Canon Gray remembered
Back to the Main Historical Society page
Back to the Barwicker Contents page
Canon Gray remembered
Barwicker No. 26
June 1992
Following the article in 'The Barwicker' No. 24, written by the
niece of Canon Gray, Irene Vernon, I should like to odd to this my
memories of the Rector who was in Barwick from 1942 until 1958.
We always found him a most likeable character and everyone we met
gave him such compliments and it was a pleasure and a benefit to
all who came within his sphere of influence.
I remember, quite clearly, in November 1955 during the last
illness of my father, Mr J. Rainbow of Park House Farm, seeing Canon
Gray coming on his bicycle to visit and what a pleasure it was,
and an uplifting surprise at the encounter. It was an overwhelming
and most pleasing meeting and a great joy for my father in his
last days with us. This occasion was really a 'bolt from the blue'
and a great comfort to us all as Father passed away on 15
November 1955.
At Whitkirk Rural Dean Conference, on one of the many meetings
held in the Church Institute, Leeds, the Rural Dean, Canon Gray
presided and was accompanied by the Secretary, Cdr. W. Dickson. An
address on 'The Church's Ministry of Healing' was given by Mrs
Holliday. During a discussion, Canon Gray told how he had had a
spiritual experience whilst conducting a healing mission in
Northumberland. A girl suffering from cancer had been brought to
the service and was prayed for, and during this time he had the
remarkable experience of going rigid. He thought he was becoming
too emotional and the sensation passed. However, later he
discovered other people had undergone the same experience. Months
after, he learned that this girl, who had been due to go to the
Newcastle Royal Infirmary the day after the service for a major
operation, had been carefully examined by doctors, and had been
found to be cured. She was now healthy and happily married.
During Canon Gray's time in Barwick he worked unsparingly, and
for years with the help of his parishioners he led a drive for the
completion of the restoration of the church fabric. At least £2000
was raised for this purpose, which meant the interior as well as
the exterior restoration could be completed. At one of the many
garden fetes held in the rectory grounds, a record amount of £260
was realised. During the afternoon, pupils of Barwick-in-Elmet
Church of England School gave a display of country dancing under
the direction of the Headmaster Hr E D Holmes and Mrs Holmes. A
gymnastic display was given by the pupils of Parl1ngton Secondary
Kodern School under the direction of Hr Hart. Leeds Model Band
played throughout the afternoon. Introducing the Rector in 1958,
Hr G S Pullan, the rector's warden, said it would be the last fete
for the then rector, as he was retiring that year. Mr E E Harrison
thanked Canon Gray on behalf of the Church Council and workers.
After the garden party, a concert was held in the day school.
There were lots of stalls and many happy workers, which made it a
most entertaining event plus a profitable one and altogether a
lovely day.
Canon Gray and his parishioners had the satisfaction of
knowing that through their efforts they had realised enough money
to restore their lovely church. During this period he was looking
forward towards having the work completed before he handed over to
his successor. So through the work of the parishioners and the
Rector himself with the various projects in hand, it was granted
that this wish came true.
When the rector retired, he was presented with an inscribed
gold watch and a radio set. He also received from his parishioners
a cheque valued at ~102. Mr A Streets, acting churchwarden, and
Mr. I P Attrill, churchwarden, made the presentation. He was one of
our most likeable clerics and was sorely missed by all who had
come under his beneficial influence during his 16 years in office.
I should add that Mrs Gray was a great helper at his side. We
all felt a tremendous sympathy for the rector and his wife knowing
of the awful tragedy and sadness in losing their beloved only son
at the Battle of El-Alamein. However through their strong faith
and their own suffering, they were able to accept life's struggles
with splendid fortitude. Indeed, they were always ready to give a
helping hand to others' needs and bring them comfort in their
sorrow and hardships. Canon Gray was a gentleman and friend
always to be remembered.
MARY FREEBORN
Back to the top
Back to the Main Historical Society page
Back to the Barwicker Contents page