Father Tom was much loved by the church family at All Saints and St Nicholas and by the people of Poplar and beyond.
Tom made a return to the Church in the mid-seventies following the death of his mother. After time he persuaded his father to join him and subsequently his bother and sister-in-law. After a few years Tom trained as a Reader, the first ever at All Saints, and was licensed in the mid-eighties. He was ordained priest at Petertide in 1998 and so began his priestly ministry in Poplar. His ministry meant the world to him. He made a considerable impact amongst the people of Poplar with his care and diligence and many specifically asked that he perform their baptisms, marriages and funerals. Tom was a very private man but was much loved by all due to his gentleness, humour and care. His sermons often raised a laugh and West Ham was quite often mentioned!
Before he was ordained Tom had worked for many years as a local reporter and he continued this work until his retirement, balancing his call to self-supported priestly ministry with his love of East London and news reporting.
A great friend to so many Tom will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Tom’s funeral will be at 2.30pm, Wednesday, 4th October at All Saints, Poplar.
