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Rev. G E WESTON – Vicar of Leigh 1918-1926

George E Weston, Vicar 1918-26

On 23 July 1926 the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser reported on the funeral of the Rev. George Elgar Weston under the heading “Loss to Leigh:  Priest-Astronomer”

“We regret to record the death, after a long and painful illness, of the Rev. George Elgar Weston, Vicar of Leigh, who passed away on Friday in his forty-fourth year.  By his death the villagers have lost a friend and the children a leader, for he took the greatest interest in his parishioners, and more especially in the children, who looked upon him more as a father.

Mr Weston took his theological course at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and in 1905 he graduated BA and in 1909 received his MA.  He was ordained a deacon in 1908, in which year he went to St James’, Plumstead.  In 1912 he became Curate in charge at Herne Bay, remaining there until 1915, when he was appointed Vicar of St Paul’s Plumstead.  In 1918 he moved to Leigh and instantly won his way into the hearts of the villagers.

Although taking part in no athletic games, Mr Weston gave the children every encouragement in their sports.  Gifted with no mean artistic abilities he was a pupil of Mr C S Meacham, and painted many dainty pictures.  He was a member of the British Astronomical Society and took a great interest in music – especially the piano and organ.

 

The Funeral

The funeral took place on Monday at Leigh.  There was a large congregation at the service in the Church, which was read by the Rural Dean (the Rev. Stuart H Clark) assisted by the Rev L Hook (locum tenens).  The choir was in attendance, and Psalm XXIV was chanted, and the hymn “Praise to the Holiest in the Height” was sung.  As the recessional Mr H Hitchcock played Chopin’s Funeral March.  The scholars numbered over 70, from the Leigh Day Schools were present.  The bishop of Rochester conducted the committal portion of the service, assisted by the Archdeacon of Tunbridge (the Ven. L Savill)”

 

The article goes on to list other clergy present as well as members of the family, including Mrs Weston, widow, Mr J E Weston, father, Mrs Burton, mother in law, Mrs Arthur Banker, sister-in-law.   Also present were Lord de Lisle and Dudley and the Hon. Geoffrey Hope Morley, as well as Mr C S Meacham mentioned above and many villagers are also named.

Joyce Field (Aug 2022)