Kenneth
Norman William I.ewingtn 1927-2007
Ken
joined the staff at S. Mark w S. Margaret's in 1989, in Fr. Norman Davies' time, but his Church connections
go back a long way before that. He was an Altar server at S. John's Eltham in
the 1950's,
and had been a member of the
"Guild of Servants of The Sanctuary" ever since. After completing the
training course and passing the examination Ken was authorized as a Southwark
Pastoral Auxiliary at S. Mary's Lewisham in 1978. He was the first male SPA in
the diocese.
Ken
began his pastoral ministry with Fr. Haste in the parish of S. Nicholas,
Plumstead. He served as sub-deacon at High Mass and amongst other duties did
chaplaincy work at the old St. Nicholas hospital. On coming to S. Mark w S.
Margaret's Ken continued to perform a wide variety of parochial duties, serving
at the Eucharist, assisting with the administration of the Sacrament and
visiting in the parish. He was also an elected member of the P.C.C. and a
representative on Deanery Synod. He set up a monthly service of Holy Communion
at a local
sheltered housing complex for the elderly, "George Akass House", which
was much appreciated by the
residents and is still continued
to this day.
Ken
was a loving family man and a naturally gentle and caring person. This shows
through in another aspect of his voluntary service to the community - namely his
membership of the "Red Cross Society". Ken
joined the
Red Cross in
1965. He was a very helpful and valued member of the Society and carried out
many and varied duties, locally, as well as at the "Royal
Festival Hall". Ken helped to provide emergency cover
during the ambulance strikes in
the 70's.
He was awarded the 'Voluntary
Service" medal after 15 years, and altogether completed 21 years service.
Soon
after he was licensed as a SPA
Ken also became an Oblate of the Order of S. Benedict at Alton Abbey. Amongst
the highlights of the summer months at S. Mark with S. Margaret's were the
parish retreats which he organized at the Abbey. Ken seemed to fit in effortlessly with strict monastic routines
there and he obviously enjoyed these visits to Alton. Ken also did voluntary
work at "Southwark Cathedral" as a day-chaplain and-assisting
with the education trail.
All
in all Ken
had a vocation to serve in Christ's Church which goes back 60 years or more. It
was a vocation which he faithfully fulfilled for as long as he was able, giving
so many years of humble service, for which we are all sincerely grateful.
God
rest his soul.