The Revd Stephen Lomas: 1954-2021 

'A very special person, pastor, teacher who had the ability to reach young and old'

Stephen touched many lives in Arundel and especially those of school children and staff and in the community. He had open access to eight primary schools, and at most of them, was given free reign to talk about Jesus.  He was often asked to go into question and answer sessions, as well as teaching from the Bible in different classes. It was a commitment he really enjoyed.

He was also actively involved in the community of Arundel and surrounding district with scout and guide groups, hospital chaplaincy and care homes, always ready to reach out to those in need. I suppose one of his successes was the introduction of children's fun days, two of them, during the August Arundel Festival, and which were the only provision for children during the 10 days of festival. It was very popular and we would usually have more than 100 children and parents on site, bouncy castle included!

Stephen was a very special person, pastor, teacher and had the ability to reach young and old. The church at Arundel Baptist have been generous in their tributes, and those that have been received, from ABC and the wider communities, have all said much the same thing: a very special and loving man.

His diagnosis of gastric cancer mid-June, was a shock and something we both found difficult to get our heads around. For Steve, all he would say was: "It is as it is and God will have the last word." It was a very difficult time, and very hard to watch the deterioration. Stephen died 25 September, just a few months after diagnosis. The Revd Paul Kerley led Stephen's funeral on 15 October, just a day before his 67th birthday.

His epitaph should be: 'He walked humbly, and joyfully, with his God' - because that was what he did.
 

Jill Lomas