At Trinity Church on Sunday we were all shocked to hear that Pastor Ed Evans is no longer with us, following a heart attack.
There was a time of silence in the service on Sunday Morning. It was probably the same in all the churches. Ed was well known as he chaired the Church in Abingdon.
At Trinity, Revd. Ian Griffiths prayed for Ed’s young family, and the Community Church – that Ed has led for many years, and everybody who has been close to Ed. He has been leading and helping so many community groups. His loss will be felt by many. I knew him as a Governor at Thameside School, where he also took assemblies, organised the wonderful prayer spaces that came to school, and helped with after school clubs.
Revd Ian said that Ed believed that there was more than this life. There is also life with God. God has prepared a place for Ed, and we sang the King of Love my Shepherd is which took me back to the memory of Diana Skellington and my first ever blog post – from January 2003.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy Cross before to guide me.
He lived for others, not himself.
A wonderful pastor and friend not only to his congregation but also to members of other churches as well as to those who don’t go to church. Abingdon is poorer for his passing, but rich in memories of what he did for all of us in the town.
The town is poorer for the loss of this man of God who put service of this community as a key priority in his life. It was a privilege to know him and the wonderful work he did through his church and with the local Street Pastors. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May they take comfort in the sure and certain hope that he is with our Lord Jesus Christ now.
We learnt with great sadness about the death of Ed. He was a 9 year old boarder in our boarding house Windrush at Wycliffe. Carole and I send our love to Ed’s wife, children, Bethany, Tom and the whole Evans family.
We remember him with great affection.XX