The former Archbishop of Canterbury will be preaching at St Paul’s, Bow Common as its vicar retires.

Rev Duncan Ross has become a familiar face after joining St Paul’s, Bow Common in 1995.

He began his career in the church at St Dunstan’s in Stepney where he helped set up Stepney City Farm. He left in 1984 to become vicar of St Mary of Eton, Hackney Wick and was there for 11 years.

In 1995 he moved to Bow Common where he took over from father Gresham Kirby at St Paul’s where he has worked closely with people across the community.

Sally Sigmund, one of the parishioners, said: “His friendly smile is well known all round the parish, up and down St Paul’s Way. He will be much missed by many people, some of whom have known him since they were born (and now have children and grandchildren).”

There will be a big retirement party at St Paul’s, Bow Common on October 18 at 7.30pm. The vicar’s last mass will be held on October 27 and everyone is welcome.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, now retired, who was Duncan’s tutor at theological college in Cambridge, and who preached at Duncan’s first Mass in 1979 at St Dunstan’s in Stepney, will be returning to preach and reside at St Paul’s, Bow Common, on October 13.

After the service the congregation and friends will celebrate Duncan’s leadership.