RCH mourns for John Humphreys

The Revd John Humphreys, who served in Hungary from 1985 to 1989, died last week, peacefully at home after a short illness. John was 65 years old, and had retired from ministry only a few months earlier. He will be sadly and painfully missed in our Church, for his outstanding gifts as a pastor and leader and also for his warm and generous friendship.

The Revd John Humphreys, who was Moderator of the United Reformed Church’s National Synod of Scotland until his retirement in June 2016, died early morning, 17 November, peacefully at home, after a short illness.

Mr Humphreys was the only person to have been moderator of two URC synods, having served in Wales from 1989 to 2001, as well as in Scotland from 2005. He also served as Training Officer for the Mersey Synod and as a minister in the Reformed Church of Hungary.

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The Revd John Proctor, the General Secretary of the URC, said today: ‘Few of our URC people can have been more widely liked and respected. He was a man of great kindness and gentleness – wise, purposeful, caring, and deeply committed to our Church and its people.’ 

The Revd Simon Walkling, Moderator of the National Synod of Wales, said: ‘John always emphasised that the synod was us together, and that he was the servant of the synod. He led through knowing and caring for us, and his gentleness and patience modelled the good news he shared with humility and good humour. We were looking forward to welcoming him back to live in the synod in his retirement.’

The Revd David Pickering, Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland, said: ‘Nothing was too much trouble for John. He was generous with his insights in preparing me for my ministry and I was privileged to receive from his fount of pastoral wisdom.’

Mr Humphreys left behind a civil partner, John Parry. Arrangements for a public thanksgiving service will be made and announced in due course.

Source: www.urc.org.uk