The Revd George Bonson: 1925-2026

George passed away peacefully, at his home in Atherton, on 16 March 2026. George had served as an accredited Baptist minister for 76 years

Serving in the Royal Navy and stationed in the North East of Scotland he met Eva, the daughter of the Revd Fred Price who was at that time the minister at Peterhead Baptist Church. They married in 1951. Sadly Eva passed away in June 2025.

George’s first church was Helensburgh Baptist Church on the banks of the Clyde and it was there that their three children were born.

From there he moved to Cottingham Road Baptist Church. He was appointed Chaplain of Hull University and always spoke with great enthusiasm about his involvement with the church Boys' Brigade.

From Cottingham Road, George was inducted at Atherton Baptist Church in August 1961. In 1970 he left that church and became head of Religious Studies at Leigh Girls Grammar School and then the sixth form college. He and Eva continued to be very active members at the church and Eva spent a number of years on the diaconate.

George continued to preach, most Sundays, as a guest in various churches, and also acted as an interim minister and as a moderator. As recently as November 2025, at the age of 100 and as he had for many years, George prayed at the church war memorial, while the town’s parade halted for the purpose.

George and Eva will be remembered not only for their service to the churches and the wider Baptist family, but as sources of wisdom, support and prayer to many people.

A faithful servant to the end.




 

Nigel Bonson