CAPTION: Anne Legge wrote a weekly blog which was read by people around the world
Tribute to an “inspiring and outstanding” priest and friend
The Reverend Prebendary Jackie Taylor, Dean of Women in Ministry, pays tribute to her fellow priest and friend, the Reverend Prebendary Anne Legge:
The church of Holy Cross in the Devon village of Newton Ferrers was packed to capacity for the farewell service for the Team Rector and Rural Dean, Revd Prebendary Anne Legge, in February.
The occasion, so full of joy, was an act of supreme courage for Anne, who had cancer and died ten days later.
Throughout her journey with the illness she continued to convey her thoughts and experiences through a weekly blog.
“If God is speaking through my words, I am truly blessed”
In it she shared, even in the most difficult of times, the blessings that she saw as the signs of God’s presence and love.
In one post she wrote “If God is speaking to others through my words, I am truly blessed.”
Anne was an inspiring an outstanding Priest who had a strength and wisdom that was recognised throughout her Mission Community, Deanery and the Diocese.
Former probation officer
Before being ordained Anne worked as a probation officer, followed by a role within the Prison Service.
She later served as an Ofsted Inspector.
These roles required clarity of thought, an ability to connect with other people and to be entirely focussed on the moment in hand.
Her strong Christian faith underpinned all that she did.
Anne brought all her skills and experience to her work as a parish priest and Rural Dean.
A woman who “personified grace”
She had a nursery school named after her in a remote area of Zambia in recognition of the love in which she was held there. She and her husband Tim worked with the local community over a number of years and built an enduring link there.
She was a woman who personified grace, who even in her last months brought light into the lives of so many through her prayer for others and her blog, which inspired people around the world.
Anne’s beloved family were with her when she died in March. Her funeral took place with only members of her immediate family present due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Her unfailing faith in God was expressed in the words of her last email, explaining that there would be no more blogs: “Thank you for the most wonderful service last Saturday and for all your love and support.
“I shall soon be with my Heavenly Father and I have no fear of that.
“I look forward to seeing you again in Glory!”
