Walter Stebbings

The Bishop had sent Monique and me on that all-important, unofficial, incognito visit to Ascot, to have a look round the place, and see if we might like to come and live and work here. Naturally, we looked in at the Church very early in our visit. The Licensed Victuallers’ School were rehearsing at the time, so we couldn’t wander round; but we were warmly welcomed by an elderly man, who was obviously very much at home here. That man was Walter.

Of course, we didn’t know him at the time. I was deliberately not wearing a clerical collar, and to me Walter was—presumably—a parishioner like any other. In fact, he was one of the two Churchwardens. No doubt he had walked up here, as he so often did, especially during the interregnum, when there was nobody living at the Rectory to keep an eye on things. We were only introduced on my next visit, when Monique and I came officially to meet the Churchwardens. From that moment on, Walter and Betty treated us as friends—and that friendship has continued to flourish and grow ever since. The parish priest who can look on his Churchwardens as friends is greatly blessed: and that was a blessing which I always enjoyed here. Walter, as one of my first Churchwardens in this Parish, supported me wonderfully, during the rather scary time of learning and adjustment (as did his colleague, Chris Jones), and I shall always remember him with gratitude and affection.

Our Gospel reading today (John 14) uses the image of a journey. The word translated as “dwelling places” sometimes means a stopping place on a journey—in modern terms almost a motorway service area! Jesus is telling us that, in God’s establishment, there are many places to stop; and this may mean making stops along the way, or finding a permanent resting place in God’s heavenly home and kingdom.

As I have said, Walter liked to walk up to this Church, and his walks up here would be followed by a time of resting, and, no doubt, praying. His time spent in Church could serve other purposes as well. I came in here one afternoon during Royal Ascot Week, at that quiet moment when all our guests had gone off to the races, and there were no immediate duties. The building seemed to be empty; but I heard a soft noise, and went to investigate. And there I found Walter lying on a pew, and enjoying a well-deserved snooze!

His Christian journey took him—long before I knew him—from the Baptist to the Anglican version of the faith. He was not one of those people who trumpeted their faith for all to hear; but it was very real to him, and very apparent to the rest of us, not from what he said, but from what he did; and most of all from what he was. He loved his Lord; and to Walter, it would have been inconceivable therefore not to love his Church. And that love shone out in his quiet devotion and unobtrusive—but always thorough—service. That service was offered in full measure to this Parish, but also beyond, and particularly in his hard work for the Royal County of Berkshire Churches’ Trust. He often spoke of the Trust and of its work and it was clear that it was very dear to his heart.

Walter was a humble man. He did not look for recognition, honour or gratitude. He was also wholly loyal and trustworthy—a rock to lean on at moments of difficulty. He and Betty always worked as a team; and their home was (and is) always a thoroughly welcoming place to visit. (Incidentally, I never new anyone pour his friends such generous measures of whisky and of brandy as Wally did!) He was also a quiet man, but with a great sense of fun; and we enjoyed many a good laugh together.

In Walter, God blessed many people: his family, his friends, this Parish, and all with whom he came in contact. The qualities in him which we revere were so clearly the work of the Holy Spirit, that we learned from him, and were enriched by him. Today we give thanks for his life; and we claim for him the promise of eternal life in our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

Fr Piers