Remembering Chris Beales: A Tribute

Revd Canon Chris Beales: A Giant in Personality and a Visionary Leader

The North East community is mourning the sudden passing of Revd Canon Chris Beales, a respected figure who left an indelible mark on the region.

Born in 1948, Beales began his ordination training at Cranmer Hall in 1972, the same year he graduated from St John's with a BA. His journey in public ministry spanned over four decades, during which he served in various roles nationally.

From 1979 to 1984, Beales served as the Industrial Chaplain in Durham Diocese. His tenure continued with a significant role as Director of the Churches' Regional Commission from 1994 to 1998. He was also an active member and one of the Commissioners for the Archbishops' Commission on Housing, Church and Community.

Beales' ministry was inspired and sustained by an encounter with the love of God in Jesus, according to the Revd Prof David Wilkinson, former Principal of St John's. Wilkinson described Beales as an "outstanding entrepreneur" with a "bold vision" and "generosity" that drew others in.

The Revd Dr Nick Moore, Warden of Cranmer Hall, remembered Beales as having a "giant in personality" with an "infectious sense of the possible" and an "imaginative, can-do attitude". Beales' presence at Cranmer Hall was a positive one, known by a wide range of staff and students.

Beales' ministry extended to St John's, where he presented on and advocated for his housing work, enriching and enthusing the students' training, according to the Revd Dr Moore. In 2017, he became a Visiting Fellow of St John's College.

Beales continued to work on the implementation of the Commission's recommendations after the publication of their report, Coming Home. His contributions to the report were significant and far-reaching.

As the community mourns the loss of Revd Canon Chris Beales, they remember and thank him for his life, faith, and ministry. His wife and family are being remembered at this time of mourning. Beales will be remembered as a visionary leader, a generous spirit, and a giant in personality.