IN a warm tribute, the former Bishop of Rochester, David Say, was recalled as a man who was proud of the cathedral and its place in the history of the Medway Towns.

The Rt Rev Michael Turnbull, who succeeded David Say at Rochester, said: “Few things satisfied him more than seeing this place filled with Royal Engineers and Royal Naval personnel.

He said: “The changes in local government, in the dockyard or in education and health facilities gave him the opportunity to exercise his oratory on occasions which combined a historian’s perspective with the promises of the future.”

The former bishop was speaking at Rochester Cathedral during a memorial service for his predecessor, who died last September, aged 91.

The service was held on Friday, 46 years almost to the day he was enthroned, not retiring from the post until 1988, aged 74.

Michael Turnbull spoke of Dr Say’s care for his clergy. He knew the history, family circumstances and interests of them all, from the newest curate to the most venerable of canons. He said: “When the Vicar of Borstal’s wife had a baby, I arrived, as archdeacon, on the vicarage doorstep at nine o’clock the following morning, only to discover that the bishop had beaten me to it by an hour.”

The service was led by the present Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, who, in a sermon, also paid tribute to David Say’s care for his clergy.

He said: “Many clerical problems were sorted out in the evening over a glass of whisky. The hospitality of David and his wife Irene was spoken of across the diocese and beyond.”

Rochester Cathedral was filled for Dr Say’s memorial service. Among those there, were the Bishops of Tonbridge, Guildford and Maidstone, and the Prioress and Sub-Prioress of Malling Abbey.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent was represented by Mr John Spence, OBE, of Gillingham. And the Royal School of Military Engineering was represented by its commandant, Brigadier Tony Harking.

In addition to senior clergy, and civic dignitaries, several members of David Say’s family were also present.

Michael Turnbull ended his tribute with Dr Say’s familiar catchphrase: “Alleluia! On we go!”