Page, George Joseph Rev (1864-1937)

1864: born at Baldrock, nr Dublin
1892: ordained
1893: asst. priest Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge
1899-1937: curate, Parish Priest at St. Mary and St. Charles Borromeo at Wisbech
1937: died

For thirty-eight years priest in charge of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary and St. Charles Borromeo at Wisbech, Father Page had not enjoyed good health for several years. For a considerable time his health had forced him to curtail his activities in the priesthood. 
His death, in his 74th year, will come as a sad blow to many, for he was loved and held in high esteem over a wide area, and he will be remembered as a friend to all. None sought his aid in vain if it were within his powers to render a helping hand, and it was said of him that he would give his all to assist one in need.
Although he had suffered considerably during the last four years, Father Page had always maintained a cheerful disposition. His long illness he had borne with great fortitude. 
The Rev. Father Page was born in Ireland at Baldrock, near Dublin, on November 17th, 1864, and he received his early education in Scotland and later attended the Grammar School at Jedburgh. He served an apprenticeship as a nurseryman and seedsman and was evidently very enthusiastic about the work. As a young man he was greatly interested in the culture of rare and expensive flowers and became recognised as an authority on them. In later years he retained his interest in growing and many were the beautiful arrays which he produced from the Presbytery garden at Wisbech. 
Soon after completing his apprenticeship Father Page entered St. James' Aquinas Seminary at Shefford, in Bedfordshire. Three years later, in 1887, he went to St. Peter's College, Glasgow. It was originally intended that he should work in the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, but on account of a breakdown in health he returned to Shefford. He was ordained to the priesthood of the Church of St. Francis, at Shefford, in 1892. The following year he became assistant priest at the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs at Cambridge. 
In 1899 Father Page came to Wisbech as curate to the late Father Colpman, who was then priest. On Father Colpman's retirement after holding the rectorship for thirty-eight years, Father Page succeeded him. He was appointed Rural Dean of this part of the diocese of Northampton. Father Page had rebuilt the small church at Thorney Toll, used generally for Irish harvesters coming into the district, and every Sunday was filled to capacity. 
Under his guidance the Church at Wisbech has grown and whereas the congregation numbered twenty when he first arrived, the average attendance became about three hundred. During the time of his priesthood a new organ was installed in the church, and it was as a result of his efforts that St. Joseph's Hall was built as a home of St. Joseph's Club. The club itself started in a small room in the Presbytery, subsequently it was moved to the church room, and finally Father Page had the present building erected. Always he took a keen interest in the club and even during quite recent years, while he was still able to do so, he had joined the members in the club room from time to time. 
Father Page was instrumental in starting St. Audrey's Convent in Alexandra Road, and he it was who bought the property. During the War years, Father Page was one of the hardest workers at the V.A.D. Hospital at Wisbech. The patients had a great regard for him and looked forward to his many visits. Soldiers and sailors home from the front on leave looked up to him and they were always assured of a warm welcome from him. 
When he celebrated his silver jubilee as a Roman Catholic priest in 1917, members of the church and many of his friends in the Wisbech district subscribed to make a handsome presentation to him. The gift, a cheque, was handed to him in the then newly-completed hall, by Mr. K. de H. Ollard. 
Father Page had done his duties as parish priest in a most noble manner, and he gained the affection of Catholics in Wisbech and elsewhere, and all who had the good fortune to be associated with him in any way: A friend to all, he valued his friendships highly. Of a quiet and unassuming nature, he did far more good work than will ever be known. His sympathies and advice were readily given to those who needed them, and his cheery word of greeting is sadly missed.

This obituary, and the image, is from “Catholic Brochure & Blotter Easter 1938-1939”

RoI, Cambridge; Wisbech