TRIBUTES have been paid to a “gentle” and “calm” former Bradford vicar whose service to ministry spanned 70 years.

The Rev Roger Fry, former vicar of St John’s Church in East Bowling, died on July 31 at the age of 95.

Roger was an Anglican vicar known for his work in East Bowling, serving in the parish for 26 years.

Tributes have been paid to the Rev Roger Fry, former vicar at St John's Church in East BowlingTributes have been paid to the Rev Roger Fry, former vicar at St John's Church in East Bowling (Image: UGC)

He moved to North Yorkshire in 1987 where he oversaw two churches at Ingleton and St Leonards Chapel le Dale, until his retirement in 1995. He lived in Ben Rhydding in recent years.

Born in Birmingham in 1929, he grew up in Solihull.

After National Service, he went to Cambridge University to study Theology and Economics.

After graduating he followed his call to be a vicar in the Church of England. He trained in Bristol, Bath and Staffordshire, before arriving at St John’s, East Bowling, in Bradford in 1961.

The Rev Roger Fry at a younger ageThe Rev Roger Fry at a younger age (Image: UGC)

East Bowling at the time was a community confronting huge change.

Roger began by visiting parishioners in the immediate area and established a youth provision.

When Wakefield Road was expanded, housing and the churchyard were impacted.

Roger supported local parishioners through this time and appeared in the T&A with a campaign to fill potholes on local roads.

In tribute, his family said: “Roger had a gentle and disarming way of working, listening and getting to know people across the parish.

“His style of theology was open and evangelical, nurturing faith and believing that God welcomed everyone.

“His calm and easy approach helped to build loyalty to St John’s, which began to grow.

From the start, Roger nurtured local involvement in the church, mentoring new leaders and building a team ministry.

In 1963, Roger married Jean, one of the Sunday School teachers and they had two daughters, Rachel and Hannah.

His family said: “Hospitality and an open home were important with the vicarage a busy place to call by. This was especially before the new church hall was built and activities were based there.

“In the mid-80s, the church developed ministries that engaged and worked with folk on the edge.

“This was the start of various projects that focussed on building meaningful connection with people in the community.”

After a period of increased growth at St John’s church, Roger moved to develop a rural ministry in St Mary’s Ingleton and St Leonard’s Chapel le Dale.

In his retirement, Roger supported St John’s Church in Ben Rhydding and initiated links with a children’s project in Uganda, establishing sustainable support for its future development.

Roger’s ministry and service spanned 70 years. He leaves his wife Jean, two daughters and four grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1.30pm on Thursday, August 29, St John’s in Ben Rhydding.