Team Rector - Revd Sue Goldsmith
Our Team Vicar, Revd Sue Goldsmith, joined us in late November 2025.
Born in Surrey and bought up in Essex Rev Sue Goldsmith has led an interesting and exciting life. Trained initially as a theatrical make up artist and wigmaker before becoming a college lecturer. She then followed her love of literature into a 30 year career as a secondary school teacher with a BA in World Literature. One collection of writing she kept coming back to was the Bible and with another degree with honours this time in Theology, Mission and Ministry she was ordained at Chelmsford Cathedral by Bishop Guli. Served her curacy in Hutton and West Horndon and finding her spiritual and literal home in Halstead. With two children, four grandchildren, lovely husband Kevin, dog, Teddy, and 96 year old father the family and church keep Sue gloriously busy. She says, “My relationship with God has been a constant in my life and to serve the parishes of Halstead, Gosfield and Greenstead Green is both a pleasure and an honour. The people here are really lovely and God’s call to this area so strong it simply couldn’t be ignored.”
We are also fortunate to have the support of a number of other local clergy, including Revd Canon David Ainge (retired), Revd Richard Jordan (retired), Revd Elizabeth Jordan (retired) and Revd Matthew Buchan (an RAF chaplain who lives locally). In addition, as part of a local Team Ministry, we are linked with nine neighbouring parishes, and enjoy the ministry of Revd Mark Payne (Team Rector) and Revd Beverley Vincent who are vicars in the Team.