Henry David Halsey[1] (27 January 1919 – 16 May 2009)[2] was an Anglican bishop. During his tenure, Bishop Halsey's focus was as a pastoral bishop, and the care of the clergy and their wives was his first priority. By supporting the clergy, he was able to support the people of the diocese. His home was a place of welcome and hospitality to innumerable groups in the diocese, but also a means of reaching out into the community. Representatives of the farming community, health and social services, the police, and many other groups all benefited from invitations to Rose. Many links were formed as a result, not only between Church and community, but within the different community groups.[3]

Life

Bishop Halsey was educated at King's College School, Wimbledon and King's College London. After this he took holy orders at Wells Theological College and was ordained in 1942 to a curacy at St. Peter's Church, Petersfield.[4] He became a naval chaplain in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve where he met his wife Rachel, whom he married in 1947. He then served the Christian ministry successively in the West Country (Plymouth and Netheravon) and Kent (Chatham, Bromley[5] and Tonbridge[6]). He was Bishop of Carlisle from 1972[7] until his retirement in 1989. As well as taking a productive role within the diocese, he was also able to take on an active role in the House of Lords. Indeed, despite being from the most distant diocese, Bishop Halsey achieved one of the highest attendance rates of the Lords Spiritual at the time.[8]

In retirement, David and Rachel moved to their home of many years on the Isle of Wight, which they also made a place of welcoming and loving hospitality. He and his wife Rachel had four daughters - Sarah, Jill, Jane and Mary. Rachel died in October 2013 in Cumbria.[9]

References

  1. ^ Who's Who: London, A & C Black, 1992 ISBN 0-7136-3514-2
  2. ^ The Daily Telegraph Obituary p 29: Issue no 47,909 dated Monday 15 June 2009
  3. ^ "Obituary: THE RT REVD HENRY DAVID HALSEY". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  4. ^ A history of Christianity in Petersfield: the stories of the local churches: Petersfield, Petersfield Area Historical Society, 2001 Monograph No 4 ISSN 0262-5970
  5. ^ List of rectors of St Peter and St Paul Archived 29 July 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Suffragan Bishop, 1968–72 Who's Who: London, A & C Black, 1970 ISBN 0-7136-1140-5
  7. ^ The Times, Thursday, 31 Aug 1972; pg. 14; Issue 58567; col A Church News: New Bishop of Carlisle chosen
  8. ^ Bown, Francis (March 1994). "Influencing the House of Lords: The Role of the Lords Spiritual 1979–1987". Political Studies. 42 (1): 105–119. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9248.1994.tb01678.x. ISSN 0032-3217. S2CID 143870301.
  9. ^ "Halsey Rachel - Obituary - News and Star Announcements - News and Star". www.myfamilyannouncements.co.uk. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
Church of England titles Preceded byRussell Berridge White Bishop of Tonbridge 1968 – 1972 Succeeded byPhilip Harold Ernest Goodrich Preceded bySydney Cyril Bulley Bishop of Carlisle 1972 – 1989 Succeeded byIan Harland
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