Autumn
Occasions 06:
'The
Sound of the Sixties'
Celebrating with Fr Charles
Charles
Alfred Billington was
Vicar of St Faith's between 1966 and 1972. His time with us was a
period of great change and innovation, and in many ways it laid the
foundations on which the three men who succeeded him have built, taking
us into the St Faith's of the 21st century.
Since leaving us for other parishes,
jobs and challenges, Fr Charles (he was the first incumbent to be
referred to by his Christian rather than his surname) has kept in touch
over the years, and returned to our pulpit and altars more than once.
In September 2006, he celebrated fifty years of priesthood, and was
very happy to accept Fr Neil's invitation to mark this most special of
occasions by presiding over High Mass of Thanksgiving on the evening of
Friday, September 22nd.
At this splendid occasion,
attended by many of Charles' friends and colleagues over the last half
century, the sermon was preached by Fr Dennis Smith, a long-standing
friend and colleague. He spoke memorably and entertainingly of a
memorable and entertaining man. After the service, the traditional Good
Time was Had by All in the Church Hall. A cake was cut, many old
friendships renewed and just a little food and drink was taken...
Denis Griffith's photographs capture some of the colourful moments of
this marvellous evening. Charles was joined at the Nave Altar by Fr
Dennis, seen later reading the Gospel, and by ordinand Martin Jones. As
well as some of the usual suspects at the party, you can see
Charles's wife Heather at the bar, and Audrey Dawson with the cake she
made for this festive occasion.
Click here for
the text of Fr
Dennis's sermon in tribute to his mentor.
Click here for Fr Charles' clergy profile on our
Clergy page.
Click
here for the Men's Group pages
(Charles has for some years been unofficial chaplain to this
august organisation's Annual 'Retreat'). See pcitures of Fr Charles
with the group and celebrating the House Eucharist, then follow the
link to the Communion Set page.
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to St Faith's home page