SADDLEWORTH’s most isolated village is mourning the death of its much-loved and longest serving vicar.
Rev Sydney Leigh Clayton MA, 77, was the last incumbent of Christ Church, Denshaw, and though he was offered high office in the Church of England, he ‘preferred to remain a village parson.’
He was appointed in 1976, and inducted at Denshaw in 1977 serving as vicar until 2009 when ill health forced him to retire.
The benefice of Christ Church was suspended and remained in interregnum until joining the Saddleworth Team earlier this year when the benefice was finally dissolved.
A hugely respected cleric, Sydney, who died on March 2, was a friend to everyone in the village and has been greatly missed since his retirement.
He was educated at Manchester Grammar School and won a scholarship to Pembroke College Oxford to study ‘The Greats’ where he gained his MA, and later was awarded a Bachelor of Divinity degree by the University of London.
He trained for the ministry at Lincoln Theological College and was ordained Deacon in 1965 and priest in 1966.
His first appointment was as curate at St. James’ Birch in Rusholme, Manchester, where he served for three years, before moving to Bolton Parish Church to take up the post of Lecturer until he came to Denshaw.
During his time at Denshaw he was chairman of Managers at Christ Church Primary School and subsequently Chair of Governors, he was also a representative on Oldham SACRE.
Some years ago he was presented with a carriage clock and certificate for Distinguished Service by Oldham Council Education Department for more than 30 years as a school governor.
He taught RE in the school for many years and is fondly remembered by generations of Denshaw school children.
In addition to being Vicar of Denshaw, he was an external examiner to Oxford and London Universities and a section 13 (now SIMS) inspector.
Mary Rodgers, PCC secretary and long time friend said: “Sydney’s wonderful sense of humour and ready wit made him an ideal dinner guest!
“His intellect was way beyond the majority of those he mixed with from day to day but he treated all as equals and never made anyone feel inferior.
“I am sure many learned a lot from him and he was never reluctant to answer questions however mundane.”
Ros Martin, church warden, added: “He left a lasting memorial with the beautiful Spring flowers he planted in the churchyard. He will never be forgotten.”
And Cllr Alan Roughley, who lives in Denshaw, said: “Sydney, as he was known to everyone in Denshaw, was an institution.
“The village became his life and he was rather proud to be Vicar of Christ Church. His sermons were always astute and to the point.
“We will not see his like again. I am grateful to have known him.”
Sydney’s funeral service will be conducted by Bishop Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, at Christ Church, Denshaw, on Thursday, March 19 at 1p.m followed by interment in Denshaw churchyard.
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