The church organist and director of music at Tavistock Parish Church is leaving his role to answer his spiritual calling to the priesthood.

Scott Angell, has been leading the choir and choosing the music marking important events in the lives of people from the area for four years and proved himself an innovative leader.

He is described as being a breath of fresh air when he first arrived — introducing new music, giving the choir the freedom to choose hymns and the chance to take part in a national award scheme.

Scott has long known he was likely to become a Church of England priest, which was reinforced over most of his life by his colleagues in the church: ‘I’ll be very sad to leave my friends in the church. The ministry team and the choir have been very supportive of my decision to train for ordination and think it’s a very good idea. Many people have long said they thought I was made for the ministry and wondered why it took me so long. But it hasn’t stopped many in the choir trying to persuade me to stay!’

Former vicar Chris Hardwick suggested Scott begin training: ‘I’d always thought I’d take notice of my feelings about being ordained when I finally had a sign from God. This finally came when I was listening to the the radio and it that finally convinced me I’d been wrong to deny my instinct and I was also backed by the assistant director of ordinands (trainees).’

He will be deployable throughout the country, but would love to stay in this part of Devon: ‘The people of the parishes have been very good to me and St Eustachius’ has been so inspirational as a place of worship and prayer, it’s like a small cathedral. I’m so proud of the choir, they reformed after covid, which many didn’t and were asked to sing at an awards ceremony that honoured lay people.’

The former care leader and NHS worker has supported a lay reader previously and was an organist at several churches in Plymouth.

Scott has credited his role as director of music with helping guide him towards the ministry: ‘I’ve always said there’s more to leading the choir and choosing appropriate music. I have always tried to explain my spiritual interpretation of the music and have seen my role as being my ministry and God’s calling in itself.’

Tavistock churchwarden and choir member Mary Whalley said: ‘Scotty will be sorely missed. When he arrived here he was a breath of fresh air. He’s always so enthusastic and encouraged us to enter Royal School of Church Music competitions. But he’ll be a great vicar. He is always up for a challenge.’

She recalls: ‘He doesn’t bat an eyelid. He was happy to play Always look on the bright side of life from The Life of Brian film for my mother-in-law’s funeral, and Widor’s Toccata — a popular piece for weddings, but which is a pretty tricky piece to play.’