The rector of troubled St. Mark's Church was last night urged to resign in a bid to save the church from becoming no longer viable.

About 55 members of the Smith's Anglican church turned out at the AGM last night, but nobody put themselves forward for the two positions of church warden, while only one person volunteered for the vestry.

At least four people are needed for the vestry, with a maximum of ten.

Parishioner Michael Caton said Rev. William Hayward was asked nicely to step down in order to entice members to take an active role in their church again. But the rector refused.

Mr. Caton, a vestry member until he resigned last night, said: “The rector was asked that, if he was a man of God and he loved his parish and the people in it, could he do the right thing and resign because that's the only thing that is going to save St Mark's?

“But Rev. Hayward said his favourite thing - that he would not entertain it at this time.

“It is incredibly sad. The feeling in the meeting was uneasiness. Everyone is totally unhappy at St. Mark's. People won't serve on the vestry if we have the same rector in power.”

The row over St. Mark's has rumbled on for more than two years as parishioners claim the rector is unable to lead, inspire, manage the church's debt, or give interesting sermons.

They have also claimed he is regularly late for services, and said they would rather a married rector, with a family.

The row came to a head again last month when Bishop Ewan Ratteray asked members of the vestry who did not support Rev. Hayward to stand down for at least three years.

Former church warden Alfred Spearing said last night that as a result of the poor support, a continuation of the AGM will be held on Thursday of next week, when the issues will be revisited.

In the meantime, the Bishop may have to get involved. Mr. Spearing said: “The Minister asked a number of times would anyone come forward as church warden, and no one would. And no one would come forward and offer themselves for the vestry.

“It's so sad. I think Minister will have to go to the Bishop. Hopefully, next week there will be a solution.”