The Revd Eve Pitts
The Revd Eve Pitts was one of the first black women ordained priest in the Church of England and went on to be the first black woman to become a vicar. Born in Jamaica, she moved to the UK after her father's death and began teaching Sunday school at age seven. After a career in the Civil Service, she trained for ministry, becoming a Deacon in 1989 and was ordained priest in 1994. Despite facing discrimination and being asked to resign after speaking out against racism and sexism, she received support from the Association of Black Clergy and continued her ministry, notably at Immanuel Church in Highter's Heath and Holy Trinity Church in Birchfield, raising significant funds for repairs. She is committed to commemorating the legacy of slavery and initiated annual services for ancestors, also advocating for Emancipation Day recognition. Revd Eve retired in July 2023 but remains active in her community. She is celebrated for her courage, advocacy for justice and inspiration to others, hoping that future black priest will face less adversity.