Reverend Sylvia Martin died peacefully on Friday morning. Known as Mother Sylvia, she served as a non-stipendiary minister with Christ Church and St Paul and then St George Christ Church St Paul for over ten years, having been one of the first women ordained priest in the Church of England.
I never got to know her that well because, in the last few years, she had suffered a number of minor strokes, which hindered her mental faculties, but she was still able to exercise a ministry until just a few months ago. She presided at the eucharist (assisted by a deacon) for the last time at a quiet Tuesday morning service, late in 2008.
Her funeral will be on Friday 31st July. More details to follow.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Father Robert
