Tributes to respected and popular pastor with strong Burnley and Pendle links

Canon Gordon Bellinger, who has died at the age of 89, took up the position of vicar at Colne Holy Trinity in 1958 where he stayed for 10 years, also held the position of Burnley Deanery Youth Chaplain from 1959 until 1967.

The Archdeacon of Blackburn, the Ven. Mark Ireland, was a curate at Lancaster Priory in the 1980s and remembers Gordon well.

He said: “Gordon was a great encourager of the ministry of others, including my own. I remember him most of all as a fine pastor; one who loved God and loved people and who, by faithful pastoral care, built up a very large and thriving congregation comprising members of all ages. He and Sheila were a great team, who have impacted for good on the lives of so many.”

Gordon’s funeral service will take place at St Paul’s Church, Scotforth, at 1-30pm on Tuesday July 31st, followed by cremation at Lancaster Crematorium. All who knew Gordon are welcome to attend.

Gordon leaves his wife Sheila, daughters Alison and Rosemary, their husbands and four grandchildren.