Peculiar But Doable
They saw beauty in the peculiar, the odd,
Embracing uniqueness, against the facade.
For in the realm of ordinary, they found,
A world where magic and wonder abound.
Anon
“Let’s meet at the Hawaiian Bar. It’s nearby where I live, and we can meet without masks because it’s outside-ish.
It’s on the ground floor of a defunct car park.
Do you know it?” This is Thailand, so it is neither the first nor last time I have met somewhere, which might generally sound weird.
Meeting Fr. David Price
Not long after that, I met with Fr David Price, who is Chaplain of the St George’s Anglican congregation in a town up the road from where I live in Thailand, called Pattaya.
I had met with Fr. Daviud once before when my good friend and artistic mentor, Brett Neal, unexpectedly passed away. Fr. David conducted Brett’s memorial back in 2017.
“Let’s meet at the Hawaiian Bar. It’s nearby where I live, and we can meet without masks because it’s outside-ish. It’s on the ground floor of a defunct car park. Do you know it?” This is Thailand, so it is neither the first nor last time I have met somewhere, which might generally sound weird.
“We need help with the online offering. Can you help with the website and streaming on YouTube or Facebook?” Fr David’s keenness for an online presence was primarily to mitigate the potential impact of COVID restrictions.
We chatted a little about how Fr. David became a priest. “It happened so wholly unexpectedly and after I had retired. Having spent most of my life glorifying God in my music, aside from 40 years working in schools. My ordination, so late in life, was such a blessing!”
Fr. David spoke about the congregation’s support from Vsevolod Lytkin, Bishop of the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC). He explained that in this extraordinary situation, the parish typically benefits from at least one, sometimes two visits per year.
“Not only is a little Anglican congregation in Thailand a little peculiar but having a Russian Lutheran Bishop makes the parish feel a little like a ‘Royal Peculiar!'”. Fr. David laughed heartily!
Fr. David was VERY English in his way of going about things, and that manner, his clarity and directness, was reassuring to me.
So, this was a rather beautiful outcome; I had returned to the little chapel where my son Sebastian had been baptised by Fr. Tom McCusker during the start of July and where Brett had been remembered in August, three years prior in 2017.
Fr. David suggested two approaches:
“Firstly, pursue the Bangkok option to see what they suggest. Christchurch in Bangkok is part of the Diocese of Singapore and has many more resources than us.” Fr. David continued, “It may be the best outcome for you since if they ultimately ordained you, it would be very easy to find a place within the Church of England if ever you go back.”
Finally, Fr. David suggested, “You should simultaneously pursue a future with St George’s by obtaining some references or providing some references we can contact.”
About Rev Lloyd Hobbard-Mitchell
Rev. Lloyd Hobbard-Mitchell, an Englishman deeply connected to Thailand, was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 28th May 2023.
In addition to his religious journey, he has worked as an online English teacher and pursued a career as an artist. He has also operated a tour desk business with his wife within international brand hotels.
Lloyd has extensive experience in the voluntary sector, specifically in addressing homelessness and social welfare.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and embraces opportunities to meet new people, see new places, explore cultural similarities, and celebrate differences.
