Beulah URC - Obituary

Beulah United Reformed Church
Rhiwbina, Cardiff

Part of the Cardiff & Penarth United Reformed Church Pastorate

Flowing Streams, Bringing Life

Obituary - Rev Dr Peter Cruchley

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Peter Cruchley, our former minister in Beulah and a dear friend to many.

Peter had been suffering from colon cancer and died in Geneva where he had been living, on Friday morning with his family around him. Our hearts go out to Lena, Eleri, Enfys, Will and Dylan and to Rhiannon.

Peter came to Beulah having served as Minister in the Ely Pastorate churches from 1992 -2001. He served as our Minister from 2001 until 2016 and left us to join the World Council of Churches in Singapore and then in Geneva. At the time of his death Peter was director of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism.

Peter was a larger than life character in many ways. He was a unique inspirational church leader who made Beulah an exciting, vibrant place of worship. Paper planes flew from the balcony, frequent cacophonies of musical noise rang out as children clanged their bells to the music of the hymns.

Graffiti Jesus, camping trips, play days all followed, led by a man in a vibrant coloured shirt who inspired a generation of young people in Beulah and encouraged many in their faith journey. He was brimming with ideas about how to communicate his faith to today’s world and his legacy lives on here in Rhiwbina but also in the worldwide church where his recent work had taken him.

His passing is a devastating loss for his family and friends but also for the church. It feels like a very bright light has gone out.

Memorial Service (live stream from Geneva) - September 9th at 1pm

This page last updated: 28 August 2025