David Henderson, minister

Died: 16 April, 2004, in Glenisla, aged 90

DAVID Henderson, a former padre to the Desert Rats, arrived in the Angus village of Glamis in the early Seventies and became an integral part of the close-knit community. Indeed, through his warm and engaging personality he made the church the focal point of village life. But he cared for everyone, regularly visiting the sick or needy throughout the parish, regardless of whether they attended church regularly: he took pleasure in considering the entire village as his parish.

David Cecil Henderson, the son of an RUC sergeant, studied theology at Trinity College, Dublin, and Assembly’s College, Belfast. His first ministries were in Ireland but in September 1939, on the outbreak of war, he joined up and served as a padre with the 7th Armoured Division (the Desert Rats) in North Africa. His courage was much admired by his fellow soldiers and his calming nature proved of great comfort and support. After service in Malaya, he was appointed to the war office as chaplain general - the first Irishman to hold the appointment.

He retired from the army having been made a CBE (military) and with the rank of brigadier. He returned to pastoral duties in Ireland, but in 1972 he applied for and was offered the charge at Glamis Kirk. It was to prove, for Henderson, an appointment of immense fulfilment and joy.

With his Irish lilt and no-nonsense approach, Henderson proved a valuable addition to the community. Many confirm that there was always a sense of practicality and common sense about him as a pastor. His enthusiasm for, and love of, the people of Glamis rejuvenated the church: he encouraged children to participate in services and broadened the fellowship of the church throughout the area.

Mary, the Dowager Countess of Strathmore, remembers him with special pleasure. "He and his wife were so important to the church, the village and the castle. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude," she said.

"He had a wonderful ability to bring everyone together. David was a great mover and shaker and of firm opinions."

Glamis is, of course, synonymous with the late Queen Mother and she often visited the castle and worshiped in the kirk. At the time of her 80th birthday, the village had a large tea party in the castle grounds - she attended and was in the family pew the following day to hear Henderson preach a memorable sermon.

The BBC took over the castle and the village twice while he was there, and Henderson was in his element. In 1975, they filmed JM Barrie’s Little Minister and two years later they shot scenes for As You Like It all over the village - including in the garden of the manse. "The whole village were extras," the Dowager Countess recalled. "David and [his wife] Rachel were superb in various scenes and somehow also had time to serve the most wonderful teas - all home made."

On his retirement from Glamis in 1981, he and Rachel retired to Glenisla and became much loved members of the community there. Henderson was an honorary Chaplain to the Queen.

Henderson married Rachel in 1944. She died a year ago and he is survived by their three sons and a daughter.