When the Rev Tom Stiff strolls around the Oxford community where he preaches, his journey can take an exceedingly long time.

The minister, who is celebrating 50 years at Collinwood Road United Reformed Church, at Risinghurst, Oxford, is such a well-known figure that friends stop for a chat at every street corner.

Tom Stiff

Mr Stiff said: "I was often asked by other churches to move to them and I always considered it carefully. But I have such a deep and good relationship with people in the church and in the neighbourhood that it always seemed best to stay here - it's always proved right.

"I have been greatly blessed by God, and the joy and strength of friendship with others, and sharing in their lives, is a privilege that's been key to my life here."

This weekend, festivities will be in full swing for Mr Stiff's half century, as friends join him for a commemorative service and tea at the church.

The 81-year-old was ordained into the ministry at Collinwood Road in September 1951, moving straight to the area from Bristol Congregational Theological College. A multi-purpose hall at Collinwood Road served as a church and church hall, and there was no manse - a minister's house - so Mr Stiff lived in a caravan on the building site while one was constructed.

His dedication was shown through the fundaising and building programme he oversaw for the next 18 years, which led to the opening of the present church building and another larger hall.

His calls of: "Be a brick! Buy a brick! Bob a brick!" made him well-known throughout the community as he persuaded passers-by to give the cost of one brick towards the new buildings.

Donors signed their names in chalk on the sides of their bricks, and during recent works at Collinwood Road some were exposed with the original signatures visible.

Mr Stiff has been equally dedicated to his congregation throughout the years.

He said: "I've married and christened a multitude of people and it is a joy when I marry someone and then the children come along. On some occasions I have christened children and then married them as they grew up."

Although he retired in 1986, he still plays an important role within the church, preaching there once a month and supporting social events.

He has also forged strong relationships between the church and scout and guide groups, as well as men and women's fellowships.

The Rev John Wilkinson, the present minister at Collinwood Road Church, said: "Walking around Risinghurst with Tom is a slow process because on every street corner there is some friend or acquaintance who wants to stop him and have a chat.

"As a church we are very aware of being rooted in the local community, and we owe that to Tom.

"For him, being minister of the Church meant being known to and knowing all the people of his area, and being around to give help when it was needed. It's often his kindness and concern that people remember."

The anniversary service is at Collinwood Road Church, at 6.30pm, on Sunday. The preacher will be the Rev Henry Starkey, one of the ministers who officiated when the original multi-purpose building was opened in 1949.

Picture: Andy Cooper