Peter Garland

A collage of tributes gathered from those who knew and loved Peter; his life and ministry lived out the vitality of his faith. Peter, who died on Thursday 28 May 2015, inspired so many and his gifts and tireless work have been richly appreciated. To add yours, please email web@ctspad.org.uk or info@ctspad.org.uk

His funeral was at St John the Baptist, PE11 1JQ on Thursday 18 June at 1:30pm with donations for Christian Aid and to Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust for the Neurocritical Unit (or send to Willson's Funeral Directors, 40 Winsover Road, Spalding, PE11 1EJ). Participating clergy were asked to robe; St John's school closed for the afternoon. Peter's spiritual director, Bishop Christopher Herbert, pictured Peter in typical conversation with St Paul.

Floral tributes in the church porch of St John the Baptist, Hawthorne Bank, Spalding, PE11 1TB; a Book of Condolence was opened at the church. Services on Trinity Sunday, 31 May, were led by Rev Alan Fiddyment and the Bishop of Lincoln.

Steve Weatherly-Barton, minister of Gosberton Baptist and chaplain to the Johnson Community Hospital:

Early this morning I heard the sad news of the death of my dear friend, Rev. Peter Garland, following a serious fall at his home the day before. For nearly five years Peter and I have worked together, prayed together and often laughed together as we shared responsibility for the Chaplaincy of Johnson Community Hospital, and more recently joined with others in planning Lent events in Spalding. For me, and for many others, he has been a source of encouragement, wise advice, and great example. He has served tirelessly in his ministry in the parishes of St. John’s Spalding and of Deeping St. Nicholas. He has contributed significantly to the unity and fellowship of Churches Together in Spalding and District. He has been probably one of the best-known men in this community, where he has lived and worked for many years.

It as at times like these that our hope in Christ becomes especially precious. We know that his work is not wasted; we know that he is at home with the Lord. But we remember too the grief of his wife Frances and their sons and family, and the profound sense of loss in the churches, the hospital and the whole community. Please join me in prayer for all those who mourn, as we thank God for a remarkable and dedicated man.

Annie Weatherly-Barton:

Peter [and Steve WB] were such close friends and confidants. Enjoyed similar wicked sense of humour and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. It is a sad loss for all who knew him but my thoughts are with Frances and their boys. Peter was such a very good man. Honourable, honest, caring, loyal, loving and such wonderful fun. A man of true integrity.

Jan Whitbourn, Tulip Radio:A wonderful man who made it a pleasure to be with and enjoyed a laugh and a smile. Rest in Peace Peter

Spalding Voice including tributes by Paul Reid, Vicky Harvey and Angela Newton:

Rev Peter Garland, of St John The Baptist Parish Church in Spalding and Deeping St Nicholas Parish Church, died in hospital on Wednesday (May 27)* Thursday 28 May after being admitted following a fall at home.

Rev Garland, who lived opposite St John’s church in Hawthorn Bank, was chairman of the governors at its associated primary school.

Headteacher Paul Reid told parents: “As well as being our vicar and chair of governors, Peter was an exceptional friend to our school and one of our biggest advocates.

“He will be an enormous loss. I have a wide experience of school vicars and school governors and I have never come across anyone else who was so committed to the role as Peter was.”

He added: “Of course our loss is small compared to that of Peter’s wife, Frances and his three children. Please hold them in your thoughts and prayers.” ...

Spalding Voice Facebook post & picture with tributes (open group)

Spalding Guardian includes tributes by Rev Mike Chesher and Rev Ian Walters:

Church leaders have reacted with shock and sadness to the sudden death of Rev Peter Garland, vicar of St John the Baptist Church, Spalding...

Spalding Guardian further tributes including Capt Paul Whiteley and Pastor Kevin Taylor

Spalding Guardian: tributes from Ven Tim Barker, Rev Anthony Walker and Rt Rev Tim Ellis

Rev John Moon wrote to his local Portsmouth News and the Spalding Guardian:

As a former vicar of St John’s Church, Spalding, I write to pay tribute to the Rev Peter Garland. From his first arrival at St John’s he showed my wife and myself complete friendliness, shown not least by his willingness to ask me to take part in special services when invited to do so. I appreciated his utter devotion to the people of his two parishes. They will not be the same without him. He will never be forgotten - his transformation of the interior of St John’s, and tremendous undertaking, will be his everlasting memorial.

Rt Rev'd Christopher Lowson, bishop of Lincoln:

It is immensely sad when someone who dedicates their life and talent to supporting their community so faithfully and energetically dies so suddenly. I was privileged to have been able to visit Peter in hospital, to anoint him, and to pray with him and his family, and my prayers will continue for the people of the churches Peter served, for the wider communities of Spalding and Deeping St Nicholas, and above all, for Frances* and all of Peter's family. Peter had been vicar of St John the Baptist, Spalding with Deeping St Nicholas since 1999. He had previously been vicar of Tongham in the Diocese of Guildford, where he also served his curacy. He studied at University College, London, and held masters degrees from both the University of West Ontario and St John's College, Durham

Peter contributed to the ecumenical work of the wider church through close working with local churches in Deeping St Nicholas as well as Spalding and beyond.

Please use the search this site facility at the top of the webpage for more on the many occasions where Peter ministered alongside friends and colleagues.

(Right: a time of prayer just ended with Paul Whiteley and David Curran)

*Entries lightly edited to include correct details.