Mr James (Jim) Buchan was called home to be with the Lord on 9th January after a brief illness - just three weeks before his eightieth birthday. Jim was born into a Christian home in Peterhead, and as a young teenager he trusted the Saviour. He eventually came to Fife to work and came into fellowship at Abbot Hall, Dunfermline. His fellowship and contribution to assembly life since then has been enjoyed and greatly appreciated. Jim and his wife Ena loved their visits during the summer months to the caravan site at Girvan - we missed them and the small assembly at Girvan valued their help. Jim had a wonderful testimony during his last few days in the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline. His faith was real, strong, and bright to the end. The huge number at his funeral service was a token of the love and respect that so many had for him. Please remember his widow Ena and all the family in prayer.
Mrs Nettie Cranston, called home on 18th February, aged 93. She was saved as a girl and was later baptised and received into fellowship in the Bellshill assembly. With her husband she lived all her life in Bellshill, serving the Lord faithfully and supporting her husband in the work. For a good number of years she was not able to attend the gatherings of the Lord’s people, and latterly had to be taken into care. Prayer would be appreciated for her husband Douglas who is in care locally, and also her son and daughter.
Mrs Ann Farquhar, called home on 25th January, aged 83. Saved in 1934 and brought into fellowship with the assembly at Camelon, Ann was devoted to the Lord from the moment she trusted Christ until she passed into the Lord’s presence. Ann married Bill in 1948 and they set up home in London being associated with the assembly in Kilburn where they gave themselves unreservedly to the Lord’s work. Their home was always open to the Lord’s people and fellowship was shown to saints from all over the world. Ann’s secretarial skills were of great value as, with her husband, she shared in the organisation of the Eastbourne Bible Readings, the London Convention, and the Sunbury Court Young People’s Weekend. In 1996 Ann and Bill moved to Kinross where the assembly greatly benefited from their godly example and help. In latter years Ann had a number of health problems but was lovingly cared for by her sister Rena, for whom prayer would be valued as she copes with the loss of her sister.
Mrs Ethel Flanagan, called home on 10th April, in her 92nd year, after a period of failing health. For the last few years her daughter, Emma Wright, returned from Brazil so that she, along with others, could care for her at home. She was saved in early life, and after her marriage to Mr Tommy Flanagan they were in fellowship in Tullyglush and later in Keady assemblies until failing health prevented her attendance. She was faithful to the assembly, and for many years cared for evangelists who stayed in the family home while preaching in the district. The large funeral was shared by S McBride and S Flanagan in the home, and by W J Nesbitt and T W Wright at the graveside. There were words of comfort and gospel given and many unsaved heard tidings of salvation. Prayer would be valued for her husband, two daughters and a son, grandchildren and great grandchildren, some still needing salvation.
Mrs Mary Hamilton was called home from Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley on 25th January, aged 94. Saved when a girl, our sister was soon in the Plan assembly and thereafter in Crosshouse, Paisley, and Kilbarchan. "A virtuous woman...her price is far above rubies" (Prov 31.10). Our sister was active in Sunday school teaching, was kind hearted, and loved to testify of her Lord. Deterioration in health in recent years brought limitations, but even the last few weeks in hospital saw her in the middle of the ward leading the others in singing hymns and the old choruses from Sunday school. The large attendance at her funeral services in Kilbarchan and Kilmaurs was eloquent testimony to the virtuous woman. Prayer is appreciated for husband Tom, son Hugh, and the family.
Mrs Ella Thomson, called home on 25th February, aged 77. She was saved as a girl in New Stevenston Gospel Hall where she was later baptised and received into fellowship. After her marriage, she and her husband Alex stayed in Motherwell and met with the saints in Ebenezer Hall, and then for the last forty years were in the Bellshill assembly. Both Ella and Alex served the Lord faithfully, supporting the work, particularly the senior citizen’s work in the town, and were always together. Ella radiated joy and happiness, and was given to hospitality. Prayer would be appreciated for Alex who is incapacitated, but continues to meet with the Lord’s people when he can, and also for the family.
Mrs Ruth Walker, on 4th April, aged 79. Saved in early life, she was, before her marriage, in Greenview, Pollokshaws and in various assemblies afterwards with her husband. She was finally in Chappell Street, Barrhead for the last ten years. She will be greatly missed, especially by her husband Willie and their daughter Edith.
Correction - Mr Richard George Patterson passed into the presence of his Lord on 28th March, not 28th January as was originally given in last month’s magazine.
