A clergyman who traded chemistry for Christianity has come to the dale to take up his first posting.
Revd Andy Miller has been appointed as curate for the parish of St Mary’s Barnard Castle with Whorlton. The appointment marks a career change for the 39-year-old, who was ordained earlier this month at Durham Cathedral. Dr Miller worked previously as a chemist for pharmaceutical company Pfizer in Kent, where he helped develop drugs including the erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra and the antifungal medication Vfend.
It was while working for the company that Dr Miller, who completed his doctorate in chemistry at Liverpool University, received the calling to join the clergy.
“I started going to the village church and it was like finding something that was missing,” he said. “There was a real sense of calling.”
He moved north with his wife Ali and daughters Lucy, eight, and six-year-old Beatrix, to attend Cranmer Hall Anglican training college in Durham.
The family visited Teesdale, and were inspired to return.
“I really liked the place and the people, and I had a sense that God wants us to stay here,” said Dr Miller, who is originally from the North West.
“I have a strong feeling about staying in the North East and I think it was a fit with what I was hoping for. We are lucky that it is such a lovely place.”
Now in place as curate, Dr Miller will continue his training on the job for three to four years, working alongside Revd Alec Harding, the area dean for the dale.
“I want to get to know Barnard Castle, its people and its story and become part of it,” said Dr Miller.
