The nude body of Anglican priest Father Larius Lewis was found in the rectory in Chapelton, Clarendon, on Friday.

The body was discovered by persons from his church after a report was made to the police that they had not seen him since Wednesday evening.

Rev Winston Thomas, rector of the St Gabriel’s Church in May Pen as well as supervisor for the region where Lewis worked, told The Gleaner yesterday that he was “devastated” and “shocked” by what had happened to his fellow clergyman.

He said the last time he spoke with Lewis was on Wednesday at a board meeting held at St Monica’s Girls’ Home in Chapelton.

“We had a good meeting on Wednesday when he left at about 5:30 p.m. to attend to an emergency,” Thomas shared.

Thomas said he tried on Thursday to reach Lewis but to no avail. He said Lewis would normally return his calls if he missed them.

“This morning I got in office about 11:30 and was told that he was missing, so I called the church and asked the church leader to send down to the rectory to make sure that all is well,” Thomas said, adding that a team was mobilised to go to the rectory and one hour later, he was told that they found his body.

Thomas described the late priest as jovial and cordial and was involved in the creative arts.

“He always use that experience of his in his interactions with people, in his sermons, in his teaching. He uses music and the creative arts to carry across his message,” said Thomas.