Jeff Musslewhite was confirmed in a special service at Dunwood Manor near Romsey, sitting alongside Margaret, his wife of 71 years, as well as their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jeff has been a churchgoer for many years. As a boy, he sang in Braishfield Church and later spent many years helping with the church’s maintenance before moving to Lockerley.
He said, “I worked at the church for more than 50 years. I was in the church choir as a young boy, but I never got round to being confirmed. I wasn’t christened until I was 90 years old. I’ve always lived by my faith, and it means everything to me. To be confirmed today makes me feel happy. I feel good.”
Jeff’s confirmation followed monthly communion services run by the Thorngate and Blackwater benefice at the nursing home over the last 18 months, which Jeff and Margaret attend.
Associate Priest Revd Sara-Jane Stevens said, “It’s been wonderful to watch them take so much comfort from the monthly communion we hold here at Dunwood Manor and to see them delight in spending time with God together in community.
“It was lovely when Jeff said, ‘I can’t take communion, I’ve not been confirmed.’ I asked, ‘Well, would you like to be?’ and it went from there.
“I was so blessed. It’s one of those moments in ministry where you think, ‘wow’. It’s just wonderful to help somebody journeying in their faith. He’s been a Christian for so long and has taken small steps as his faith has grown and deepened. To be part of that journey in the last year and a half has been so special.”
The confirmation service was led by Bishop Geoff with Rector Revd James Pitkin and curate Revd Yin-Yin Bull also in attendance, along with staff from the nursing home. The service included Holy Communion, an emotional moment for many of those present.
Bishop Geoff said, “It’s been such a special day, with a genuine sense of love in this room – between Jeff and Margaret, their family and the love that Jeff has shown for God by being confirmed. Jeff is an inspiration and living proof that it’s never too late to affirm your faith in Christ.
“Congratulations also to the local parishes. They’ve built a meaningful relationship with this nursing home and have shown what can happen when our churches reach out into the community. It’s a great privilege to share in this today.”
Jeff served in the RAF and met Margaret at a local social club shortly after returning from service in Singapore. He later worked as a joiner.
During the service, Jeff and Margaret’s daughter Sally Masters, churchwarden at Lockerley Church, read his favourite Bible passage, Psalm 23, and there were specially chosen hymns.
She said, “It’s so special because Dad has always been closely linked with the church, especially through his maintenance work, but he never got around to being confirmed. We also weren’t able to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary last year because they were both unwell, so this has been a celebration of that as well.”
Thanks were also given during the service for Jeff and Margaret’s 71 years of marriage, their love, their family, and all they have shared together.
The morning ended with a tea party and a special commemorative cake, marking the meaningful and joyful occasion.
