Passing on the baton.......

The year 2011 saw the “retirement” of all three of our Life Deacons. What are life deacons? Well, according to the rules governing the diaconate, our predecessors saw fit to confer “the honour of life deacon” on a man or woman who had served on the diaconate for a total of 30 years.

This was in the days when the active membership of the church was probably larger than it is now and deacons were elected, so being appointed Life Deacon meant no longer being subject to the process of re-election every three years. A deacon so honoured had earned the respect and confidence of all the church and proved to be a godly, wise and faithful leader of the work here.

Tom Dalton retired as Life Deacon in February last year after serving on the diaconate for over 40 years. In his resignation letter Tom expressed his hope that younger members of the fellowship would take up the challenge of leadership in the church as it would be their “sphere of worship and service” in future days. He added, “It will take up their time, and sometimes test their patience as I’m sure it has done during the past 194 years, but it is still a privilege and an honour to be called to serve the cause of Christ in this manner”.

George and Lily Roskell “stepped down from active service on the diaconate” last December. George has served as deacon and life deacon for at least 60 years and Lily for about 50 years. No wonder George seemed a little vague when I asked him recently when he was first appointed! Such lengthy dedicated service is surely unique in the history of the chapel. We have grown to love them hugely over the years and the present diaconate are already missing all three of our former Life Deacons for their spiritual guidance, encouragement, graciousness, and wisdom and knowledge in all things concerning the Lord’s work in this place. Words cannot express the immense debt of gratitude owed to them by the entire Fellowship for their strong and faithful leadership.

Note, however, that all three are still “at work” here for the Lord in many areas of service. They are all still in membership, present at all relevant meetings, especially meetings for prayer, and fully in support of all aspects of the Fellowship. Tom is still active on the Trust and continuing to play the organ and keyboard each week.

So, following their example, and as we were reminded during the message from the pulpit on New Year’s Day 2012,

“let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…….” Hebrews 12 vv1&2. A.V.

We thank our Lord for Tom, George and Lily and pray for them, that they will continue in joyful service and that they will know the comfort of seeing others coming into membership and leadership, able and willing to serve and receive the baton so faithfully carried and now passed on.

Anne Watson  

Back to Top

******************************

Thanks to Inskip Villagers