George’s Gift

Dear friends,

One of the items I needed to clear from my metal trunk (in order that it could be used as a “treasure chest” in church on Sunday) was an old pharmaceutical chemistry text book. This was published exactly a century ago, and became such a standard work that it was still, just, in use at University entry level fifty years later in the 1970’s.  My copy of “Bentley and Driver” is embossed in gold on the front with the name “Mr G.T. Lucas.” George Lucas was in his eighties when I was a youth, and he lived with his sister, Kate, in a timber bungalow nestled under the North Downs, along the Pilgrim’s Way, in Kent. Kate Lucas was the church organist, and she bravely attempted to teach me the piano, at a time when I didn’t know the value of the instrument, or of music. My mother would now and then take my sister and myself to see the two elderly siblings, in their ramshackle but cosy home. George Lucas was well retired, happily content, kept a considerable number of bee hives, and practised arboriculture on their large plot of land. You could be mistaken for thinking him an eccentric countryman. In fact, he was just enjoying his leisure, after a life of service as a pharmaceutical chemist. His whole career had been with Boots. My mother brought the text book home one day a few years after we had moved. “George was thrilled you are going to University to do Chemistry,” she said. “He wanted you to have this.”  It was a touching gift, I thought, and the book has travelled with me ever since, bringing memories not only of childhood, and academic study, but also of commitment and dedication.

For it was only some years later that I discovered that George’s gift to me had also been a gift to him. A congratulatory letter was carefully glued into the frontspiece, which needed to be unfolded to be read, and was thus easily mistaken for a blank endpaper. Dated June 2nd 1927 it is a signed presentation note from none other than Jesse Boot himself. (The co-founder of Boots the Chemist). Mr Boot and his business partner Mr Waring have decided to make an award to all those (young men) in their employ who have passed Part 1 of their Pharmacy examinations and are now studying for Part 2. Towards the close of the letter Jesse Boot writes: “Today is the 77th anniversary of my birthday. In the natural course of things the voyage of my life must be drawing to a close and my vessel, with sides battered and sails torn, is lying outside the harbour awaiting the Pilot. Nevertheless I feel the most intense interest in you who are just embarking on the voyage of Life, full of high hopes and earnest endeavour. I am sure Mr Waring will join with me in wishing God’s blessing may rest upon you – and what better could we wish? May you hold aloft the standard of your vocation, looking upon it not merely as a means of gaining a livelihood, but as enabling you to perform a high duty towards mankind.”

Here was a highly proficient scientist, (and businessman) investing in the future generation by giving probably the most advanced and technical text book of his day to those coming along behind him, who felt no contradiction between this and expressing his faith in God’s provision and care. The two went hand in hand – the search for truth, and trust in God.There is no tension, rather wonder, as we examine and learn from the works of the Creator, and take our baby-steps in thinking His thoughts after him, for the betterment of both ourselves, and the world we share and serve.

In 1927 Jesse Boot had been in partnership with Mr Waring for almost forty years and was beginning to look to his legacy. I am happy to report that I have in my possession a number of products with his “signature” on them, although I can tell you, my readers, that this bears only a passing resemblance that which graces the dedication page of George’s Gift.

Worship Services for Sunday 28th September

9.30am Holy Communion at St John’s Stoke Row with Revd Kevin Davies

11am Holy Communion at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Revd Kevin Davies.

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Pray (online) today

The Church of England offers a free daily devotional, straight to your mobile device. It is called “Everyday Faith” Readings, prayers, and reflections to help, encourage and guide. You can download the app for both Apple and Android phones, and read more about the app at this link to the Church of England national website. (This website is worth exploring by itself too.)

While I am on matters of the web – a useful tool for either yourself or friends, especially when you are trying a “find a church” – is the website “A Church Near You”. You can search by place, postcode or name, and map. Here’s the link, do try it. See if you can find your local church…..

Lastly, also useful for information and contacts, and to refer friends, is our own Langtree Team ministry website.

Of course, a web presence is all very well, but by far the best advertisement or recommendation is word of mouth. Let us build one another up, in deed as much as in word.

In the words of Mr Boot, of sacred memory, “may God’s blessing rest upon you”.

Your Rector, a one-time chemist, Canon Kevin.