Mr David Buchanan, aged 79, called home to be with his Lord on 17th August, after a sad illness bravely borne. He was in fellowship in Dalmellington from his teens, and for a lengthy time carried on the assembly testimony on his own with a few sisters. He loved his Lord and enjoyed the fellowship of the Lord’s people. When Dalmellington assembly closed he went to Patna assembly and enjoyed fellowship there. He was pre-deceased by his wife Margaret in 2004. Remember his son Brian and family in prayer. He was greatly respected, and will be sadly missed.
Miss June Calvert, on 7th February, aged 69, after a prolonged illness. Saved early in life, and received into fellowship at Lower Windsor, she moved with her parents to Carryduff in 1953 and enjoyed fellowship at Knockbracken, Ormeau Road and latterly at Carryduff. She was most consistent in her loyalty to the Lord and the assembly. The Lord gifted her with a good singing voice and musical talents which she used for His glory. She was active in helping wit the disabled Christians, young people’s work and was a regular in a Residential Home where she was loved by all as she led them in playing and singing the old time good gospel hymns. She has left a fragrant testimony and will be much missed. The large funeral service in the hall included many of her unsaved neighbours and relations who heard of her Christian faith and the reality of salvation. The service in the hall was conducted by S Thompson, and at the grave by J Scott with D Abernethy taking part in prayer.
Mrs Annie Hosie, on 15th January, aged 95. Saved under the preaching of Isaac Ewan in 1939, and added to the Sandend assembly some years later, she continued there until it closed in 1995. Our sister was then received in Cullen, although unable to attend meetings due to increasing frailty. Quiet, cheerful and consistent, despite being a widow for forty-five years, Annie was a "widow indeed" whose home was always open, and many can testify to the love and care demonstrated in her life. She is survived by her son and daughter, Billy and Sylvia, and three much loved grandchildren. Prayer is requested especially for grandson Stephen’s salvation.
Mrs Elizabeth (Lily) Kennedy, on 13th January, aged 86. Our sister was saved on 8th August, 1943, and in 1945 was received into Lurgan Assembly. On the occasion of her marriage she came into Bleary Assembly and continued in happy fellowship there for the remainder of her life. Highly esteemed by the saints, she was faithful to the Lord and His truth, and was a lover of hospitality with an open home for the Lord’s servants and His people. Her large funeral was conducted by W J Nesbitt, with local brethren sharing. Prayer requested for her husband and family.
Mr Alex Machie, called home on 2nd January, aged 70. Brought up at Kingside, Kilmarnock, he was saved in 1956 and in fellowship at Plains Gospel Hall (now Crosshouse). Having moved to Northern Ireland in 1967, the nature of his employment in the construction industry meant that he was based in different parts of the province, but was in fellowship in Dundonald Gospel Hall for the past twenty-four years. He was involved in youth work and an asset to the assembly. His son Ewan, N Webb, D Muir, R Jordan, D Knox and H Graham shared in the funeral service.
Mrs Eliza Mary (Molly) McGarvie, on 16th January, her 100th birthday. Molly was saved as a teenager, and, with her late husband John, was in happy fellowship, initially in Maybole, and then for the past 60 years with the saints in Holburn Gospel Hall, Aberdeen. Her life was a testimony to the grace of God, and she never lost a sense of wonder at and delight in the love of the Lord for her. She was faithful in prayer, witnessed to unsaved whenever she had opportunity, and greatly encouraged the saints in the things of the Lord. A great-great-grandmother, she died "full of days", and is now at rest from her labours and at home with her Lord.
Miss Nellie Wood, on 18th January, aged 92. Saved in March, 1935, she was baptized in April that same year and added to the Cullen assembly where she was in fellowship at the time of her homecall. For many years our sister gave valued hospitality to visiting preachers while also devoting herself to the care of her ageing father. Our sister encouraged many by her faithful attendance at the assembly gatherings, even when failing health would have given her good reason to stay at home. Afflicted by poor vision latterly, her faith has now given place to sight.
