COMMEMORATIONS to remember Worcester’s own First World War army chaplain ‘Woodbine Willie’ will be held by the congregation at the church he once served.
Among the events planned for St Paul’s Church next month is the dusting down of the distinctive crucifix on the war memorial at the front of the church which is one of very few in the world depicting Christ looking forward in victory rather than looking down, as is traditional.
The Rev Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, nicknamed Woodbine Willie due to his penchant for handing out cigarettes to the troops he ministered in the trenches of First World War, was the vicar at St Paul’s when war broke out in 1914.
He preached to packed congregations and was well known for going hungry while he bought and gave away food to needy parishioners.
Such was the compassion he had for his parishioners, his wife returned home one day to find Woodbine Willie dismantling their bed in order to give it to a lady who was sick and unable to afford proper furniture.
The current congregation is continuing his legacy of working with local communities through its ‘Citycare’ programme and is holding the special remembrance service on Sunday, November 11, starting at 10.15am.
“We’re living in the legacy of the Rev Studdert Kennedy and maintaining his values and traditions,” said Peter Boyd, from St Paul’s Church, whose parents came to faith through the ministry of a man who had been given a bible by Woodbine Willie.
“As well as working with the troops, his ministry closer to home was among the individuals, families and communities in what was then a very poor parish around St Paul’s Church.
“Although the rows of tightly packed two-up two-down terraced houses have been replaced with modern flats, it’s these same communities we’re inviting to share this special service with,” added Peter.
The service starts at 10.15am and if there are any current or ex-servicemen living in the area, the church particularly extends an invitation to them.
The ceremony at the war memorial begins at 10.45am outside the front of the church and will involve the reading of a poem written by Woodbine Willie about the Great War and the impact it had. This will be followed by the laying of a wreath and two minutes’ silence – anyone wanting to just attend this part of the ceremony is more than welcome to join the congregation.
“This will be a particularly poignant service marking the centenary of the ending of the First World War and the horrors that it unleashed.
“Woodbine Willie shone a light of hope amidst the horrors of the trenches. As a city centre church we aim to reach out with the same message of hope and compassion and invite anyone to join us for the remembrance service on November 11.”
