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WIGAN PARISH CHURCH

Former Rector Dies

Canon Malcolm Forrest, the former Rector of Wigan, has died. The 69-year-old was found collapsed at his Standish home on Saturday12th January and lost his battle for life in Wigan Infirmary on Wednesday 16th.

A larger-than-life character famed for his plain speaking, Canon Forrest retired in 2003 after 28 years at Wigan Parish Church.
Gathurst-born, he was ordained to the diocese of Liverpool in 1962 and served several churches before coming home to Wigan in 1975.

CHURCH TRIBUTE: By Charles Graham

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Wigan Parish Church to say farewell to the town's former Rector, Canon Malcolm Forrest, who died last week after a short illness.

Up to 600 people, including family, friends, civic dignitaries and fellow clergy, attended the Service of Requiem  The Wigan-born priest, who retired from his post in 2003 was 69.

His successor, the Reverend Ray Hutchinson, said afterwards it had been both a warm and deeply moving occasion, not only involving the church, but also the people of Wigan for whom Canon Forrest had such a fondness.
The Rector's standing in the community was reinforced by the presence of the borough's Mayor, Coun John O'Brien, and the Metro's leader, Lord Smith.

Among the clergy who helped to officiate was the Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Reverend David Jennings and two former curates of Canon Forrest – the Reverend David Newton who preached (click here to read the address)         

and Canon Richard Capper who led the prayers.

Canon Peter Cavanagh from Lancaster Priory read the gospel and other Christian denominations were also represented during the service, including Canon Forrest's friend Canon Pat MacNally, Wigan's Roman Catholic Dean, who read the epistle.

Hymns included Angel Voices, Praise To The Holiest and For All The Saints, with the singing led by the Parish Church Choir and its past and present organists John Walton and Karl Greenall.
Former colleagues and friends came from as far as southern England and Scotland and included former Parish Church musical director David Cutter who retired to Somerset.

The Deanery High School, where Canon Forrest was for many years chairman of governors, was also represented.
Rev Hutchinson said: "This was a lovely and moving occasion and the full church was indicative of how many people Malcolm knew and worked with, not just in the church, but also Wigan the place and its people which he loved so much."

Rector Ray Hutchinson leads the funeral procession