This is an abridged
version of an obituary and dedication to Donald
published in the Goldhanger
Parish Magazine of March 2023
The Reverend Donald
Allan
the former Rector of Goldhanger and Little Totham has died
Donald spent 14 years in the parishes from 1987 to
2001 and was a reforming presence. He set up the Ministry as Partnership team
in both parishes, where a group of lay people work alongside the parish priest.
Donald's interest in people led to an
increase in church numbers. His ideas and initiatives shaped the way both
All Saints, Little Totham and St Peter's, Goldhanger developed over almost 20 years.
The All Saints and St. Peters Church Organist remembers Donald as a good
friend and adviser.
"He guided the organist through Confirmation, conversations usually conducted seated in the Rectory garden. His
was a cheerful household full of boys and pets, usually large dogs Old English Sheepdogs
or Labrador crosses. Donald was a fearless visitor who could get
through a packet of dark chocolate biscuits in one sitting as we chose the next month's
hymns. I once saw
him sitting on the settee in my neighbour’s house
underneath a
Rottweiler and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a
Jack Russell draped round his neck. As I said - fearless."
A Churchwarden at Goldhanger said:
"Donald was very sincere in his faith, always putting his vocation and service to
others before anything else. He made a point of visiting and getting to know
members of both villages. I am sure he knew where everyone lived, sadly something that
does not happen today. He could see changes in the church coming and
encouraged members of the congregation to lead the intercessions, lead services and
to preach. Both
parishes formed Ministry as Partnership teams which stood is in good stead after he retired and our parishes
joined Great Totham in a united benefice. He always turned up to help in all our church,
fundraising and social events. I'm not sure he ever took a day off, I cannot remember any time when he said, I'm sorry, it's my day off, I can't do that.
This was especially true with funerals. An undertaker once said “I don't know
how we will cope when Donald retires, he is always available, we depend on him”. Personally in times of crisis I found in
him a great source of strength.”
A Churchwarden at Little Totham spoke of Donald’s sincerity and his love for Little Totham where his ashes are to be interred.
A Churchwarden at Goldhanger said: He was a
lovely man and he would come and have chats with both my husband and me. He always refused a
cup of tea at first, but we soon leant that after about an hour or two he would
change his mind.
A member of Goldhanger PCC said: "He was meticulous in his
safety precautions such as before the Christingle candles were lit! He disliked the hymn Lord of the Dance. For several years, he allowed the villagers
to use his Rectory in Church Street for Fireworks Night. I always felt he was very sincere with his
faith."
Another member of Goldhanger PCC said: "Our family remembers Donald with great
affection.
He married both our girls and christened their children. It was in the days when vicars had time to
visit their parishioners to we were able to get to know him and Margery. After a family christening, he blessed the child with
health, happiness and love. Our daughter said it was such a nice thing to do
especially as they had just moved into their new home”.
may he rest in peace
________________
Author’s note: Donald was the last rector to live in the
Rectory at Goldhanger
