A new minister has been appointed at North End Baptist Church, Portsmouth after three years without one.

The Revd Tracey Ansell, 45, is now minister at the church in Powerscourt Road after being ordained this summer, following three years of training at Spurgeon’s College in London. Previously she worked as a Business Advisor for Business Link and as Strategic Director for Learndirect.

She said, ‘I’m excited about my new role at North End Baptist Church and looking forward to making plans for the future in terms of how we can serve our local community and join in with what God is doing in Portsmouth.’

A special induction service was held at the church recently to welcome Tracey to the post.

The event was attended by around 180 people, who also enjoyed an afternoon tea.

Church Secretary Jayne Howard said, ‘We’re delighted to welcome Tracey into our church family and, after three years without a minister, are looking forward to what this will mean for our church and its future.’

Tracey and husband Steve hope to soon move from Cosham to the North End area to be nearer the church.