Brian Clatworthy (1947-2025)

Brian joined the Precious Seed Trust in July 2009 on the departure of Ken Rudge and three other members who had been part of the work for some time. It was felt that Brian would bring representation from the south-west of England, the area in which Precious Seed had commenced as a work for the Lord.

Roy Hill, then Chairman, reports that, ‘we were looking for someone with a good knowledge of the biblical languages. I went to meet him and was very impressed with the fact that having retired from business he had trained in theology at Exeter. After we had spent an hour or so together, I was very impressed with his knowledge, humility, and calmness and believed he would ideally fit into the work of Precious Seed, which of course, being Brian, he did!’

In joining the Trust, Brian brought some experience of writing, his first series on the Feasts of Jehovah for the magazine being in 1975. He was invited to write a regular ‘column’ entitled Word for Today, a fairly detailed examination of some key Hebrew and Greek words used in the scriptures. Although his early efforts at the task drew some constructive criticism from PS colleagues, Brian persevered and developed a slightly less erudite and more practical approach which, in turn, developed a regular readership. His faithful completion of many articles bore fruit in the attractive book A Word for Everyday.

In fact, he proved a prolific writer and had written over 100 articles, particularly Word for Today but including parts of the series on Hebrews and the Minor Prophets, before his death. Those who knew him recognized the unstinting effort and research he put into all that he contributed. Brian was also truly collegiate in his approach. A colleague recalls, ‘I first met Brian many years ago in South Wales, but it wasn’t until we both joined the Precious Seed Trust in 2009 that I got to know him and appreciate his insight into the word of God. I particularly recall a most helpful exposition he gave at one of the quarterly committee meetings on the opening verse of 2 Peter, ‘to them that have obtained like precious faith with us’. His thoughts were fresh, enlightening, and encouraging’.

Apart from his ability as a writer, the Trust received considerable help from his experience in financial matters. Drawing upon skills he had honed over decades of working for HMRC, his forensic eye scrutinizing the quarterly accounts provided analysis and understanding for all the Trust members. The Treasurer recalls, ‘I valued the presence of Brian as someone who was actually interested in accounts! He was always thorough, but I found him to always be kind and understanding in the way he presented questions which gave the assurance that he was not out to find fault, but to seek to help you do things better’.

A former Trustee reflects, ‘Brian was an intelligent man who was incredibly precise in all the work he did for Precious Seed. His contributions proved invaluable especially when it came to holding people accountable and maintaining the very high levels of integrity which are essential in running a Christian charitable organization. He will be missed personally and professionally’.

His eye for detail also made him a careful proofreader, finding the right balance throughout. He sought accuracy whilst preserving what the author had written. Thus, when a vacancy arose, the Trust turned to Brian to join Sandy Jack as joint Editor. Although one of the older members of the Trust, Brian was always able and willing to embrace change, but never at the expense of orthodoxy or accuracy. His wise counsel, drive, and diligence in the work was always welcome and his support unwavering.

Brian had served as an elder in the assembly at Newton Abbot before relocating to Newbury to be nearer his family. In both locations he sought to teach the Lord’s people, being a great believer in sound exegesis with the principles lived out in the individual life.

He was an avid reader and was passionate about any material that would aid the understanding of scripture. When travelling on business or holiday the ‘icing on the cake’ for Brian was the discovery of a second-hand bookshop with some theological treasures secured at a reasonable price! He was widely read, but with his senses well exercised to sift the wheat from the chaff. A younger colleague comments, ‘his detailed knowledge of scripture was always a challenge and an example. I am glad that I was able to serve on the committee alongside him for a time’.

Whilst we feel our loss acutely, at the same time we thank God for a loving brother and faithful servant of God of rare calibre and dependability. Regarding such, the writer to the Hebrews exhorts us, ‘Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith’, Heb. 13. 7 ESV. His devoted wife Lynne faithfully supported Brian in all his endeavours and should be upheld in the prayers of the Lord’s people in the days ahead.