Obituaries in 2020

The Revd Douglas Charles Sparkes MA BD: 1927-2020

The Revd Douglas C Sparkes died on New Year’s Day 2020 after a period of illness. He was aged 92 years

Paul Montacute: 1946-2020

The former Director of Baptist World Aid, who died 20 February 2020 at the age of 73, was one of the most prominent laypeople of his day within British Baptist circles

Jessie Winifred Harris: 1928-2019

'Jessie was much loved by the members of each congregation who appreciated her quiet leadership, reassuring smile, and selfless service'

Sir John Houghton: 1931-2020

Influential scientist and committed evangelical Christian who worked with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

The Revd Ronald Messenger: 1923–2019

'Many of us owe the deepening of faith, and the encouragement of ministerial calling to Ron’s ministry; and still others, their healing and ability to establish a life for themselves beyond psychiatric illness and social or emotional breakdown'

The Revd Michael Banfield: 1948-2020

Michael Brian Banfield was a Baptist minister and Senior Chaplain at London Luton Airport

The Revd Knud Wümpelmann: 1922-2020

Pastor, National and International Baptist Leader, Christian Statesman

The Revd James (Jim) Renton Cargill: 1920-2020

The death of the Revd James (Jim) Renton Cargill at the age of 99 robs the north east of England of a Baptist minister who held three noteworthy ministries in the “old” North Eastern Area, was a key figure in Association and Area life

The Revd David Harper: 1932-2020

David and wife Pat were an example of genuine faith, a loving marriage, wise parents and a couple who knew how to conduct an effective ministry

The Revd Charles John Sutherland: 1931-2020

'Charlie was a man of deep faith, always ready to talk, listen and help anyone wherever he went'

The Revd Patrick Ingle: 1942-2020

Many people came to know Christ as their own personal saviour through Pat’s preaching, teaching and pastoral care

The Revd Joy Males: 1931-2020

Nurse, writer, teacher and minister - Joy packed a lot into life

The Revd Roy William Thomas Fellows: 1936-2020

Anyone who knew Roy would have been conscious of his real and deep faith in God, his commitment to Jesus Christ and energetic desire to make him known to others

The Revd Clifford James Thomas: 1927-2020

A fine preacher, and a pastor who cared for people both in and outside the church, Cliff was warm and affable, always ready to engage with others in sharing Christian faith

Derek Neal: 1938-2020

Derek Neal, who had been involved in many aspects of life Carey Memorial Baptist Church since becoming a member in 1955, died in August 2020 at the age of 82

The Revd Peter David Manson BSc BD: 1938-2020

?'Local church pastor, college tutor, area minister, and former President of our Union - in all this diversity of ministry, Peter knew the favour of God on his life'

The Revd Stephen James Harvie MA: 1950-2020

'Many have cause to give thanks to God for Stephen's quiet pastoral skills, listening, reflecting and encouraging disciples on the road'

Peter Briggs: 1926-2020

Teacher, headteacher and magistrate who had a long association with BMS World Mission after serving in Congo

David Young: 1935-2020

Respected electrical engineer with a strong Christian faith who became a member, treasurer and elder of Rising Brook Baptist Church in Stafford

Ruth Beasley-Murray: 1922-2020

An active church member who took on leadership roles in wider denominational life, Ruth was typical of many ministers’ wives of her generation: first and foremost a ‘home-maker’, she saw her role as supporting her husband George in ministry