The Rev'd Fr Edward Gunn
I was born in Grimsby however by the age of 9, I had moved to Whitley Bay. Here I began to worship at St Paul's and soon got involved with the choir, bellringers, youth group and served at the Altar. I was also an active member of the local scout group. With the arrival of Bishop Norman Banks, or Fr Banks as he was known then, I found myself regularly journeying to Walsingham for parish pilgrimages and the Youth Pilgrimage. It was at St Paul's that I was given the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land and Turkey on pilgrimage.
Discerning vocation eventually led me away from the parish as I moved to London before eventually joining the Society of St Francis (SSF) as a Novice. Following my Noviciate my discernment led me away from SSF and I returned to London and to a role as teaching assistant in a local school. It was at this time I met Emma and she encouraged me to pursue a teaching degree at Durham University. We were soon married in 2006 and welcomed Aaron and Elisha into the family in 2010.
In 2018 I began training for the priesthood at Lindisfarne College of Theology. Lindisfarne gave me the opportunity to once again travel to the Holy Land this time for Holy Week and the Easter triduum in my first year. This was followed in my second year with a residential week in Corrymeela Northern Ireland to experience the 'troubles' from both sides of the peace wall.
Following my ordination on 4th July 2021 I began my curacy as a Non Stipendiary Minister at St Helen's. Here I look forward to serving the parish and wider community as well as serving as chaplain to the local Air Cadets squadron.
I was born in Grimsby however by the age of 9, I had moved to Whitley Bay. Here I began to worship at St Paul's and soon got involved with the choir, bellringers, youth group and served at the Altar. I was also an active member of the local scout group. With the arrival of Bishop Norman Banks, or Fr Banks as he was known then, I found myself regularly journeying to Walsingham for parish pilgrimages and the Youth Pilgrimage. It was at St Paul's that I was given the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land and Turkey on pilgrimage.
Discerning vocation eventually led me away from the parish as I moved to London before eventually joining the Society of St Francis (SSF) as a Novice. Following my Noviciate my discernment led me away from SSF and I returned to London and to a role as teaching assistant in a local school. It was at this time I met Emma and she encouraged me to pursue a teaching degree at Durham University. We were soon married in 2006 and welcomed Aaron and Elisha into the family in 2010.
In 2018 I began training for the priesthood at Lindisfarne College of Theology. Lindisfarne gave me the opportunity to once again travel to the Holy Land this time for Holy Week and the Easter triduum in my first year. This was followed in my second year with a residential week in Corrymeela Northern Ireland to experience the 'troubles' from both sides of the peace wall.
Following my ordination on 4th July 2021 I began my curacy as a Non Stipendiary Minister at St Helen's. Here I look forward to serving the parish and wider community as well as serving as chaplain to the local Air Cadets squadron.
