Three parishioners of St. George’s, Warminster, were presented with the Bene Merenti Medal by Bishop Mervyn when he celebrated Mass at St. George’s on 29th September 1998 on the occasion of the Parish’s 60th anniversary.
One of the three recipients of the medal was Archie Lawson. The following citation was read out by Fr. Paul before the medal was presented to Archie:
Archibald Samuel Lawson, born 1917. Archie is the veteran of the Parish, having been involved in all its activities from childhood. He worked at the R.E.M.E. and has lived in Warminster all his life. In the early pre-War days of the Parish when everybody did everything he was known for his willingness to undertake any task that was asked of him.
“In the early days of the buildng of St. George’s School he helped in every way, particularly by fund-raising.” – said Mrs. Irene Pickford (Senior Parishioner).
He was of particular help to me when I was Parish Priest at St. George’s. Especially at the time of the school fire.” – said Rev. Dr. J. Harding (Parish Priest of St. George’s, 1970s).
The general consensus among those in the Parish is that he was always willing to do things, even when his family affairs weighed heavily on him. Archie is a widower. He was involved with bingo and fund-raising generally for the school and parish.
Lighting the Easter Fire by tradition has always been Archie’s job and one he performs with great joy in accordance with the sacred ritual. He looks after the presbytery garden and always make sure the English or Papal flag is hoisted where occasion requires.
He regularly ferried fellow parishioners to Mass and continues to take the collection.
These are the humbler but necessary tasks that keep a Parish going and expanding. Accordingly, the Parish feels that Archie deserves some recognition; though we are certain he would never ask for it, unassuming man that he is.