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The Rev. Canon Peter Ceredig Evans

3, 1913, the second son of the Rev. John Lewis Evans and his wife Mary Jane.He had a distinguished academic career at the Universities of Wales and Oxford, and served as an Army Chaplain during World War Two.

3, 1913, the second son of the Rev. John Lewis Evans and his wife Mary Jane.

He had a distinguished academic career at the Universities of Wales and Oxford, and served as an Army Chaplain during World War Two. In 1954, a medical specialist advised his move to a warmer climate to help relieve the sinus condition which had been troublesome since army desert service. So when in 1956, Bishop Jogoe, on the advice of Archdeacon John Stow, asked if he would like to be considered for the Parish of Paget, he accepted and he and Dorothy with their two daughters (Janet and Wendy) arrived in Bermuda September 28, 1955.

He immediately went to work to revitalise St. Paul's. He revived the gift-giving service on the second Sunday in December at which toys were brought for distribution by the Salvation Army, and he inaugurated the candlelight service on Christmas Eve followed by the Carol Service on the first Sunday after Christmas. During that month he also established in the church the first book stall for religious literature.

In 1956, he started monthly Vestry Meetings, and it is interesting to note that one minute book covered the period 1912-1956 (44 years) and five books were filled 1956-1981 (25 years) the year of his retirement. He also was the first to include grave numbers alongside entries in the Burial Book. Before 1955 it was difficult to locate some peoples' last resting place.

In 1957, the Guild proposed that a new Church Hall be built, and Peter spared no pains in getting the best advice possible from experts abroad to ensure that the building should be located and planned with every detail attended to for maximum service to the church family. He recommended that the Wells Organisation be employed to raise funds through a Church Canvass, and this began in February 1958. In 1959 he obtained the services of Dr. Harry Atkinson, who was a famed Christian Education building expert. In addition, he had Dr. Harold Wagoner brought down for his advice, as he was a well-known and respected church building architect. He resisted all pressure to site the building away from close proximity to the Church itself.

In 1960, along with Mr. Cecil Downs, he founded the first Bermuda Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade and was President until his retirement in 1981.

In 1961, he recommended the purchase of the Moniz property, which is now the playground and overflow parking area for the Church. In that year the Evans' third daughter Hilary was born.

During these first years of his ministry he was concerned with eradicating racial segregation of any sort as well as eliminating any distracting trappings in the church itself. His efforts in both directions brought objections from some of the established parishioners and the resulting mental anguish he suffered in fighting for what was right took its toll. In February, 1962 he became ill and was hospitalised until the end of May. He returned refreshed, and in June he instituted the 10.30 a.m. family service, which is still celebrated today. He also started the after service coffee hours.

In 1965, he spearheaded the abolition of the ancient practise of Pew Rents, and in September of that year the new Christian Education Centre (CEC) was dedicated as a fully-integrated building for the Sunday School and other church activities. In December, a set of rules was drawn up for the conduct of activities in the CEC, and fellowship suppers were started. The Sunday School grew to about 300 registered children, which has not been equalled since Peter's retirement. He was a supporter of the Young Majority, who came here for over ten years performing gospel programmes.

In 1968, he arranged for the Brian Green Mission to come to St. Paul's and this had a great impact in reviving the spiritual health of the congregation.

In November of 1969 he had the church lighting installed and was responsible for adding the sound reinforcement system and the recorded bells and chimes.

In 1970, he recommended that the floors of the church be redone and also that new pews be installed.

In 1972, Peter was appointed Canon of the Cathedral. In 1973, the new pews and choir stalls were installed at St. Paul's; the church was refurbished with new carpets and pulpit; an altar was placed in front of the congregation to bring the people closer to the heart of the Eucharist.

In 1975, he succeeded Bishop Trapp as President of the Bible Society. He was instrumental in bringing about several Christian Campaigns, which were based on the prayerful use of time, talents, and ability as well as the privilege of giving monetary assistance to our church. In connection with this, the system of outward giving was begun which entailed the church giving ten percent of its own income to the wider church in the world. Peter was careful in not only rehearsing the congregation when the Series II Services were brought in, but he also explained in great detail the reason for the change of wording from the 1928 prayer book. New hymn books with the accompanying music for each hymn were supplied at his wish, and the rotation of vestry members was inaugurated to widen the experience of the worshippers. He initiated weekly bulletins, and news sheets were compiled every three months. He began the roster of Readers & Sidesmen and oversaw the introduction of the first Electoral Roll brought in through Synod.

Throughout his 26 years of service to St. Paul's, Peter delivered hundreds of well-constructed, well-researched and well-received sermons. His knowledge of Latin and Greek enabled him to explain clearly many passages in the Bible, which were confusing because of the Old English translations.

He was a sensitive man and struggled to ensure that he did nothing or allowed anything which could, in any way, possibly have provided a temptation leading to negative results. During his ministry he never sought anything for himself, but only wished to serve his Lord and lead his congregation. When he heard hints that he might be considered for Bishop of Bermuda, he was quick to dispel the thought. He was a truly humble man who had understanding, courage, sympathy, wisdom, and a great love of God and His people. He was a servant who came as close as a human could in measuring up to the true stature of Christ.

Bermuda lost a great priest in Peter Evans on January 16, 1993, but those of us who knew him also know for certain that he rests in peace in the House of his Lord forever.

An epitaph written by his brother, Ieuan, reads: Loyal colleague Candid contender for the truth Earnest preacher Faithful pastor Brother beloved Contributed.