday 13 June at St Mary’s Church, Butetown, Cardiff.
