Windows a fitting tribute to Horley '˜man of the parish'

The Rt Rev Jonathan Clark, Bishop of Croydon, attended St Francis Church on Sunday where he dedicated the new windows in the church sanctuary in memory of former church warden John Lochead.

John, who died in 2011, attended the Parish Church of St Bartholomew and later St Francis Church where members remember him making tissue paper stained glass windows with the children at Sunday school.

His wife, Penny, felt it would be the perfect way to use the money donated in his memory.

She said: “I have a feeling of relief that finally this memorial is in place for all to see, it has taken a while but the end result is all I could have hoped for and more, the windows are stunning, the colours and styles of glass perfect.

“John was such a well loved and constant figure in the church these windows will ensure he is fittingly remembered by those who appreciated his friendship.

“One friend in the congregation says he used to look at John sitting the sanctuary and feel that all was well. I hope all who see these windows will experience a similar assurance.”

The three Horley Anglican churches came together for the Sunday’s service.

Current St Francis church warden Sue Merriman said: “During John’s life he was very much a man of the parish. He served the parish as Parochial Church Council secretary and as a member of the churchyards committee.

“John’s life at St Francis’ included his role as district church warden, Sunday school teacher, server and sacristan. John’s knowledge as Sacristan of Church Law, policies and procedures was a wonderful gift and greatly appreciated.

“The congregation is delighted to honour John and support Penny in this way. It is a beautiful enhancement of the sanctuary and a visible sign of the continued commitment to the local community.”

The designs were put together with stained glass window designer Sharon Price and artist Heather Roll.

They show the dove of peace and rainbow from the story of Noah, the bread and wine of the Eucharist, the Bible with Alpha and Omega symbols and the Cross of Christ.

Sharon said: “Penny and Heather knew the subject matter of each window and Heather put the sketches together. I then put them into something that works in stained glass.”

On Thursday June 9, 2pm-3.30pm, the church is holding Queen’s birthday afternoon tea when people can view the new windows.