Canon Paul Denyer writes:
Further to your obituary of the Very Revd Dr Wesley Carr (Gazette, 28 July), when Wesley was Dean of Bristol, and I was Diocesan Director of Ordinands, he advised me, when interviewing a prospective ordinand, to “go for the gaps”. For example, if a candidate gave very full information in his or her application about two of their three children, but hardly any information about the third, it was the story of the third which I should ask about.
In meetings he could be direct. He once said that, contrary to conventional sentiment, the church building standing in the community was often a more eloquent testimony to the glory of God than the people who worshipped in it.
Wesley was someone of whose intellectual prowess one was always aware. A topic would be brought up. Wesley would initially remain silent. Then he would speak. “I think there are four points we should note here.” In four crisp sentences he would list them. We would sit back in awe of his wisdom and clarity.
He was enormously kind and supportive of me as a rookie DDO. I will always be very grateful. Behind a sometimes frowning providence, he hid a smiling face.
Sir Peter Marshall adds: During his years as Dean of Westminster, and especially in 2002, the Golden Jubilee year, Dr Carr masterminded a groundbreaking transformation in the annual Commonwealth Day Observance; so as both to correspond to evolving perceptions of how to portray and present the Commonwealth, and to take advantage of the widening scope for interfaith co-operation and worship which, in its capacity as a Royal Peculiar, the Abbey was most particularly able to promote.
In this he showed the same clarity of mind, and sureness of instinct, which he displayed in the extraordinary national moment of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Both as he grappled with physical limitations while still in office, and in his disabling and frustrating retirement, he could surely have had no greater care and support than that which his wife, Natalie, lavished upon him.
