‘Bishop Ted’ displayed many talents

IN the death at Monifieth of Bishop Lawrence Edward Luscombe, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion has lost one of its most outstanding servants. He was 97.

Bishop Ted, as he was known, served as Bishop of Brechin from 1975 until retirement in 1990 and as primus from 1985 to 1990.

He had been provost of St Paul’s Cathedral in Dundee until his election as bishop following earlier ministries in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway.

Ted’s later years were spent in Tealing with his wife Doris, where he immersed himself in local life.

He was a prolific author of books on church history but wrote one book about the work of Forfar botanist George Don.

His years in Brechin saw the most remarkable resurgence in the life of the diocese and of its cathedral.

Against the trend of the day, Bishop Ted opened up new churches, encouraged the vision of shared ministry and equipped women and men to participate in the worship and life of the diocese.

Every situation he encountered he left in a better state than he found it.

This was true of each part of his life – as an Army officer in India; as accountant and senior partner; and in his service prior to ordination.