Comments on: Malcolm Johnson At St Botolph’s

By: anthony joseph michael brady

anthony joseph michael brady — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:52:01 +0000

From June 1973- June 1980 I was employed as Welfare Administrator in Providence (Row) Night Refuge & Home 50 Crispin Street, Spitalfields. Most days I spoke with him as he reserved beds for homeless men and women he was assisting. There were many humorous anecdotes we shared that mitigated the realities of human miseries he confronted.

The Great Unwashed: one evening Malcolm phoned me. There was a problem; I was a go-to man for solutions. A donation of several heavy pallets of bars of soap had been donated – but as St Botolph’s was in a one-way system – they had been deposited on the payment and had to be shifted urgently before 8.00pm opening. I quickly assembled a posse of sturdy beggars already booked in for the night in the Refuge – in those times – I only had to walk a few hundred feet in Spitalfields to be mobbed by such kith and kin. Various among the needy tagged along. The ton or so of soap was swiftly conveyed into the Crypt. Problem solved.

By: Adam Powell

Adam Powell — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:05:01 +0000

I have the deepest respect for Malcolm Johnson. Like Donald Reeves and those involved in the “South Bank religion”, they showed how the Church could be turned round. There is much for us to learn from them!

By: Lorne Ellaschuk

Lorne Ellaschuk — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 14:23:47 +0000

I knew Malcolm in the late 1970s. I rented a room for a year in his and Robert’s house in Tredegar Square, not far from Queen Mary College, London University, where I was a student. In that year I met dozens of interesting people who visited with Malcom and Robert. Their house was a second small university.

By: Adele Kierans

Adele Kierans — Sat, 24 Aug 2019 22:18:47 +0000

I worked at St Botolph’s from 1996 to 2000 – it certainly didn’t close suddenly soon after Rev’d Johnson left! I think it closed around 2002 – so around 10 years later! I remember Andy Richardson and Narissa (mentioned on here), I was Adele Shaw then. I also remember Mary Kneafsey-Hanks. It was an amazing place to work, with a fabulous spirit. The people who came through the doors were great characters and I used to love being in the centre. Still sad it closed.

By: TubeMarco.com

TubeMarco.com — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 14:26:18 +0000

Thankfulness to my father whho shared with me regarding this blog,
this website is actually remarkable.

By: Julian Freeman

Julian Freeman — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:01:49 +0000

I came across this article because I had a few days free over Christmas and wanted to come back and help the homeless at a place where I was a volunteer in the mid-80’s. I am so sad to learn that the crypt centre closed. I remember a church which was fully employed in the service of God. There was the Gay Christian Movement based in the tower, the homeless were looked after in the basement and the main church was active all the week round. This included a series of lunchtime talks by high profile speakers who were all in the public eye at the time, like Sir Keith Joseph. Malcolm is a remarkable man who achieved remarkable things in God’s service. A true Christian and an example to all.

By: Simon Bravery

Simon Bravery — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 12:27:58 +0000

I knew Malcolm in the 80s in another of his roles as Guild Vicar of St Ethelburga’s. He had a daunting workload. As well as two churches to look after he was Area Dean and was asked by Graham Leonard to setve a further term. This indicates that he was well respected by his Bishop. He topped the poll of clergy candidates in the General Synod election. He was therefore obviously respected and trusted by his fellow clergy. He also served as Lord Mayor’s Chaplain – obviously held in high esteem by the Lord Mayor. Yet I suspect the comments posted on this website by a former parishoner and a former user of the shelter would mean more to him. He has had a remarkable ministry.

By: Christine Burns

Christine Burns — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 00:58:08 +0000

I so enjoyed reading this, because it shows that the man I knew 50yrs ago remained true to himself, always kind, gentle and full of empathy and commonsense. What amazing work was carried out here, and what a travesty that it wasn’t carried on after Malcolm moved on. Real true Christianity in action. What the Church SHOULD be about. I’m really hoping Justin Welby knows of this. I would like to see him turn the Church of England into a much more practical, caring church. I’m impressed so far, but suffice to say there aren’t too many Malcolms around

By: Ross windsor

Ross windsor — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 17:09:40 +0000

I used to use the centre at botophs helped me move into my flat o was known as Christopher keeble then bit remember malcontent Nerissa Colin even Andy richadson Daly Lucy Paul and others I now work for homless charity at my NGOs but closing at botoplhs sudendly was huge lose hopefully it can read open one day all staff and volunteers at that project were wonderful like Andy Richardson said Mary Doris boys may they rest in peace to malcontent Johnson thank u from me heart

By: Andy Richardson

Andy Richardson — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 18:22:51 +0000

I worked at the homeless project in the early and mid nineties. Malcolm was a great man who along with other church staff, the crypt staff and all the wonderful volunteers provided a much needed and much used facility. Sadly many of these people have now passed away. I would like to mention one person and that is the late Mary Everingham who to those who knew her was not only the verger and volunteer but a wonderful friend to those who were lucky to have known her.