Revd. David Napley 1913 – 2002
From the Parish News – March 2002
David came to be our rector in 1979, but his first career was as an accountant. He was ordained deacon at Southwark in 1968 and priest in 1969. He was curate at Ham and Hurst Green, and them rector at the Snetterton Group. He was the first member to minister to the joint three parishes of Alburgh, Earsham and Denton. He and Stephanie were with us until 1983.
A feature of his ministry was his enthusiasm in moving forward the principle of the union of the Church and Chapel in Denton - the Church in Denton. The Benefice Choir came into being at this time. After retiring David helped occasionally in the Norwich and St Edmondsbury Dioceses.
After Stephanie's death and his illness, David went to live at Beccles, where his friends were able to keep in touch. Two Denton friends were with him at his passing.
On a sunny Ash Wednesday afternoon, a good number of colleagues and friends attended an uplifting funeral service at Beccles Parish Church. Well known hymns, chosen by David, included 'The Day Thou Gavest, Lord is Ended'.
We remember with affection this quiet, steadfast man. 'The dawn leads on another day.'