Mrs Elizabeth Bell, aged 97, was called home on 10th May. She was saved in 1932, and with her late husband Jim was for many years in fellowship in Banbridge assembly. A quiet consistent sister who in all her ways "adorned the doctrine", she was ever interested in gospel work and the welfare of the assembly. Her funeral was from the Gospel Hall and was conducted by W Curran, J G Hutchinson, and D Lyle (her nephew). Prayer valued for her daughter.
Mr James Gordon, aged 92, of Ballynashee assembly, Co. Antrim, was called home on 7th May after a long period of weakness. Our brother was converted on 22nd February, 1945, as he ploughed with horses in the field. This was during meetings held by Mr Robert Craig in the area. He was of a quiet manner and bore a faithful testimony amongst his neighbours, for whose souls he carried a burden. He was in the assembly for over 50 years along with his devoted wife who survives him. Their four sons and two daughters are in assembly fellowship. Remember these, with the grandchildren, in prayer. The large funeral reflected our brother's good testimony, and was conducted by J Fleck and D Gilliland.
Mrs Chrissie Hay, aged 88, was called home to be with the Lord on 10th April. She was saved at the age of twelve while attending a meeting in the fishermen's mission. A few years later she was baptised and added to the assembly at Prince Street Hall, Peterhead. Her whole life was one of quiet consistency as she faithfully attended the gatherings of the Lord's people along with her late husband Peter. On many occasions she would give a genuine word of encouragement. Although in weakness latterly in life, she maintained a very pleasant disposition, a sister who adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour in all things. She will be missed by her only daughter and the family.
Mr John Johnston, aged 86, went to be with the Lord on 11th May, after a period of illness. He was saved on 19th December, 1943 at meetings in Ballymagarrick Gospel Hall conducted by Robert Curran and William Johnston. He was later received into the assembly. John was a lover of the Lord and the gospel, a stalwart for the truth and the testimony, whose word was his bond. He was lovingly cared for by his family during his illness. The large funeral bore evidence to the esteem in which he was held and was conducted by Robert Shannon and Jack Lennox with others sharing. His saved family await "the blessed hope".
Mr William McCulloch, aged 78, was called home suddenly on 18th April. Bill was saved at the age of 6 when led to the Lord by his father. He met his wife Janet at a young people's camp. Together they sought to serve the Lord and enjoyed assembly fellowship in Glasgow, East Kilbride and Haywards Heath (Sussex). He and Janet had an interest in young people's work and were much given to hospitality. Latterly he was in fellowship in Newton Stewart assembly whilst living there to be close to Janet who was cared for at Machermore Eventide Home. After her homecall he moved back to Haywards Heath. He was the UK correspondent for Counsel Magazine since his retirement from secular employment, and carried on this work until he was called home. Through this correspondence work he sought to encourage the Lord's people, and became a friend to many without having met them. The thanksgiving service at Haywards Heath was conducted by R Atkins and R Dawes with an appreciation on behalf of the family given by his youngest brother A McCulloch. Bill was buried beside Janet in Scotland, and the graveside service was taken by A Oxenham and R Atkins. The gospel message was soundly proclaimed on both occasions, which was our brother's greatest desire. He will be very much missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Mrs Enid McShane, wife of the late Albert McShane, was called home peacefully on May 18th, aged 93. Saved as a girl in 1931, she was the longest surviving member of the assembly in Lurgan where she had a consistent and dedicated interest in the welfare of old and young. She survived her husband by six years, and for over sixty years was a willing and self-sacrificing supporter of all aspects of his work for the Lord. Mrs McShane was blessed with a remarkably clear mind to the end of her life, and maintained a keen interest in the Lord's work and people even in the years when health problems prevented her from attending the public gatherings of the saints. Her presence will be greatly missed by many, especially by all in the assembly at Lurgan and by the family circle. The large and respectful funeral service from Lurgan Gospel Hall was conducted by E Russell, J G Hutchinson, and D Gilliland.
Mr Andrew Mathie, aged 75, called home to be with his Lord on 10th March, after many months of illness. He was a true shepherd of the flock and highly esteemed amongst the saints and unbelievers alike, as was evidenced by the very large company at his funeral. Although he engaged from time to time in ministry and preaching in other assemblies, he will be most missed at his local assembly, Low Waters, Hamilton. An overseer for over forty years, he served and guided the flock with his knowledge of Scripture, and his care for the saints, and he applied the wisdom of the Lord to many a circumstance. His life was about exalting his Saviour, and Christ was the centre and sum of it all. He had a real heart for the gospel, and on many an occasion preached the message of salvation with real power and conviction. Many will also give testimony to the fact that he either led them to the Lord or was an important link in the chain of their salvation. Remember his family, the assembly, and wide circle of friends in prayer as they mourn his passing. A man of great spiritual stature, "Whose faith follow".
Mrs Jenny Russell, aged 83, called home to be with her Lord and Saviour, on 27th March. She was saved as a teenager and received into the assembly in Blackburn in 1944. On marrying her husband, Wilson, she moved to Larkhall and was there until his homecall in 1997, after which she joined the assembly in Newmains. Jenny was always happy to be involved in the work of the assembly, in Sunday school, girl's class, and women's work, and was particularly interested in supporting missionaries. She had the skill of engaging with people and could talk of her faith. Throughout her teaching career she promoted Christian values in school and ran Scripture Union groups. In her retirement years she also helped with lessons for a postal Sunday school. Jenny loved to have visitors, and many have appreciated her hospitality over the years. She will be missed by all in the assembly, her friends, and especially her family.
Mr William Spence, aged 92, was called home to glory on 5th May. He was saved as a young man in gospel meetings conducted by the late Hugh Alexander at Ballyward, Co. Down. Willie was one of the founder members of the assembly at Castlewellan and remained in fellowship until his homecall. He was a consistent brother who loved the Lord and gave his all to the assembly. In recent years he was unable to attend the meetings due to failing health. His funeral service was conducted by J Martin and W Martin, and many relatives heard the gospel preached. Prayer is requested for his widow Ina who is confined to residential care, and for the little assembly now bereft of another brother.
Mr Walter Todd, aged 83, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on 5th May. He trusted the Lord as a young man of 17, in the assembly at Auchinleck, where he remained until his marriage to Nancy Adair in 1947. They set up home in the village of Catrine, then moved to Kilmarnock, Coatbridge, and Cumnock, where they enjoyed happy fellowship in the local assemblies. He served as both an elder and a hallkeeper, and was committed to pastoral visitation. He was a gifted gospel preacher and minister of the Word, travelling to other assemblies to give help where needed. He was involved in Children's Meetings and Bible Class work, and his greatest joy was leading others to the Saviour, not least members of his own family. In his working life with the Mines' Rescue Service, he earned the respect of his colleagues because of his adherence to his Christian principles as shown by his quiet, firm but fair manner. The family home was always open to young people and visiting speakers alike, and many evenings were spent singing together and discussing the Scriptures. In 1990, Walter and Nancy moved to Hamilton to be near their daughters, and there they joined the fellowship at Low Waters Gospel Hall, in May 2006 Nancy went home to be with the Lord. Now they are re-united in His presence. What joy for them! 2 Corinthians 5.8.
Mr James (Jim) Wilson, aged 92, was called home on 28th April. Jim was saved as a teenager and was in happy fellowship for over forty years in Hebron Hall, Bo'ness, and then for 30 years in Cotton Lane Gospel Hall, Laurieston. In February, 2006 he moved with his late wife Cathie to Nethanvale, Auchlochan. They had been married for 67 years. In his more able years he, along with his wife, was given to much hospitality towards the Lord's servants. Our dear brother was an able teacher of God's Word. Among the many subjects that he loved to speak on were the Hallel Psalms, the Cities of Refuge, and the Levitical Offerings. He loved to be with the saints listening to and teaching the Word of God. Over the past few years his health deteriorated until finally he was called into the presence of the Lord whom he loved and served. Prayer would be valued for his two daughters and their families.
