Many people in Kirkheaton will have fond memories of Patrick (Pat) Harris who died in December 2020. He was Rector of  Kirkheaton from 1980 to 1985 after spending  a number of years as Bishop of  Northern Argentina. Here he learned the language and gained the love of the Wichi people who gave him the affectionate name “Kahyentes”, meaning “Encourager.”

Pat oversaw significant changes at St John’s church. He will be remembered by his former congregation for his love of people and his irrepressible humour. Soon after arrival in the village, a little old lady, a member of the congregation, looked up and down his six-foot figure and pronounced, “Thou’lt do,” to which Pat replied, “Thou’lt do, too.”

On leaving Kirkheaton he was a bishop for 47 years and in addition to Northern Argentina and Southwell, served as an Assistant Bishop in Wakefield, Oxford, Lincoln, Gloucester and Europe.

People will remember him fondly as a wonderful pastor, unfailingly kind and attentive, developing the gifts of others and nurturing the faith of new Christians.

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