First British chaplain to horse racing speaks in Howland

His regular congregation includes 59 trainers, 1,800 stable workers and 2,500 horses.
By ALISON KEMP
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
HOWLAND -- The reasons some believe ministers should not be involved with horse racing -- gambling, drugs and alcohol -- are the reasons the ministry is involved.
The Rev. Graham Locking, who is preaching tonight at Howland United Methodist Church, has spent his years as an ordained British Methodist minister typically working with people who do not go to church. He finds ways to relate the Christian Gospel to nonchurchgoers.
"We've got to find a new way to reach people," the Rev. Mr. Locking said.
He's reaching people by serving as the first chaplain to horse racing in the United Kingdom. He is stationed in Newmarket, Suffolk, the racing headquarters in Britain.
Mr. Locking is usually out to the training grounds in Newmarket by 6:30 a.m., where he can spend time with trainers watching their horses. Mr. Locking also visits the stables and racetracks, walking around and getting to know everyone. He has been serving in this position since 2000.
His congregation there includes 59 trainers, 1,800 stable workers and 2,500 horses.
He mentioned the U.S. has positions like his that are organized through the Race Track Chaplaincy of America and the chaplains are stationed at racetracks across the country.
Making people aware
Available to listen about differences and problems, Mr. Locking knows being seen is necessary to his success.
"It's about people knowing you're going to be there," he said.
Since the horse racing industry is always on the move, his stability in Newmarket has provided many opportunities to share his faith with those around him.
"I support people -- professional sports people -- to be there to help in times of need and encourage them to make good choices," Mr. Locking said.
This availability to others has been used by Mr. Locking to lead renewals and to encourage people in the faith.
He has brought this message to the U.S. for 19 years. He first came in 1988, visiting churches in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and in Hubbard. Since then, he has created Focus Ministries, a charity in the United Kingdom and nonprofit organization in the U.S., and returned 40 times. He spends most of his trips to the U.S. in Ohio, California and Texas.
The theme for his spiritual renewal services at Howland United Methodist is "Whose World Is It?" His speech at 7 tonight, after a spaghetti dinner from 5:15 to 6:15, is about commitment.
"As Christians, we [need to] learn to live life and celebrate the gift that God has given us," Mr. Locking said.
He keeps returning to northeast Ohio because of all the friends he has made in the area. The Rev. Ron Spore, the pastor at Howland, became friends with Mr. Locking during previous visits.
The Rev. Mr. Spore said Mr. Locking brings a message of Christ's love to all people, especially to those who don't have a religious background.