A correspondent writes:
THE Revd Gillian Margaret Dallow began life in an area of Cardiff where streets are either given semi-fictitious Scots names, in honour of the Earl of Bute, or are named after metals. Gill attended Metal Street Presbyterian Church guided by her father, who was a Moderator.
Showing much talent at school, Gill proceeded to Bangor, University of Wales, gaining a II i in theology, followed by teacher training and a diploma in education.
Teaching at a challenging school in Pontypridd, Gill won her way to the hearts of those who had at first told her that they didn’t believe in God and didn’t want to learn Welsh; strapping youths wept when she left for a sixth-form college in Hereford. It was here that she met her future husband, Roger Dallow
Very sadly, Roger died of Lymphoma only six months later. Gill became a widow at the early age of 24.
She moved to Bristol to teach at a girls’ public school, studying for a higher degree at the same time, and becoming very active in Redlands church, mostly as an evangelist and mostly with youth.
Gill was a pioneer when working for the Scripture Union, setting up Christian Union clubs over a wide area in the south-west and in Wales, and forming the Association of Christian Teachers.
Gill formed wonderful and lasting friendships. All recognised her vibrant, engaging personality, her strong determination to see things through, and her initiative and ability to get things done. One or two leaders saw her powerful spirit as a threat, but the wise knew to give her free rein for the good of everyone.
Having gained a higher degree, Gill became Director of Training at what was then the London Bible College (now London School of Theology). She wrote two books; Touching the Future was very influential and is still obtainable.
During her time at the college, Gill was accepted for ministry training and was ordained in 1996 in St Paul’s Cathedral. She served her title, as a NSM, at St John and St James, West Ealing, where her vivacious nature and lively engagement made her stay very memorable. (Look up the Sound of Dallow on Google.)
Next, Gill took charge of the parish of Barlestone, in Leicestershire, and was also diocesan youth adviser. Gill’s lovely personal touch blossomed in joys and sadness, as she got to know most people in the community, befriending and bonding permanently with “those of the household of faith” and with others besides.
Obliged to return to Cardiff to look after her ageing mother, Gill went through a very stressful time with house moving, change of direction, and work.
The change brought an appointment by the Archbishop of Wales as Chaplain to the Welsh Assembly and also her recognition as associate minister at St Mark’s and St Philip’s, Cardiff. The first of these churches is looked upon as a beacon of Evangelical Anglicanism, and the second was that of a conventional district in a very disadvantaged area. Gill preached and served at St Mark’s, but it was at St Philip’s in Tremorfa that Gill had an outstanding impact, turning the area into a parish by getting to know everyone. Gill’s “network” of people and friends ranged from Members of the Welsh Assembly to poor children who had only wellingtons to wear.
Near the beginning of her return to Cardiff, Gill had taken her mother to a Christian Guild Hotel at St Briavels, where she met Stephen, a retired schoolmaster, who became her second husband. Gill and Stephen formed a special bond together and enjoyed great happiness.
Gill’s lovely personality, her sunshine smile, her ability to form deep and lasting friendships, and her profound influence in so many areas are to be remembered. In all her trials, especially in the final illness, Gill’s faith never failed. She remains ever, through her life and example, a fearless evangelist, a faithful servant of the Lord, and a lover of mankind.
The Revd Gill Dallow died on 12 June, aged 76.
