It is with deep and profound sadness that The Haileybury Society has learned of the death of Haileybury’s much loved and hugely popular former Chaplain, Rev. Christopher Briggs (Chaplain, 2000-2019) who died in the early hours of 21st December 2022.
A long career of service and dedication
A devout Christian, Chris wished to serve God wherever his calling took him; as a result, he was to see life from all angles. He began his career serving the Parish of St Mary the Virgin Horsell in the Guildford Diocese from 1989 until 1993 before moving to Hong Kong, then still a British colony until its return to China in 1997.
While there, he served as Chaplain at St John’s Cathedral with specific responsibility for the Daughter Church of St Stephen, Stanley, and as Chaplain of Stanley and Tung Tau Prisons. Upon his return to the UK, Chris served as vicar of St George with St Nicholas, Norton, in Letchworth Garden City before joining Haileybury as Chaplain in 2000, a position he was to hold for a further 19 years before moving to Shiplake College in 2019.
Special to Haileybury
Of course, it is for his role at Haileybury that Members remember Chris most fondly. He was unique in his kindness and generosity of spirit, providing a supportive and reassuring presence to all he encountered no matter their age or religious views (including those who had none). As such, he was uniquely suited to the role of Chaplain, one he was to hold with great distinction over nearly two decades at Haileybury, making himself available at any time to provide support, pastoral care and spiritual counsel as and when it was needed.
Chris’s reputation for compassion, empathy, and absolute discretion meant that he was to emerge as one of the most highly-regarded of all Haileybury staff, even after he left the School in 2019.
Maintaining contact with many OHs, Chris was also never to lose his love of the school. As well as being made an Honorary Member of the Haileybury Society, he also served on its General Committee in recent years, reminding us in particular of the importance of community and service, but also of the need for friendship and dialogue.
Special to everyone
It is testament to the love with which he was held that Chapel was crowded for Chris’s final service at Haileybury as pupils, staff, parents, OHs and former staff all joined together in celebration of his service. True to form, Chris delivered a memorable and thought-provoking sermon, Gratitude and Service during which he also spoke warmly of his appreciation for the work of The Haileybury Society and its members. One of the lessons was read by OH Stephen Miller (LS & L 09) who, as many members will know, was recently ordained himself.
It is typical of Chris’s humility that he asked for the retiring collection to be taken on behalf of the Church of St John the Baptist at Great Amwell, an ancient and historic local church which Chris served as a volunteer during his 19 years at Haileybury.
A Chaplain honoured
The Haileybury Society was determined notwithstanding to honour Chris for his dedication and friendship.
As the Chapel emptied on the day of his final service, many of the congregation made their way to the Master’s lodge and garden for a drinks reception.
Here, then President of the Haileybury Society, Doug Everard (BF 73), presented Chris with a very special gift funded by donations from Society members.
This, a specially-commissioned bespoke Dartington Crystal wine cooler (below). Featuring an engraved image of the Chapel from Quad and containing special words of thanks from the Society for Chris’ invaluable support and friendship over many years, this was received graciously by Chris and his wife Jo.
Farewell, dear Chaplain
Whether during his period at the school or afterwards, Members of The Haileybury Society owe Chris a huge debt of gratitude for his care and dedication to so many over the years. As well as beautifully orchestrated services in our beloved Chapel, and his empathy and support in difficult times, he has also been the face of service and compassion at innumerable OH weddings and funerals over the years.
As Society Secretary Jane Everard (L 76 & Alb) wrote on the occasion of his leaving Haileybury in 2019, “Chris is a very special person. I am so thankful to have made his acquaintance, first as a Haileybury parent back in 2001, and in more recent years as a colleague. He has worked tirelessly alongside the Society, supporting our members though personal loss and grief, carrying out numerous OH weddings and funerals, and most recently leading us through our WW1 commemorations to remember and honour our fallen. He has been both a mentor and friend with a pragmatic and empathetic manner, often intertwined with a rare self-deprecating humour. God bless you Chris. We are in your debt.”
Indeed we are. All who were touched by his grace and humility will never forget him.
Farewell dear Chris.
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