Eulogy for Fr. Paul Goodridge

This eulogy for Fr. Paul Goodridge was delivered on Sunday February 20, 2022 at the Church of the Resurrection by Alison Mutler

Paul Charles Goodridge didn’t set out to be a priest.

He chose that route many years into his working life as a civil servant, a career he’d done rather well in and enjoyed.

Studying theology in later life and going into the priesthood was a step in an unknown direction.

There weren’t that many incentives and perks and benefits in his late career change as he told us sometimes in his Sunday sermons. Not grumbling or peeved, mind you, just an observation with a slight hint of irony.

But God had plans for Paul. And when God has plans for you, life has a funny way of changing in ways you hadn’t imagined.

So in his late 40s, Paul was a layman and then ordained.

He worked in Cheam, Surrey, and looked after two or three parishes.

Paul spread God’s word wherever he went.

Come to think of it, Paul was a fitting name. I don’t think he had a conversion on the road to Damascus in the manner Saul did, but Paul spoke God’s word and showed people his love wherever he went, in every sermon, every conversation and every caring prayer.

The biblical Paul was known for Crete and his letter to Cretans. One memory I have of Paul is also connected with Crete which was the location for the Eastern Deanary Synod.

A lovely place to go in September, you’d think.

But Paul wasn’t having any of it. He just wouldn’t go. All our efforts as church wardens, gentle pressure from the diocese, finding good travel routes, and other entreaties, nothing worked. Paul could be stubborn at times, as I’m sure Rumyana would agree.

Paul wasn’t a perfect person, he’d be the first to admit this, but he was a special priest, a gifted priest who I believe was called by God.

One of my early memories was how he always signed his emails God Bless and I felt slightly uncomfortable as it was easier for me to say Best regards, all best etc. etc. or goodbye if I was having a conversation. But in time, I grew bolder and those words became part of my language and life.

Paul’s words touched people’s hearts, whoever they were. Many of us are here especially today to remember Paul and to thank him for enriching our lives and faiths. He served us in sickness and in health, though in time he grew frailer, and travel was hard.

I had a dream about Paul a week or so ago. He was in Heaven, a grassy, pleasant place, like the Elysian Fields we read about. But Paul wasn’t entirely happy. He was missing Rumyana, which I understood, and he was also wearing a rather shabby black coat. I was puzzled about that detail but there was nobody I could ask.

Later, when I was collecting tributes, I was chatting with Jae Riden on social media. She sent me her tribute and then almost as an afterthought, she told me the story of how Rumyana told Paul he needed a new coat as the one he was wearing was scruffy. Paul didn’t believe her - I said he was stubborn. Then one day he was in Bucharest and he bent down to tie his shoelaces in Bucharest and someone pushed money into his hand, thinking he was homeless. Paul then realized he needed a new coat…. This is an amusing story, but it was incredible how this detail appeared in my dream and how Jae explained it to me without her knowing about my dream. That is God at work.  

Some people have sent me messages from Britain, the United States, Romania, Spain and Switzerland, such wonderful memories which I’ll share with you.

“Father Paul was the man who introduced me to Anglicanism.  I remember the first Sunday Stacey and I visited Church of the Resurrection.  I wasn’t certain what to expect.  When Paul came forward to share his lesson for the day I was amazed at his ability to make complex things simple and applicable to my everyday life. Paul always took the time to listen.  He showed Christ’s love in everything he did. I had hoped to one day return and spend more time with him.  He made an indelible mark on my life and for that I will always be thankful,” said John J. in the U.S.

“Father Paul, slow to anger, soft-spoken yet with great care for his choice of words. He literally went to great lengths to keep our congregation nourished with the word of God. He led by example and inspired us to be better versions of who we are. He was humble and appreciative of any kind gesture. His sermons always helped us to reflect on our personal situation and how God wants to work in our lives. Mostly, he made everyone feel cherished and welcome,” wrote Jae R. from Madrid.

“Reverend Paul knew how to gather the people around him, making them feel welcome in the church and in the community. He was bringing peace with his kindness and words of wisdom,” said Iuliana S. whose marriage was blessed by Paul.  “He was a truly godly and compassionate man, a great inspiration to us and to many, brought us closer to God.” 

Rumyana was the love of Paul’s life, a love he shared that love with us, as a congregation. If Rumyana was in church that weekend, he was happy. If she was in Bulgaria caring for her parents, he wasn’t so happy. And told us.

It was something that endeared him to us and made God’s love real.

“Paul was one of the really ‘chosen few’ who could make all around him feel wanted and needed , when speaking he only spoke to you, not at you.” Ian wrote to me. “During a sermon it felt as his words were directed to each individual,” Ian told me.

These words I feel I have spoken this morning are in some way not mine, but they have been spoken through me.

Touched by the messages that poured into my WhatsApp and email inbox, I will end this eulogy with words from Ian.

“I like to believe we are better people for knowing you friend. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. God Bless.”

Paul, May you Rest in Pace and Rise in Glory…. And I’m sure they have a great selection of coats in Heaven.