DECEMBER 2009

VICAR’S LETTER

Dear Friends,

  Like me, I suspect that many of you were saddened by the death in early November of HARRY EMERSON.  Harry had been described to me as “MR ST PETER’S” and his involvement in the life of our parish was long and distinguished. He received the accolade of being appointed Churchwarden Emeritus by the Bishop for all his service to our parish. He was also a MBE for his community service.

  We can remember  his parish service as a crucifer and server, his time  as churchwarden and stewardship officer, his involvement in SPEL (St Peter’s Enterprises Limited).  I will be especially grateful for his wise advice, the knowledge that what I discussed with him about this parish remained confidential. But above all I will recall his generosity, friendship and laughter. You will have your memories of him.

  However his involvement extended far beyond St Peter’s Parish into many different organisations and voluntary groups. There is not the space to list them. In all of them his  talent for friendship and encouragement,  provided a wide circle of friends  who came to regularly visit him as his mobility decreased.  He told me that he enjoyed seeing others take on roles that he had once fulfilled whether in parish or elsewhere.

  At the heart of his life was his Christian faith, and  we saw the outworking of that deep faith in his involvement in parish and community life.  His faith  was sustained by the Sacrament and prayer and regular attendance at weekday and Sunday worship.

  Many centuries ago, on a  tombstone the description said simply that the  person in the grave “had found Jerusalem because they prayed a lot“.  I take this to  mean  that they  found the peace of the new Jerusalem,   and spread that peace and joy. It is a marvellous epitaph for a Christian and one that can certainly be applied to Harry.

  One of his favourite hymns which we sung at his funeral is  Jerusalem the Golden.  It describes that hope of the new Jerusalem where God is. The hymn includes the line  describing those who “have fully run the race”  which was very true of Harry.  The final verse declares

  Exalt O dust and ashes

  The Lord shall be thy part

   His only, his for ever

   Thou shalt be, and thou art.

  That affirmation of faith that we are and shall be with the Lord was a reality for Harry.

 May he rest in peace and rise in glory.