Mr Frederick Walter Finbow (known as Walter) was born in the closing years of the  19th century.

He became head master of Earl Stonham School, but he only became a teacher because his father said the family couldn’t afford to send him to university. His sister Laura married Charles Wilden.

However in his spare time he studied to become a Lay Reader, by the mid 1960’s he estimated he had preached in 50 to 60 churches and conducted nearly 2000 services.

He was a Lay reader for 25 years. At Holy Trinity Church, Stowupland he was presented with a wrist watch to mark the 25th year in a service conducted by the Rev G. Whitefield. The presentation was made by the church wardens Mr Allard and Mr F. Welham. His wife received a bouquet of flowers. St Mary’s Church, Old Newton, marked the occasion with a presentation of a coffee table.

He died October 17th,1967 at the age of 71. 200 people attended his funeral at Holy Trinity Church and five clergy officiated.(details from various press cuttings.

Amongst Ena Carter’s papers the following hand written tribute was found ‘ It is said of some men that they are born to be great amd of others that they have greatness thrust upon them. Walter Finow was neither of these, he was a man who lived and loved the gentle things in life. His kindly face his friendly words of engouagement to the old people and his wonderful sense of humour were an inspiration to all of us who were fortunate to know him. Walter never had a bad word for anyone, his whole life was centered round his christian outlook and his love for his fellow people.

He wil be sadly missed, not only in this parish but throughout the whole of the Gipping District where he did such so much work for the church.’