Glyn Phillip Rhys Prosser: 1928-2013
Glyn was born into a Baptist family in a Welsh village, Goytre. His father was the Church Secretary, and it was in this community that the foundations of his faith were laid. The family moved Griffithstown, Pontypool as Glyn came up to secondary school age and he went to West Monmouth Grammar School. It was there that Glyn came under the influence of the Rev. Peter Mcintyre the then Pastor of the Griffithstown Church. At 17 entered Regents College Oxford, having won a scholarship, to read history.
On finishing his first degree he joined the Army for his two years National Service which took him to Singapore. It was whilst he was in the Army he learned a number of skills which he always said were a help in later ministry. From the army he returned to Regents College for theological studies. He maintained close links with the college throughout his ministry and frequently attended College reunions.
Glyn felt called to missionary service and with others was validated at a service in Cambridge. His future wife Barbara who had qualified as a doctor was validated on the same occasion. He left for India in September 1952 to become the District Missionary in Bowout and Barbara to Bhiwani hospital. They were engaged in November 1953 and married at the Free Church in New Delhi in April 1954.
At the end of their first term of service of five years Glyn and Barbara returned. Unfortunately Glyn health prevented him returning to India and he joined the Headquarters Staff of the B. M. S. where he eventually became editor for the Society.
After fifteen years Glyn left to train as a teacher and then took up a post at Newstead Woods School for Girls, Orpington. He continued to serve the local churches as a preacher on Sundays.
He and Barbara moved to Hastings in 1984, and there he became the Secretary of the Sussex Baptist Association, an office he held for ten years. During this period the Association underwent a number of significant developments which he guided with his administrative skills. His pastoral gifts were much in evidence in his support for both Ministers and Churches.
He moderated at various churches including Victoria, Pevensey Bay and St. Leonards in East Sussex. He was a Minister with a pastoral heart and keen mind, always eager to spread of the Gospel and build up of strong local churches.
Towards the end of his life Glyn suffered from serious health problems which he bore with quiet fortitude and patience. He died quietly one night at home. We remember his wife and two sons Philip and John and their families.
A pastor of whom it will be said ‘well done good and faithful servant’.
J. R. G.