Frank Johnston (priest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Johnston
CB QHC
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The Venerable William Francis Johnston, CB, QHC, MA, Chaplain-General (1980–1987) by Peter Archer. Royal Army Chaplains' Museum
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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British Army | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years of service | 1959 to 1987 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | Major General | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service number | 459970 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit | Royal Army Chaplains' Department | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Battles/wars | Cold War | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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William Francis 'Frank' Johnston (born June 29, 1930 – died September 1, 2023) was a special kind of priest called an Anglican priest. He also worked as a military chaplain, which means he was a spiritual guide for soldiers. From 1980 to 1986, he was the main chaplain for the entire British Army, leading the Royal Army Chaplains' Department.
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Frank Johnston's Early Life and School
Frank Johnston was born on June 29, 1930. He went to Wesley College in Dublin, Ireland. This was a private school run by the Methodist Church.
After school, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin. He earned a degree called a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1955. Later, in 1969, his BA degree was upgraded to a Master of Arts (MA).
Becoming a Priest and Military Chaplain
Frank Johnston became a deacon in the Church of Ireland in 1955. A deacon is the first step to becoming a priest. The next year, in 1956, he became a full priest. For four years, from 1955 to 1959, he worked at St John's Church in Orangefield, County Down.
Joining the Army
On April 15, 1959, Johnston joined the Royal Army Chaplains' Department (RAChD). This is the part of the British Army that provides spiritual support. He started as a Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class, which was like being a captain.
He was sent to Germany, where he worked as a chaplain for the army in Hamelin from 1962 to 1964. Later, from 1977 to 1980, he was an Assistant Chaplain General for the South East District.
Leading the Army Chaplains
From 1980 to 1986, Frank Johnston held a very important job: Chaplain-General to the Forces. This meant he was the head of the entire Royal Army Chaplains' Department. As the most senior Anglican chaplain, he was also known by the special title The Venerable.
During his time in the military, he worked in the United Kingdom, Germany, Aden, and Cyprus. He left the British Army in 1987.
After the Army
After leaving the army, Johnston did not return to the Church of Ireland. Instead, he stayed in England and became a priest in the Church of England. From 1987 to 1991, he was the priest in charge of St Laurence's Church in Winslow.
Later, his church joined with another, and he became the main priest, called a Rector, for the new combined area. He also served as a Rural Dean for the Claydon area from 1989 to 1994.
Frank Johnston retired from full-time ministry in 1995. After that, he lived in Devon and continued to help out with church services when needed.
Frank Johnston's Family Life
In 1963, Frank Johnston married Jennifer Morton. They had two sons and one daughter together.
Frank Johnston passed away on September 1, 2023, when he was 93 years old.
Awards and Recognitions
Frank Johnston received several special honors for his service:
- On April 15, 1980, he was named an Honorary Chaplain to the Queen (QHC).
- In 1983, he was given the title of Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). This is a high honor given for excellent service.
