The Revd Frank Boyd: 1940–2016 

Frank Boyd was a young man studying architecture at the Northern Polytechnic in London when he responded to God’s call to full-time Christian service and began training at Bristol Baptist College.  Since ministerial students had to be single, this necessitated a six year wait before he could marry his fiancée Yvonne. Then in 1965, they began ministry in Chequer Road, Doncaster, followed by serving at Ramridge, Luton and Easthampstead, Bracknell.  

During the middle 1970s, Frank became involved in the early charismatic movement which he described as transformative for his ministry. During the 1980s he also studied and advocated the concept of interim ministries, launching Partnership Mission with Baptists from South Carolina, USA. 

In 1989, Frank accepted the new post of full-time General Secretary of the Southern Baptist Association, based in Southampton. With responsibility for supporting the Baptist churches in Hampshire, parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, Frank was appreciated as a friend to the pastors and churches alike, offering advice, mediation and encouragement as required over many years. Frank also wanted to offer good quality training to lay people, giving them confidence in using their gifts. This brought the SBA Open College into being, held monthly on Saturdays at Moorlands College. This grew year by year and eventually became what is now known as Footsteps.

At the beginning of 2002, the SBA amalgamated with two other associations to make the large Southern Counties Baptist Association that exists today. Frank became a Regional Minister and had the administrative responsibility for the activities across this large area for the three years up to his retirement.  Many ministers appreciated the annual conferences he continued to plan, as well as the introduction of the annual SCBA golf competition! Frank brought an enormous amount of knowledge to the association team as well as goodwill and support to his new colleagues.

In retirement, Frank had the opportunity to serve as a chaplain on world cruises setting sail from Southampton, accompanied by Yvonne. He continued teaching a Footsteps course, served as a deacon at Thornhill Baptist Church, and enjoyed time with family and friends. Despite the challenges of local pastorates and the regional roles, it was obvious to those who knew him that Frank was happy and fulfilled doing what God called him to do. 

Sadly, Frank developed Alzheimer’s disease in his final years and died in Oakland’s House, Southampton on 9 June. The Service of Thanksgiving for his life took place at Thornhill Baptist Church, Southampton. He leaves a widow Yvonne and daughters Alison and Juliet.
 

The Revd Kathryn Morgan