Toon hymns win vicar a top award
• Cheap Laughs
Magpie-mad vicar, the Rev Glyn Evans, has scooped a top soccer fan award after rewriting the hymn book for Newcastle United.
He has been named Barclaycard Fan of the Month after penning tongue-in-cheek songs of praise to Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer to the tune of hymns to God.
Mr Evans, 42, chaplain of St Andrew's Church, in Newgate Street, Newcastle, has followed United for 15 years.
Over the years, the shaven-headed earring-wearing vicar's love of the Magpies has landed him in the Chronicle many times.
He hit the headlines this year when he installed a television for the FA cup tie with Manchester City to make sure the congregation did not miss any of the action.
His new hymn book includes:
W Score Shearer, Score to the tune of Shine Jesus, Shine.
W Onward Bobby's Soldiers to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers.
W To Bob-be the Glory to the tune of To God Be the Glory.
W All things Black and Beautiful to the tune of All Things Bright and Beautiful.
But Mr Evans, who frequently wears a black and white dog collar, said he loves religion as passionately as he loves football.
He explained: "So many people are passionate about Newcastle United it makes sense to combine the love of the club with the love of God. If it means more people come together on a Sunday for worship, then it's a good thing.
"Singing about something you're passionate about gives you a great sense of well-being. It brings people together; whether they're at church or on the terraces it makes them feel part of something larger."
Mr Evans is will be officially presented with a Barclaycard award on April 9 before his beloved team play Fulham.
Barclaycard sponsorship director Nic Gault, said: "Glyn demonstrates perfectly how important football is to Newcastle fans.
"Fan of the Month is all about recognising the loyalty, passion and commitment supporters show to their club."
Comments
Posted by: Angel | June 19, 2002 8:45 AM
Posted by: GLENN SALT | July 23, 2004 5:13 AM