'From a newspaper report'
The congregation worshipping at the Catholic church of Corpus Christi Boscombe received a terrible shock yesterday afternoon by the sudden death in their midst of their Rector, the Rev. Father Francis Payne. The Rev. Father had preached at the afternoon service at the church and was taking part in the outdoor procession in the beautiful grounds surrounding the church and the convent of the cross.
The procession has halted before the outdoor altar of Our Lady of Lourdes when, whilst a short service was proceeding the Rev. Father fell forward to the front of the altar and expired to the great grief and consternation of all present.
Dr Creed, who was among the congregation, at once went to the assistance and Mr Austin, Superintendent of the Ambulance Brigade, who happened to be present, rushed across to his house, which is near at hand and procured an oxygen tube, from which the doctor administered oxygen.
But it was soon evident beyond all human aid, and he passed gently and peacefully away, whilst prayers for the dead were being said by the Rev. Father de Lapasture and the congregation. The body was shortly afterwards removed on an ambulance to the Presbytery near.
The remainder of the outdoor service was not proceeded with and the congregation wended their way sorrowfully back to the church where, after the Benediction, they dispersed.
The sad event has cast quite a gloom over the neighbourhood. The deceased has suffered from heart trouble for some time and to those who knew him intimately, his passing away was not a matter of great surprise, although its suddenness occasioned feelings of profound grief.
He was thoroughly beloved by his congregation and commanded the high respect and esteem of all who knew him.
Father Payne was born on August 26th 1847. He entered the Society of Jesus on September 7th 1863. Of a kindly disposition and sweet character, he had endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact.
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