Bernard served as general secretary between 1982 and 1991, and his landmark contribution to the Union was pioneering, in partnership with his long-standing friend Reg Harvey (general director of BMS World Mission), the move from Baptist Church House London to joint premises with BMS in Baptist House, Didcot.

It was, in the words of his successor the Revd Dr David Coffey, 'a visionary move'. 'Those who understood the historic relations between the Society and the Union realised the significance of this bold decision.'

A gifted and experienced local pastor, Bernard served a number of churches, including Yardley, Birmingham (1952 - 61), Mansfield Road, Nottingham (1961 - 76), Bilborough, Nottingham (1974 - 76) and Horfield, Bristol (1976 - 82).

He was called to succeed the Revd David Russell as general secretary, and many welcomed his appointment because 'we knew he was bringing the heart of a wise and experienced pastor into the leadership of the Union,' said Dr Coffey.

Dr Coffey served under Bernard between 1988 and 1991 as BUGB secretary of evangelism, observing at close hand that Bernard was 'a man of prayer and devotion'.

He was 'exceptionally conscientious' in his administrative work and performed his demanding duties as general secretary while 'battling with seasons of ill health'.

He was a lifelong pacifist, and had a 'generous and gracious' heart towards other Christian traditions. In the face of strong opposition from some of the churches, he steered the Union towards membership of the new ecumenical instruments in 1989.

After leaving the general secretary post he deepened his interest in Baptist history, producing a biography on JH Rushbrooke, a British Baptist minister and Baptist World Alliance secretary. He also gathered much material for the book European Baptists and the Third Reich, which was completed by John Briggs and Faith Bowers of the Baptist Historical Society due to Bernard's failing health.

He remained in Oxfordshire and was a member of Abingdon Baptist Church, where his last minister was the Revd David Fleming.

'When I arrived as minister of Abingdon Baptist Church, I knew that Bernard and his wife Joan were part of the membership,' said Mr Fleming. 'Bernard asked to see me almost as soon as I arrived. Over tea he assured me of his support and said that he would not interfere, but offered his advice any time I chose to seek it. "I may have been general secretary," he said "but now you are my minister."

'Over the years I sought Bernard's advice many times, and with good reason. I found him a wise and godly man, a reconciler and a man of peace.

'He was active in the cafe at our church, and it was not unusual to see the former general secretary clearing tables as well as offering pastoral support to our customers.

'I came to view Bernard as a real friend and as a treasure in the church, and I join many others in mourning a truly humble servant of God.'

The Revd Jonathan Edwards, general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, said that Bernard is fondly remembered throughout the denomination as 'a caring, thoughtful and pastoral general secretary.' 
 

'He was general secretary when I began my own ministry and I remember the personal encouragement and support he was to me,' said Mr Edwards.

'He led the denomination at a demanding time and I know he gave his whole self to the huge demands of his office.

'We give thanks for a life whose godly influence touched and blessed thousands of people, and we will remember his family in our prayers at this time of parting.'

'Many of us welcomed warmly his appointment as general secretary of the BUGB in 1982 because we knew he was bringing the heart of a wise and experienced pastor into the leadership of the Union.' David Coffey on Bernard Green

A service of thanksgiving for the life of the Revd Bernard Green will take place at Abingdon Baptist Church (35 Ock Street, Abingdon)  at 2:30pm on Tuesday 9 April.