Vicars

The first Vicar of Skelsmergh and Scalthwaite was buried beside the path that runs along the south side of the church with his wife and the stone is inscribed:

“George Edwin Pearsall Reade Born 25.2.1818 Died 2.12.95
Frances Reade Born 11.11.1809 Died 19.2.81”

After serving as Vicar of the three Benefice parishes of Skelsmergh, Selside and Longsleddale from  May 3 1991 till May 31 2006 the Reverend R (Bob) David John Dew officiated at a combined service in St John the Baptist Church on April 30 2006 and this marked the end of resident ministry in Skelsmergh. From June 1 2006 the Reverend Canon Nigel Davies added direct responsibility for the Benefice to his duties as Rural Dean and Vicar of Burneside.

At the present time the list of vicars is incomplete but work is in progress to research the names and dates of each incumbent. (May 2006)