time of tears and prayers: Courage of murdered organist’s widow hailed
The grieving widow of a church organist who died after being attacked on his way to a midnight mass service on Christmas Eve has spoken publicly of her tears over the “evil that has been done”.
Church community worker Maureen Greaves told the congregation of St Saviour’s Church, High Green, Sheffield, that she had felt their love and support since her husband Alan died.
The 68-year-old grandfather was making his way to the church from his home a few hundred yards away when he was subjected to the brutal attack.
Mr Greaves, a lay preacher and organist at the church, was discovered by a member of the public but died from his injuries on Thursday night.
Two men, one aged in his 20s and the other in his 40s, who were arrested over the killing on Saturday were last night released on bail by detectives.
During the service, Mrs Greaves told the congregation: “I won’t be able to contact you over the next few days, but I want to thank you for the support you have given me.
“I have prayed constantly for Alan and I know you have too. I have not stopped crying for him and I know you have not stopped either.
“I have wept over the evil that has been done. I have prayed for you and I know you have prayed for me. You were Alan’s Christian family and he loved belonging to this church. I have felt your love towards me.”
The Bishop of Sheffield, Steven Croft, attended the service and gave an address in which he described the grief and shock felt by the community.
“There is a sense of shock and a sense of outrage, not just in this community but across the whole city of Sheffield”, he said.
“Alan was the victim of a brutal attack as he was on his way to church on Christmas Eve, as he was walking to this church to bear witness to his deep Christian faith.
“There will be immense grief for those who knew Alan well, which includes many in this church and community.”
He went on to speak of the love and support offered to the family and also appreciation for the medical teams who tried to save Mr Greaves’s life.
“And in the midst of all this, I am sure, many will be giving thanks for Alan himself, for all he showed us of God’s grace and love,” he said.
“There will be occasions in the future for many generous tributes to be given. Goodness is not as common as it should be and this community and this city have lost a shining light.”
Afterwards he described the service as moving and said Mrs Greaves had been very impressive and courageous since the death of her husband.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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