The Revd Daphne Kitching writes:

“GOD made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.” These words of Eric Liddell, made famous in the film Chariots of Fire, could equally well have applied to Michael Taylor.

Born on 11 July 1938 in Wimbledon, Michael spent his early years in India, where he was looked after by a nursemaid. He spent quite a lonely childhood, unable to read or write, until he returned to Wimbledon in 1945.

Educated at King’s College School, Wimbledon, he did quite well academically, but excelled in sport, especially athletics. It was this that he pursued after sixth form, with great success, competing for South London Harriers. At a meeting in Norway in 1957, he broke the track record for the 400m and equalled the track record in the 100m, winning the trophy for the most outstanding athlete.

In the National Junior Championships in Liverpool in 1956, he ran 100 yards in ten seconds. Athletes who achieved this time were awarded a special World Sports Certificate. Michael was presented with his certificate by Harold Abrahams — the same Harold Abrahams as won gold at that distance in the 1924 Olympics, with a time of 9.9 seconds. Liddell himself ran the distance in a time of 9.7 seconds, a record that stood for 35 years.

It is clear that Michael Taylor was an exceptional athlete, with a possible Olympic career ahead of him. He was driven and committed, but there was an even greater call on his life.

After attending a Billy Graham rally in London, Michael’s faith deepened. He sensed a call from God to ordained ministry and started training at Bishops’ College, Cheshunt, in 1962. He was ordained deacon in Ripon Cathedral in 1965.

He had married Joan in 1960, and it was a wonderful partnership which was to last 64 years. Over the years, they gathered a much-loved family, Amanda, Paul, Nicholas, Sharon, and Tracy.

Ordination led to a move to the north of England. The parish of Harehills, in Leeds, was a culture shock for him, as he had come from Surrey, but Michael relished the challenge. It was the start of a lifetime commitment to serving the poor, marginalised, and vulnerable, and showing the love of God to all.

After Harehills, Michael served as Associate Vicar in Swinnow, Leeds, before being appointed Vicar of St Peter’s, Hunslet. The obsolete church building was demolished, and a church centre was built to serve the community seven days a week. It had a restaurant, sports hall, lounge, and library, in addition to the church space. Everyone was welcome, valued, and loved. The church grew and thrived under Michael’s leadership.

Michael became a local councillor and started a housing project, providing housing for needy people. He was irrepressible and never afraid to challenge red tape in his support of the vulnerable.

His ministry in Leeds was transformative and inspiring.

In 1978, the Taylors moved to St Andrew’s, Starbeck, in Harrogate, a very different setting, but Michael and Joan’s ministry stayed the same. Everyone was welcome, whoever they were, whatever their needs, both at church and in their home. The homeless were housed, the hungry were fed, and God’s love was shown to all. The church grew into a dynamic, Charismatic congregation with many ministries in the community. Several people went from St Andrew’s to train for ordination. Four houses and a home for the elderly of the parish were bought, God’s word was preached, and people’s lives were changed. No one was excluded, and everyone was loved. When once asked for his vision, Michael answered: “One word: family.”

Michael was a Spirit-led preacher and pastor. He turned up on his motorbike for his parishioners just when he was needed. His heart’s desire was to show God’s love for the lost and vulnerable, practically and spiritually.

Michael and Joan loved walking and climbed most of the fells in the Lake District.

After retirement in 2000, Michael and Joan moved to Hinckley, in Leicestershire, and, in 2020, to Poole in Dorset. Sadly, Michael’s health deteriorated, and he died on 26 June.

God made Michael fast — and he ran his best for God throughout his ministry.

He has finished the race, he has kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant.