Tributes after death of popular Oswestry minister
Tributes have been paid to a former policeman turned minister form Oswestry who has died aged 69.
The Rev David Cassidy was a serving police officer in the village of Gobowen, near Oswestry, but left the force to enter the ministry.
But he returned to Gobowen as the United Reformed Church minister at Preeshenlle Chapel in 2001.
Mr Cassidy, who leaves a wife, two daughters, a son and several grandchildren, became deeply involved in the life of the community.
Anglican vicar of Gobowen and Selattyn, the Rev Adrian Bailey, said: "The Rev David Cassidy returned to Gobowen in 2001 in a different role. The last time he had served the village as the local policeman, this time he was minister of Preeshenlle United Reformed Church.
"His previous knowledge of the community gave him a head start in getting to know his parishioners.
"He was also the minister for the United Reformed Churches at Welsh Frankton and Ruyton XI Towns and part-time chaplain to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. He also became the Area Minister for Shropshire, giving him a wider oversight over United Reformed Churches across the county.
"He was always willing to work closely with churches of other denominations in all his roles, which was greatly appreciated."
