TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘highly respected and ‘inspirational’ reverend who died shortly after celebrating his diamond wedding anniversary.
In September, David Dickens, 87, contacted the Times to share the news of his upcoming 60th wedding anniversary with wife Pamela, 81.
David told of his courtship, family and happiness with Pam and his three children, and shared his secret to love.
The couple were due to celebrate their wedding anniversary with a special renewal of vows service at Christ Church in London Road on Sunday, September 22.
Following this, David and Pam had an “emotional” service in his private hospital room surrounded by close family.
Just over a week later, on Monday, September 30, David sadly died.
Rev Dickens leaves behind loving wife Pamela, three children Stephen, Andrew and Rachel, and four grandsons.
“David was taken ill over the weekend of September 13 and was taken to hospital.
“A procedure was performed, and unfortunately it was not successful due to a blockage that then caused further issues to David passing on Monday, September 30.
“David was a very spiritual man and saw his commitment to the church as a way to bring a sense of hope, faith and unity to those around him.
“David loved the fact that this inspired people with courage through difficult times.”
Rev David Sebley, Minister of Christ Church Braintree, said: “David was highly respected, and part of a lovely couple whose years of serving others was deeply appreciated by many.
“Unfortunately, David was in Broomfield Hospital when we should have been celebrating his and Pam’s 60th Wedding Anniversary.
“This meant that we could not hold the service at the church as planned alongside their fellow church members and friends.
“However, we were able to have an emotional service at the hospital when David and Pam renewed their marriage vows whilst surrounded by close family.”
Rev Mark Pengelly, Methodist Superintendent Minister at Chelmsford Methodist circuit, said: “David was an inspirational person in so many ways.
“I had the deepest respect for him and his longing to make faith relevant and meaningful to all, especially to those outside the church.
“David, with Pam, has inspired and encouraged the faith of so many in countless ways, and shown the true heart of God - an all-embracing love for all people.”
David and Pamela Dickens were married in Reading on September 19, 1964, and have lived in Braintree and raised their three children in the town for most of their lives.
David worked at Chelmsford Marconi Radio Factory and later trained to be a Minister.
He said: “I believe in one God, the Ground of all being, through whom all that exists is brought into existence.
“I believe that God is love, a love which gives meaning and purpose to all that exists.
“I believe that the presence of God in human lives is known by the outworking of self-giving love centred on the needs of others, a love which is best defined by the Greek word Agape.
“I believe that no human words, no Scriptures, no formulae of faith, no structures of religion, no systems of philosophy, are capable of defining the Ground of all Being.
“They can all too easily become the means to justify authoritarian control.
“But they can have value insofar as they are used as a basis for understand self-giving sacrificial love, and for building communities of love, reaching out to each other with no barriers, no exclusivity.”
A tribute has been set up in David’s memory for donations to Christian Aid, his chosen charity.
To donate, or light a candle in his memory, visit: reverenddaviddickens.muchloved.com.
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