With Sadness
It is with incredible sadness that we have to advise that Rev Jeremy Knapp our previous incumbent died on Tuesday 12th April, following his long and debilitating illness.
Jane Martin, head teacher of St Margaret’s school has written the following words which give an insight into what he meant in our community.
“We will all have own recollections of Jeremy. He taught all of us, children and adults in our school, gently and simply what it means to follow Jesus. He made communion accessible and meaningful for children. He was a gifted storyteller and he helped children to understand Christian faith with the help of Leon the monkey who was especially loved by the younger children. Rev Jeremy’s wisdom and guidance helped our school to develop its Christian distinctiveness through its values and worship. Rev Jeremy was faithful in his prayer, care and support for children, parents, staff and governors in the good times and the tough times. When I last talked about Jeremy as he retired I used words from an old worship song that included these words
I do not know the course ahead,
what joys and griefs are there;
but God is near who fully knows,
I’ll trust His loving care…'”
“…I know that Jeremy believed this and that he was certain that when his earthly life came to an end he would be with the God he loved and served, for ever, and that his recent physical limitations would pass away.
Please join us in remembering Jeremy with thankfulness and in supporting his family Karen, Joel, Emily and Samuel with our love and prayers.”
My husband Kev and I had the honour in 2007 of Rev Jeremy marrying us at St Patrick’s. We now have 2 lovely daughters. He was such a lovely, gentle man. May he rest in peace and our prayers are with his family. Such sad news.
I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Fr Jeremy. He was one of my 3D course tutors and I found him to be a gentle and humble priest. May his soul through the mercy of God rest in peace and rise in glory †
I am so sorry to hear this. Jeremy officiated at my marriage, at St Patrick’s, in 2008. From our very first meeting, he was kindness and compassion personified. 3 years later he baptised our daughter at St Margaret’s. May his family find consolation in the knowledge that he really did make a positive contribution to the lives of all those he came into contact with.