George Best: a life celebrated at Manchester Cathedral

Date published: 14/03/2006

A celebration of the life of footballing legend George Best will take place in a special service to be broadcast live from Manchester Cathedral on Thursday 16 March at 11am.

Devised by family and friends, the service of celebration will reflect George’s life and loves and feature personal tributes from friends and players.  The Manchester United team will join with hundreds of fans in prayer and song, and the service will be relayed to people outside on a huge TV screen.

The service will open with thankfulness to God for George Best: “For his gift of football; for his love of sport and his genius on a football pitch and for his sheer zest for life.” 

The Dean of Manchester the Very Revd Rogers Govender and club chaplain Revd John Boyers will lead the congregation in prayer, giving thanks for ‘those who entertain and bring joy to us through the game of football’, and praying for people who suffer illness, ‘especially those with diseases of the liver’ and for the family and friends of George Best.

During a period of quiet the Dean will ask the congregation to hold a special memory of George in their minds, encouraging ‘a memory that makes us smile’.  At that time a single candle is lit to reflect the certain Christian hope that death is not the end.

Hymns chosen because of their connection to George and the Best family will include: Praise my soul the king of heaven; Love Divine all loves excelling; The King of Love my shepherd is; and Guide me, O thou great Redeemer.

Tributes will come from friends and business colleagues of George: Eddie Gray, Wilf McGuiness, Malcolm Wagner and David Sadler.  Jane Busby, granddaughter of Sir Matt will read from 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4.

The Dean of Manchester Rogers Govender who is a United fan said:

“This is Manchester’s chance to say goodbye, and to say it with thanks.  George had God’s gifts in abundance; the gift to play, to win, to entertain and to bring joy.  We are richer for having known him, and he will always belong to us.”

The Bishop of Manchester the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch will bless the congregation as they go out praying “that every day we may fulfil our potential and find joy and peace and love.”