GEORGE RICHARDS, R.I.P.
GEORGE RICHARDS, R.I.P.
AN APPRECIATION
We have recently lost one of our stalwarts in George, who has passed away after a long period of ill health. Our best wishes go out to his children and their families.
I have heard the expression several times “we could do with more like George”. I believe this was because he was staunch in his views – and everyone knew it! His candour was challenging, whether it touched on music, church or anything that engaged his interest or concern. His standards were uncompromising: if anything was worth doing, it was worth doing properly, or not at all. But this was because his standards were high, and he applied them to himself no less. This was no whining Victor Meldrew – “I don’t believe it” – he spoke from a great love and understanding of what he cared about. But as Rev. Mike said at his farewell service – “this was no pick-and-mix faith”: he would speak, firmly and lucidly, about what to him was both true and crucial. Though tradition was important, it was truth that mattered, and he would have no truck with mere change for the sake of it – so watch out that your plans and ideas were properly thought out!
This was reflected in his service, as planned by him – the readings (in “proper English”, of course!) from Psalm 8 and 1 Corinthians 15 called to mind several arias and anthems, I believe that “Nimrod” the mighty hunter was there in the organ and the hymns (“How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”, “All for Jesus” and “The King of Love”) were a joy to sing. Coming out again into the sunshine (after much recent rain), the last verse of “Abide With Me” rang out in my mind – so fitting for a faithful servant.
Here was no self-righteous bigot – he spoke eloquently and forcefully but simply of that which to him was importantly right and true. Our conversations covered a wide range, including the countryside and life around Hatherleigh in Devon, and he enjoyed the periodic chamber music concerts of the International Musicians Seminar we host in our church. Not long ago he asked whether I would like to hear his piano, apologising for being out of form; akin to stringed instrumental music myself, I do have a particular affection for the Nocturnes and Studies of Chopin – and what I heard suited me just fine.
We are currently considering the latest stage of our onward development as a parish. We cannot guarantee immunity from well-founded and necessary change to meet modern needs, dear friend – you well know that this is a living place and not a museum. But we can commit ourselves to the highest standards, and we can build on the rock of loyalty and stability that generations of such as you have bequeathed to us and with the mortar of the best that is within ourselves.
I looked up the scriptural indexes for the readings referred to above in our modern hymn book, “Hymns Old & New”. It made for fascinating reading – and I suspect George would have had a couple of surprises too!