Remembering... Mr Barry Smith

The Ven Alan Jeans MBE, Archdeacon of Sarum, writes: 

Barry was a former PCC member at All Saints’ Burbage, in Pewsey Deanery, member of the Deanery Outreach Group, Aldhelm Fund Trustee, and member of the Board of Parish Development and Mission Council.  Barry was also a Trustee of the Harnhill Centre for Christian Healing. 

I first met Barry when I was the Priest-in-Charge of Bishops Cannings, All Cannings and Etchilhampton from 1993-1998.  Barry and his family were resident in All Cannings, and he contacted me to arrange an appointment to come and see me, and explain why I would not see him in my churches!  Barry and his family had a firm commitment to All Saints Burbage, where a more charismatic evangelical congregation had been established.  Having explained that, he then asked how he could help with my ministry in the Cannings’ benefice.  Barry was a real support, offering help with communications and the parish magazine, and offering resources with the youth club we established in the benefice.  He and Liz also did come to Evensong, and even said he appreciated my preaching! 

Barry and I were part of a group that planned a visit of the then Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey to the Diocese, in 1997.  From that experience Barry and Liz became friends with Archbishop George and Eileen, and Barry became a Lambeth Partner, supporting mission initiatives set up in the Archbishop’s name.  Barry quickly became passionate about developing resources and support for mission across the Diocese; joining the Board of Parish Development from 1998 – 2005 and the Mission Council from 2005 – 2018.  He contributed to, and assisted the Aldhelm Mission Fund, personally helping with local projects as they developed.  He retired from directing his business of Haine and Smith Opticians in 2019, and moved to Scotland. Barry died in hospital after a short illness on 13th October. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.