GEORGE ROBERT PACEY 1887-1954
St Wulfram's Parish Magazine April 1954
Very suddenly, and whilst going his weekly round of the
Almshouses, George Pacey passed away on Friday, March 12th. The
funeral was on the following Tuesday. In the early morning a
"Requiem" was celebrated, and preceding the burial there was a
service in Church when a very large number of townsfolk and others
came to thank God for the life and example of a true friend and
highly respected Parish Clerk.
"George" (as he was known to all) was Parish Clerk and Verger of
S. Wulfram's for just over sixteen years. His chief qualification
for the office was his great love for the Church and its services,
and a love for young people which gave him great influence over
them, and to which they quickly responded. He was undoubtedly a
leader of men - not in any dramatic way, but because of a gift of
personality disciplined by prayer and service. In spite of a
disability in speech, and rather uncertain handwriting and
spelling, George became an ideal verger - growing into his job
through sheer love of it. Testimony to this self-education could be
given by many he shewed round the Church, and in the carefully
arranged books of photographs and press-cuttings which he compiled,
relating to local and contemporary events connected with the
Church.
Then, too, he was undoubtedly responsible for the forming of the
Diocesan Guild of Vergers (of which he was the proud secretary),
and he saw to it that the Diocesan Guild was properly represented
on the Central Council, of which he was an active member.
It is impossible for me (and doubtless for many others) at this
moment to imagine S. Wulfram's without George: he was wedded to it.
I myself have mind-pictures which have constantly encouraged me,
and which will ever remain with me. Often in the early morning when
he had finished preparing the Altar, George could be seen standing
at the lectern in the Lady Chapel reading the Bible to himself; and
without fail he was on his knees praying before ringing the bell
for the Eucharist which he attended daily. If no-one else was
present there was always George making it possible for the priest
to offer the daily Sacrifice.
It happened that the Annual Church Meeting took place on the
evening of the day of burial, and to the sound of a muffled peal.
At that meeting it was decided to open a fund as a memorial to
George. Miss May Griffin promised to be responsible for assembling
the donations. It is understood that George hoped to see the
complete refurnishing of the Corpus Christi Chapel; so probably the
memorial fund will be devoted to that purpose.
May God grant our dear and faithful friend rest and peace, and
comfort to his sister in her bereavement.
C.H.L.