At the beginning of the year, the chapter roll stood at 26 comprising 16 members, nine life members and one associate member. During the course of the year we have gained a priest associate, Revd Canon Paul Berrett, who has been transferred to us from another chapter and lost one life member, Bro Bill Quinell, who sadly passed away on 5th March. The chapter roll therefore remains at 26 all told.
Bill Quinell will be known to many in the chapter as he was for many years a staunch and regular member, who frequently acted as MC for chapter offices. He and his wife, Eileen, who predeceased him some years ago, were loyal members of St Barnabas Church. His funeral service will be held at Oxford Crematorium on Friday, 18th March at 11:15am and member of the chapter are invited to attend. I have written to Bill’s son on behalf of the chapter conveying our condolences and assuring the family of our prayers.
The chapter met for worship four times in 2010. On 17th March, we met here in St Mary's Church, Kidlington. Revd William Whyte was the officiant at Guild Office and gave the address. Fr William took as his theme the patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick, whose feast day it was. After the service the chapter retired to the Refectory for refreshments and the annual general meeting. 10 members and supporters were present.
On the evening of 20th July, the chapter met to sing the Guild Office in the beautiful church of St Michael, Blewbury by kind invitation of Revd Jason St John Nicolle, the Rector of the Churn Benefice, who officiated and preached. In his sermon, Fr Jason spoke of St Margaret of Antioch. After the service, we enjoyed refreshments and took the opportunity to explore the church and learn more about its interesting features. 15 members and supporters were present.
We met on 1st September in St Barnabas' Church, Jericho to celebrate our feast of title. We are grateful to the Vicar, Revd Jonathan Beswick, for welcoming us to St Barnabas again and for preaching. Revd William Whyte officiated for the Guild Office, after which we held a procession with the chapter banner in honour of St Birinus. Fr Jonathan concluded the service by giving Benediction. Afterwards we enjoyed some welcome refreshments kindly provided by the people of St Barnabas. 16 members and supporters were present.
On Wednesday, 10th November, the chapter met to sing the Guild Office in the beautiful church of St Mary Magdalen. Revd William Whyte officiated for the Office and Revd Dr Peter Groves, Vicar of St Mary Magdalen’s, preached and gave Benediction. Speaking on the eve of Armistice Day and taking remembrance as his theme, Fr Peter reminded us that the Eucharist is the greatest act of remembrance. Later at Benediction, in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament he recalled those who had died in conflict and all the faithful departed, and he read out the names of departed members of the chapter. 17 members and supporters were present.
Support has again been poor this year with typically less than 20 people attending our services and we are grateful for the presence of some loyal supporters. This is unlikely to improve in the current climate. It is a testing time for the Anglo-Catholic wing of the Church of England and the latest decision to consecrate women bishops has caused many to consider their future. I predict that many within the GSS nationally will join the Ordinariate. While our chapter continues to welcome altar servers of varying views on this subject we remain bound by the rules of the GSS concerning women priests.
I am grateful to the clergy of the Kidlington Team Ministry for leading our worship and preaching during the year; Canon Ellis and Fr William. Their support is very much appreciated. Thank you to all who support our services especially Prof David Murray, who plays the organ so well for us. Thank you also to Bro Trevor Langrish our MC and for his invaluable work as our chapter treasurer.
Bro Ben Heffer, Chapter Secretary
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