Mr John Ambrose went to be with the Lord on 28th September, aged 93. He was saved on 20th December, 1932 in Portavogie at meetings conducted by Mr Kells and Mr McGaw. Later, he was baptised and received into the assembly there where he remained for all of his life. His development spiritually was evident to the saints and he became a respected elder and a pillar in the assembly, being gifted in ministry and the gospel - a devoted servant of the Lord and lover of the truth. With his wife who survived him they kept an open home for the care and hospitality of the Lord’s servants and His people over many years. His passing is a grievous loss to the assembly and the work of the Lord at home and abroad. Tribute was paid to him at the large funeral service conducted by Mr J Paterson (Plains) and Mr W J Nesbitt, with others sharing. Prayer requested for his widow, hospitalised presently, his son and family circle, who await "the blessed hope".
Mr James Crawford (Jim) Crooks, called home on 14th October, aged 84. Brought up in Uddingston, he was saved at the age of 13 years, baptised, and was in fellowship in Union Hall, Uddingston. He and his wife Nellie Donaldson enjoyed happy assembly fellowship in Burnbank, Bothwell and latterly back in Uddingston for many years. He served his Lord and Saviour by preaching the gospel in Lanarkshire, and surrounding areas. He was actively involved in Christian camps for young people and had a great interest in children’s work. After his wife died he continued in his work for the Lord witnessing and encouraging those he came in contact with. After a long illness, Jim was cared for in Nethanvale Nursing Home in Auchlochan. Prayer would be valued for his family, Jim, Nell, Anna and his sister Lottie.
Mr John Foster, on 1st December, aged 78. Saved at seventeen under the preaching of the late Fred Whitmore, he was baptised and received into the Bloomfield assembly where he was in happy fellowship for sixty years. He was a man of principle, conviction, consistency, and integrity; a highly respected and faithful overseer for over 40 years whose wisdom, discernment and counsel were much valued. He displayed great courage and strong determination during several serious illnesses. During the past two years he was extremely weak and unable to be at the assembly meetings which was a great disappointment to him. The large number at his funeral service bore witness of the esteem in which he was held. W Pauley, W Mayhew, D Hawthorne and S Hawthorne shared in the services. Please remember his widow Violet, family, sisters and grandchildren, some of whom are unsaved.
Mr John Mahood, very suddenly, on 1st November, aged 54. While at work he collapsed and was with the Lord. As a boy he simply trusted Christ and was in the Broughshane assembly for about 20 years, being a faithful attender at all the meetings. His funeral was large and representative. Brother Leslie Ballantine spoke in the hall, and brother James Martin spoke at the grave. Other members of the assembly shared in prayer. Earnest prayer valued for some of the family not saved.
Mr James Neville, on 9th December, in hospital, in his 92nd year. Saved in 1950, he was, ever since, in the Newry assembly. A quiet brother who took no public part but bore an excellent testimony, he ever sought the welfare of others whether saved or unsaved. A careful reader of his Bible, given to prayer, and a faithful brother in every way, he will be greatly missed in the assembly and by his family to whom he was so devoted, as were they to him. His funeral from the Gospel Hall showed the respect in which the public held him. The services were conducted by Messrs J Rogers, J G Hutchinson and C Rogers, who paid loving tribute and presented gospel truth. Prayer valued for his large family connection.
Mr James Rainey, called home on 24th November, aged 72, after a long illness borne with patience and dignity. He was saved as a boy of 13, baptised and received into fellowship at Bethany Hall, Finaghy in 1952. He moved with his family to Central Hall, Bangor in 1968 and latterly to Ballymacashon in 1998, where his contributions were much appreciated and where he will be greatly missed. A gracious, kind, cheerful brother who loved the Lord and witnessed for him faithfully in Sunday School work and throughout his career. The love and respect of many friends and neighbours was evidenced at the funeral service, when Mr Harry Reid spoke words of comfort and challenge.
