A coroner has opened an inquest into the death of a 98-year-old Wigan priest

The Reverend John Southern was 98 years old when he died on Saturday, February 21 at Wigan Infirmary.

Coroner Peter Sigee has now opened an inquest looking into the circumstances of his death and adjourned it so preparations can be made for a full hearing at Bolton Coroner’s Court on a future date.

Mr Southern was the vicar at St David’s Church in Haigh from 1960 to 1975, before moving to St John's Church in Pemberton from 1975 to 1998, when he also led services at St Luke's Church, Orrell.

After his retirement, he continued to serve across many churches, leading funerals and supporting churches in their Sunday worship.

He celebrated 70 years of ordained ministry in September 2022.

A statement on Church Wigan’s Facebook page announcing his death said: “All at Church Wigan and the Wigan Deanery Trust extend their deepest sympathy to the family of Revd John Southern, who passed away over the weekend.

“A faithful priest and devoted servant of the people of Wigan for 66 years, John ministered with generosity and compassion in the parishes of St David, Haigh; St John, Pemberton; and St Luke, Orrell.

"His long and dedicated service will be remembered with gratitude and affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

A funeral service will be held at St Luke’s Church at 11.30am on Friday, March 27, followed by committal at Wigan Crematorium.