Memorial and tribute
Bishop Keith Nathaniel Channer
Aged 88
We would like to extend our thanks to everyone for the kind messages, visits, phone calls, flowers and gifts. We deeply appreciate your sentiments, support, friendship and prayers during this difficult time.
If you would like to view the photo gallery, the recording of the service or the donation options, they can all be found below.
Service recording
Celebration of Life Service
The full recording of Bishop Channer's Celebration of Life service, held at New Testament Church of God, Burton on Trent.
The video is only loaded from YouTube once you press play, so nothing is requested from YouTube until you choose to watch.
Life and ministry
A life of service
From a childhood in Jamaica to more than four decades of ministry in Burton on Trent.
1937
Early life in Jamaica
Born in Jamaica to William Nathaniel and Ethel May Channer, one of ten siblings, raised in a close-knit Christian family shaped by faith, discipline and humility.
1954
Committed his life to Christ
At seventeen, Keith committed his life fully to Christ, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of service, leadership and dedication to the gospel.
1960
Migration to the United Kingdom
Part of the Windrush generation, Keith migrated to the UK, working in construction with resilience, dignity and faith despite a frequently hostile environment.
1963
Marriage and family
Married Alice May Clarke after years of correspondence. Their marriage of almost sixty-two years became a shining example of loyalty, prayer and unity.
1960s-70s
Early ministry and church planting
Served at NTCG West Bromwich and Oldbury, worked under Bishop S. U. Thompson, became District Youth Director, and helped plant the Tipton church.
1979
Appointed Pastor, Burton-on-Trent
Appointed Pastor of NTCG Burton-on-Trent, later becoming Bishop. His ministry was marked by humility, prayerfulness and deep love for the people he served.
1980s-90s
Justice, advocacy and service
Served as Chairman of the East Staffordshire Racial Equality Council and later as District Pastor in Derby, leading church renovation with excellence and devotion.
1990s-2000s
Chaplaincy and national service
Served as prison chaplain at HMP Swinfen Hall and HMP Foston Hall, and later as an NHS chaplain and volunteer for fifteen years.
2020
Service during the pandemic
At over eighty years old, completed sixty-two press-ups in sixty seconds to raise funds for the NHS, demonstrating extraordinary strength and generosity.
2023
Freedom of the Borough
Awarded the Freedom of the Borough of East Staffordshire in recognition of his lifelong service, leadership and contribution to community life.
2024-25
Final years and homegoing
Faced illness with dignity and faith. Surrounded by family, Bishop Channer went to be with the Lord at home and at peace on 26 October 2025.
Video archive
In his own words, and in others'
Recordings from across Bishop Channer's ministry, alongside tributes recorded in his honour.
Messages from Bishop Channer
Recordings of Bishop Channer speaking during his ministry.
Tribute to Barrington Anglin
August 2022
St Lucia
November 2024
Video tributes
Messages of remembrance and honour shared in tribute to Bishop Channer.
Drs. Clifton & Marcia Clarke
Bishop & Dr Gardner
Album
Bishop Channer's album
Photographs from across his life and ministry. Select any photograph to view it larger.
In his memory
Giving
Donations in memory of Bishop Channer can be made on behalf of New Testament Church of God: Sydney Street Project. Your generosity will support the ongoing mission and work of the church.
The Sydney Street Project
The redevelopment of the church's Sydney Street home, continuing the work Bishop Channer gave more than forty years of his life to.
Please use the reference Sydney Street Project
Give by bank transfer
To give directly into our bank account by bank transfer, or to set up a standing order, please use the details below.
- Account name
- NTCG Burton
- Account number
- 82194726
- Sort code
- 60-15-55
- Reference
- Sydney Street Project
A note of thanks
We are deeply grateful for every act of generosity and remembrance. Your support honours Bishop Channer's life, faith and enduring commitment to serving others, and we ask that you continue to keep the Channer family and the wider church community in your prayers.