| Eric Hatton steps down at Stourbridge |
Eric Hatton steps down at Stourbridge. Posted on 05/04/2011
By Sue Farrow.
Eric Hatton
The Spiritualist movement’s best known church president has stepped down after almost fifty years
in the hot seat.
At Stourbridge church’s annual general meeting on March 16, I watched from the back as members
listened intently to Minister Eric Hatton, also Honorary President of the Spiritualists’ National Union,
while he delivered his final presidential address. He urged members to preserve the highest
possible standards of mediumship and philosophy in the future, adding that these things were
crucial to the success and credibility of Spiritualism. His strongest and most passionate plea
concerned the importance of maintaining “the harmony” of the church community.
Eric’s association with the church goes back to 1946, when, following the death of his much loved
brother, his quest for survival evidence led him to attend a demonstration by Gordon Higginson.
Not only did that demonstration provide Eric with evidence so outstanding that it would change the
course of his life, it also marked the beginning of a deep friendship between the two men which was
to last until Gordon’s passing in 1993.
Eric became a church member in 1948 and the rest is history. By 1949 he had become church
secretary, and following a period as vice-president was unanimously elected president in 1963.
Under Eric’s leadership, carried out with the dedicated support of his late wife Heather, Stourbridge
National Spiritualist Church became a beacon for Spiritualism, hosting the very best mediums and
speakers. Albert Best, Doris Collins, Doris Stokes, Robin Stevens, Sally Ferguson, Mary Duffy
and Gordon Higginson were among a plethora of outstanding mediums who graced its platform on
a regular basis. That tradition of excellence continues today with visits from such gifted mediums as
Gerard Smith, Eileen Davies, Robert Goodwin, Jackie Wright, John Conway, Andy Byng and others.
During his long presidency Eric has also overseen three major renovations and extensions to the
church, which today is a warm, inviting and well-equipped space, frequently full to capacity. Over
the past few years it has been my privilege to attend services at Stourbridge on numerous
occasions and there is no doubt that a uniquely special atmosphere exists within it walls, due in
significant measure to Eric’s devoted service over so many years. Even when 150 people are
present he will move around the church greeting and speaking with each one individually, a
gesture guaranteed to make them feel welcome and valued.
In recent years Eric has suffered several periods of severe ill health and has at times struggled
valiantly to fulfil his many and varied commitments within the Spiritualist movement. I put it to him
that it must have been a very difficult decision to give up the presidency of a church which has long
been so closely identified with him that it is frequently referred to as “his” church.
“It has never been my church,” he told me. “I feel very sad about stepping down. I would have liked
to be able to continue, not for the length of time I have been president, but because of my devotion
to the church itself. However, I will continue to be involved and to assist our new president in any
way I can.”
Laraine Killarney
So who is to take over from Eric? Members have elected Laraine Killarney, who has been one of
Stourbridge’s two vice-presidents for the past four years. I asked her how she felt about following in
Eric’s footsteps.
“I find this a sad occasion as – largely for health reasons — Eric is standing down as president,”
she told me. “Our church is well known far and wide for its high standards of Spiritualism and the
evidence it provides. Eric has been my mentor for the past four years and I am proud to follow in
his footsteps as president. I cannot be another Eric but with all the help and training he has
graciously passed on to me I will endeavour to keep the same excellent standards that he and
Heather have achieved.”
Speaking at the close of the AGM, Laraine announced that Eric had been asked to accept the title
of Honorary President in recognition of his long and outstanding service to the church. This was
greeted with lengthy applause and an emotional standing ovation.
By Sue Farrow. Posted on 05/04/2011
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