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Canon William Ceidrych Thomas 1850 - 1937

'East Kent Mercury' 1st January 1938

DEATH OF CANON W. C. THOMAS

The Rev. Canon William Ceidrych Thomas, Rector of Northbourne, Rural Dean of Sandwich, Hon. Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, passed away at the age of 87 on Christmas Eve, the anniversary of his wife's death, 35 years ago.

It is 41 years since Canon Thomas came from the populous and important parish in Birmingham to the quiet country Rectory in Kent. Northbourne was then purely rural but in 1924 the mine at Betteshanger was opened, and the new industry brought a large influx into the parish. He met the new situation with wonderful resourcefulness and was beloved and held in the highest esteem by the whole community he served. He used to recall that it was not until he was 30 years of age that he became really conversant with English, and his fluent command of English phrasing was no less remarkable than his many other gifts.

From the age of 13 his education was dependent on his own exertions, but with the aid of scholarships he attained an enviable degree of culture. He preached his first sermon at the age of 15 in a Nonconformist chapel, so that his experience as a preacher extended over a period of 72 years. Throughout his stay at Northbourne he carried out his pastoral labours and his extra-parochial work with untiring devotion, and he was constant in his readiness to render any help required in any of the numerous parishes included in the Sandwich deanery.

He had not only been a tireless worker and taken keen interest in his parish and neighbourhood, but he had given considerable time to public work. He was for a long time a member of the Eastry Board of Guardians, for a period being vice-chairman, and of the Rural District Council. He also took particular interest in education and for a considerable time was clerical secretary of the Church Schools Managers and Teachers' Association in East Kent. He held the position of chairman of the Sandwich District Education Committee, and on the death of Mr. A. H. Godfrey [1930] he succeeded him as chairman of the Governors of Sir Roger Manwood's School, Sandwich. He was a manager of Sandwich Central and Council schools, and also a life governor of the Deal and Walmer War Memorial Hospital.

He never lost the respect and affection of his old Nonconformist friends; and a few years ago was elected president of the Old Students' Association of Carmarthen College. He was untiring in his work for the Welsh miners, who had settled in the new mining areas of Kent; he was vice-president of the Betteshanger Colliery Voice Choir, and was president of the Deal Cambrian Society.

The attitude of Canon Thomas to his work as parish priest was shown by the notice posted in the church that he welcomed rich and poor alike, that the offerings of the rich should be made without show, and those of the poor without shame, while every seat in the church was free and no pew was exclusively appropriated to any particular parishioners. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand whenever it was needed, and it may be truly said his life's motto was "the greatest of these is charity." Never ostentatious his moving to and fro amongst his fellows was unobtrusive and quiet, almost gentle, he was always courteous, leaving behind him a kindly word and a friendly smile that made the moment all the brighter for his passing.

AN APPRECIATION

William Ceidrych Thomas was born of yeoman stock in a Radnorshire village in 1850. He entered the ministry of the Congregational body at an early age, but coming under the influence of Bishop Westcott he was ordained deacon in the Diocese of Durham in 1881 and priest in the following year. He was curate of St. James, West Hartlepool, 1881-83, and Vicar of St. Thomas-in-the-Moors, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, 1883-96.

He obtained the degree of M.A. of London University and took an active part in the life of Birmingham, where he became a great friend of the Rev. R. W. Dale, then at the height of his influence in that great city, and also of the Chamberlain family. His health was frail and under the strain of his work broke down completely. He was advised to take a living in the country and was appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Rectory of Northbourne in 1896. Here under medical advice he took to riding and always ascribed to this habit his return to health. For many years, mounted on a stout pony, he was a familiar figure in the streets of Deal. It was only in recent years that he had given up riding, and he never had a car.

Canon Thomas never sought further preferment in the church and remained at Northbourne for 41 years until his death on the 24th [December 1937]. He had married while at Birmingham and leaves a son now resident at York, and a daughter, Miss Enid Thomas, well known in Northbourne. His married life was ideally happy until the death of Mrs. Thomas on Christmas Eve 1902. Since that time Miss Thomas has resided with her father together with her great friends Miss Mollie Ryder Richardson and Miss Phyllis Ryder Richardson, whom the Canon always regarded as his adopted daughters.

It was not long before the great gifts of the Rector of Northbourne were recognized in the Canterbury diocese. In 1923 he was appointed an honorary Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, and since 1919 he had held the office of Rural Dean of the Sandwich Deanery. He had a ready gift of speech and attracted large audiences when he occupied the Cathedral pulpit. He was much trusted and consulted by the Archbishops; he had a very special affection for Archbishop Davidson^[1], and great admiration for Archbishop Lang^[2].

Canon Thomas had a genius for friendship and was beloved by all his friends. Among them were the Bishop of Chichester^[3] (formerly Dean of Canterbury), the Bishop of Guildford^[4] (with whom he used to stay every year), the late Canon Sheppard^[5], and the Rev. J. W. Crookes, of Upper Deal. He was indeed a loveable character, a saint with a very human side. For the incumbent of a small country parish his influence and authority were almost unique.

The interests and activities of the Canon Thomas were very wide. He was the friend of countless young children and closely associated with many educational movements. He had been for some years chairman of the Governors of Sir Roger Manwood's School, Sandwich. He took a keen interest in the welfare of his fellow countrymen, the Welsh miners of Betteshanger Colliery, and regularly attended the festival of St. David's Day at Dover. He was a Vice President of the Welsh School of Social Service and for many years attended its annual conference at Llandrindod Wells during his summer holiday. In August last he preached in Welsh while staying with his sister in the church of his native village. He was keenly interested in horses, dogs, birds, gardens and was usually was to be seen wearing a small flower in his buttonhole.

These reminiscences are contributed by one who had the honour and joy of his personal friendship for many years. Whether in their frequent meetings at Deal or on holidays spent together at Llandrindod Wells this association was always a time of uplifting to his friend. The well-stored mind and the liberal views and gay humour of the Canon, together with his deep personal piety, made his companionship a delight. And now he has gone and the world is the poorer for the loss of a good man. "Of such are the Kingdom of Heaven."

NONCONFORMIST TRIBUTE

As the senior Free Church of Deal and as the Hon. Secretary of the Deal and District Free Churches Ministerial Fraternal, I would like to pay a very warm tribute to the worth and work of the late Canon Thomas. Ever since I returned to Deal, some 10 years ago, I have found him to be the essence of kindness. I have greatly admired his fine catholicity of spirit; there was never anything sectarian about him, though he was always loyal to his own Church, whilst he showed constant regard and sympathy for all, irrespective of denomination.

About a fortnight ago I was privileged to have a very delightful conversation with him. He then showed, as often before, his whole-hearted attachment to the people of his beloved principality, and for that reason took a great personal interest in the Welsh miners associated with Betteshanger Colliery. His memory will long be cherished throughout the whole of this locality.

THE FUNERAL AT NORTHBOURNE

The Archbishop Officiates

The little church of St. Augustine was filled to overflowing at the funeral service on Tuesday, which was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in whose gift is the rectory of Northbourne. Clergy were present from all parts of the deanery; Welsh miners came from the colliery to pay their last tributes of respect to a fellow countryman who had always taken a keen interest in their activities; almost every villager was there to say farewell to a beloved rector. The coffin was carried from the Rectory into the church thence to the family grave lying in the shadow of the west wall of the churchyard in view of the Rectory.

The opening sentences of the service were spoken by the Rev. J. W. Palmer (curate), followed by prayers by the Rev. E. D. Bowser (Rector of Deal). The lesson was read by the Archdeacon (Canon E. H. Hardcastle). The hymn "Blessed are the pure in heart," was sung together with the 23rd Psalm and the Nune Dimittis. The committal service was conducted by the Archbishop (Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang). Other clergy present were the Bishop of Dover (the Rt. Rev. A. C. W. Rose), Canon C. F. Tonks (Walmer), Canon R. J. W. H. Potter, Canon F. H. B. Ottley (Canterbury), Canon Burnside (Headmaster, St. Edmund's School, Canterbury), the Revs. A. E. Taylor (Little Mongeham), M. M. Vischer (Sandwich, also representing the Governors of Sir Roger Manwood's School, Sandwich), C. J. E. Peshall (Great Mongeham), W. H. Maundrell (Ringwould), H. N. Nowell (Sandwich), W. Walton (Sholden), S. N. Swain (Kingsdown),  H. Saumarez-Smith (Waldershare), J. W. Horsley (Eythorne), W. G. Illingworth (St. Andrew's, Deal), D. J. Pharoah (Curate of St. Andrew's Deal), B. Davies (Lydden), H. L. Boldero (Woodnesborough), W. R. F. Ryan (Depot Royal Marines, Deal),  H. W. Lea-Wilson (St. George's, Deal), A. Wayment (Ripple), H. G. South (Worth), A. E. O. Anderson (formerly of Upper Deal), F. L. Jones (Curate, St. George's, Deal), W. McN. Bradshaw (Curate, St. Leonard's, Deal), A. Sargent (Archbishop's Chaplain), C. A. Manley (Littlebourne), W. H. Hodges (Canterbury), J. G. V. Strangways (Eastry), B. T. Verry (Betteshanger), H. W. Bradfield (Canterbury, Secretary, Diocesan Board of Finance).

The chief mourners were: Mr. Owen Thomas (son), Miss E. Thomas (daughter), the Misses M. and P. Ryder Richardson, Miss M. C. Bennison and Miss N. Sim (maids).

Among the many others present were Lord and Lady Northbourne, Mrs. Curtis Green, Sir William Darracott, J.P., Mr. J. E. Bell (Secretary of Northbourne Parochial Church Council), and Mrs. Bell, Mr. A. A. Green (also representing Mr. F. E. Green), Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Catt, Mr. H. T. Pain, Mr. E. C. Pain (representing St. George's Churchwardens), Miss Famariss, Mrs. Heeley, Mrs. Wild, Mrs. McCarthy, Mrs. Fenney, Mr. R. Fenney, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Spinner, Mrs. G. Spinner, Miss Spinner, Mrs. P. Pritchard, Mrs. Hollingsworth, Mr. E. G. Gilmore, Mr. P. W. Steed, Mr. G. P. Steed, Miss Waterfield (also representing Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Waterfield), Mrs. Bowser, Mr. F. G. Turner, Mrs. Vidler, Mr. Arthur Evans, Miss Jones,  Mr. P. C. Flower, Mr. H. R. Fuller, Mr. C. Robson (representing Eastry C.E.M.S.),  Miss Long, Miss Boucher, Miss Dav, Mr. T. Guthrie Morgan (Bursar of Dover College), Mr. T. Pittock, Mr. J. C. Jackson, J.P, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. S. N. Swain, Miss Wickham, Mrs. Hewetson, Miss Lawrence, Mrs. Jones, Mr. T. G. Elphinston, J.P., Mr. W. R. Harrisson, Mr. G. E. Rock (representing  the Headmaster of Manwood's School, Sandwich), Mr. R. M. Bourne, Mr. G. Cook, Miss Brown, Mrs. Dick, Mr. J. J. Davies, Mrs. Staley (also representing the Rev. L. S. Staley), Mrs. Mason, Miss Mason, Mr. A. J. Tilman, Mr. F. C. Marsh, Mr. W. G. Bedwell, Mr. B. Bradshaw, the Rev J. S. Powell, Ald. C. Hammond Russell, Mr. D. A. Daniels  (Town Clerk of Deal), Mr. A. C. Urry, Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies, Mr. C. R. Marsh, Mr. O. S, Hogben, J.P, Mr. V. N. Hogben, Mr. J. C. Roberts (Headmaster of Northbourne School), Mr. and Mrs. J. Hampson, Mr. W. G. Evans, Miss Sutton, Mrs. Wyborn, Mrs. Fagg, Mrs. Keen, Mrs. Hare, Mrs. Hills, Mrs. Butchart, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Hughes, Mrs. Cuthbert, Mrs. Walton, Mrs. Fletcher, Mrs. Cook, Miss Dewell, Mrs. Kemp, Mrs. Cool, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hollamby, Mrs. Gault, Mr. C. P. Lea-Wilson, Miss J. E. Lea-Wilson, Mr. A. Evans (representing Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Club), The Rev. J. Havelock Thompson (Deal Methodists), Mr. L. J. Brown (representing Old Manwoodians Association), and Messrs. W. and R. S. Newman.

The Deal and District Cambrian Society was represented by Messrs. D. Richards, A. E. Hawkins and W. Evans, Mr. W. E. Gilman (School Captain) and Mr. R. Roome represented the scholars of Manwood's School. Messrs J. Adams, O. Thomas, H. Watkins, R. John, E. Harrison and W. Adams represented Betteshanger Colliery Male Voice Choir. Northbourne Boy Scouts were present under G.S.M. R. Stokes.

Among the many floral tributes were the following: Love from Enid, to a devoted father; John and David (Birmingham); Mollie and Phyllis; Ethel and Willie; Margaret Tydfil and Lal; Owen, Ethel and Margaret; Bill, Tom and Arthur; Catorall and Nancy; Harry; Parochial Church Council; Staff of Canterbury Diocesan Board of Finance; Rev. W. J. Palmer; the Rev. and Mrs. B. T. Verry; Mrs. J. Hewetson; the Rev. and Mrs. H. Saumarez-Smith; Mr. and Mrs. A. E. L. Slazenger, Dr. C. A. Anderson; Mrs. F. R. Wickham and Daphne; Mrs. Keen and Mrs. Hare; Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Oakes; John W. Crookes; All at Sir Roger Manwood's School; Northbourne and Betteshanger Gardening Society; Mr. and Mrs. Evans; Sunday School Teachers' Association, Rural Deanery of Sandwich; Mr. and Mrs. S. Rye, Sydney and Margaret; Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Bell and family; A. Howard Evans; Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Turner and Mr. Gordon Johnson; Mrs. Arthur Matthews; Nurse Ridden; Unity, Benevolence, Concord, Ancient Order of Foresters; Miss Llewellyn; Beatrice Scaife; E. Kennett; Sarah Wright; Mr. and Mrs. G. Spinner; F. R. Stevens (organist); Mothers' Union; Cambrian Society; Dr. and Mrs. Fraser; Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Elphinston; Betteshanger Branch of the British Legion; Betteshanger Male Voice Choir; Northbourne Scouts; John Guildford, Ann MacMullen and G. MacMullen; Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Green and Mr. and Mrs A. A. Green; Mrs. George Struthers; Mr. and Mrs. T. Guthrie-Morgan; Members of Betteshanger Social Club; Staff and Boys of Betteshanger School; Headmaster and Staff of Northbourne School; and Mr. and Mrs. Basil Mason and Frances.

A memorial service was conducted by the Bishop of Dover on Sunday morning and Holy Communion was celebrated by the Rev. H. W. Bradfield on Monday morning.

References to the death of Cano Thomas were made at most of the churches in the deanery during the week-end.

Dr. F. W. Hardman was prevented from attending through indisposition. Messrs. Phillips and Son, Great Mongeham, were the undertakers.

Reproduced by permission of Kent Messenger Group, see Kent Online website for Local and County information.