Miss Lilian (Lily) Brown, on 14th June, aged 76. Saved in her teenage days, she was baptised and received into fellowship in Matchett Street assembly in Belfast. She was a quiet modest Christian girl and wore the priceless ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is, in the sight of God of great price. Consistently at all the assembly gatherings in spite of the fact that she was crippled with rheumatism, she also helped in the Sunday School and children’s meetings through all the fifty-seven years she was in assembly fellowship. She is greatly missed. The service in the Gospel Hall was taken by John Currie. Sam Ferguson and David Kane spoke at the graveside.
Mrs Sarah Jane Brown, Edenderry, on 18th May, aged 96. She was saved in 1937 at meetings conducted by Mr Thomas Wallace and had a good testimony in the village. Her commitment to the assembly was evidenced in her continuous attendance at the assembly meetings until going to reside in Faith House in 1997. The large funeral service indicated the high esteem in which she was held. She will be greatly missed by her family in Northern Ireland and Canada.
Mr George Butler, on 20th May, aged 88. George was saved later in life in November 1983 after attending gospel meetings in Armadale and Airdrie. He was baptised soon afterwards and along with his wife Betty sought fellowship with the saints in Armadale. His consistency at the assembly gatherings when strength enabled him to attend is an example to all and, although not a public brother, he would often lift the worship meeting in the giving out of a hymn. Prayer is requested for his dear wife who is feeling the loss keenly.
Mr John Carson, a loyal, consistent, and highly esteemed member of the Ballymena assembly for over 75 years, passed into the presence of his Lord on 3rd June at the advanced age of 97. He was saved when he was fifteen years of age at the W P Nicholson mission in Ballymena in 1923. Although not a public speaker, he was a brother with a good knowledge of his Bible who appreciated the work of the cross. Right through his Christian life he had a great desire to see friends and neighbours saved and was a regular attender at assembly meetings until three or four years ago when he became immobile. A brother with a really good testimony. Mr M McKillen and J Fleck spoke at the funeral services, which were shared by Mr John McDowell (his nephew from Australia) and several others.
Mr James (Jim) Savage, on 5th June, aged 95. Saved at fifteen through John 5.24, he soon discovered, and was obedient to, believer’s baptism and assembly principles, truths he held with tenacity. The assembly at James Street, Newtownards, miss him. He was a founder member, overseer and, for many years, correspondent. An able gospel preacher and much loved Sunday School teacher, he sowed earnestly and experienced the soul-winner’s joy. His wife Etta (Thompson) predeceased him in 1989. He was lovingly cared for in Faith House in his final three years. His son Jim and wife Margaret, daughter Jean and husband William Johnston, and their families, and his sister Jean, all cared for him faithfully and deserve our prayers.
Mr James Wilson, on 7th June, aged 21, as the result of a tragic farm accident. Saved as a boy of seven, and later baptised and received into the fellowship of Ballywatermoy assembly, he brought much pleasure to his parents. He was highly respected by neighbours, classmates, workmates, teachers, and the lecturers of Queen’s University, where he had just finished his studies, and was due to graduate. The large company of young people who called at the home, attended the funeral and unashamedly shed tears, proved the value of a quiet, consistent Christian life. Greatly missed by his parents, brother and sister, and by the assembly, he has been received into Glory. The huge company at the funeral gave reverent attention as two local brethren, A McClean and B Carson spoke, with J Carson and S Lyons sharing in prayer.
