Mr Thomas Beggs, aged 82, called home on 25th December after some months of illness. Saved as a young man in 1945, he came into fellowship in the assembly in Dromore, Co Down where he soon became involved in childrens work in which he continued as Sunday School teacher and later as Superintendent until 1997. Our brother was also active in the gospel in the assembly open air work and elsewhere, preaching with earnestness and sincerity. He was a respected elder, active in the visitation of the sick and sorrowing, and had a shepherds heart. He was a man of prayer with a true passion for souls, a man who loved the assembly, and for whom it took precedence over personal matters. With his wife Doreen, their home was used for the furtherance of the gospel and hospitality to the saints. He has finished his course and will be greatly missed. The funeral services were conducted by his two sons-in-law, Ian McKee and Crawford Brown (Brazil), assisted by A Nesbitt, D Graham, and R Osborne.
Mrs Sylvia Hamilton, aged 67, was called home on 11th January. She was saved as a young married woman on 2nd October, 1968. At the end of the next year, following major heart surgery, she was baptized and received into fellowship in the assembly at Harryville, Ballymena. Initially her husband, Bertie, was not interested in the gospel but, in the spirit of 1 Peter 3, Sylvia lived a quiet and consistent godly life before him for 12 years. At the end of that period, Bertie trusted Christ and bore testimony to having been "won without the word" by the "chaste conversation" of his wife. She never enjoyed good health and in recent years was unable to meet in the assembly gatherings. Her funeral services were attended by many from the locality and were conducted by L Ballantine and W Martin with others sharing in prayer.
Mr John Henderson, aged 83, was called home on 14th January after a long illness borne with patience and dignity. He was saved in July, 1983 and was in fellowship in Edenderry assembly. Our brother bore a good testimony, and his commitment to the assembly was evidenced in his continuous attendance at the gatherings of the saints. The large funeral, which was conducted by local brethren, indicated the high esteem in which he was held. He will be greatly missed by his wife and family, and also by the assembly.
Mrs Margaret Hughes, aged 90, on 11th January. She was saved in 1948 when R Love had gospel meetings in Lowes loft at Carryduff. Later in the same year her husband Stuart (who pre-deceased her in 2007) was saved. They were received into fellowship at Knockbracken, and on moving to Belfast they fellowshipped with the saints at Ormeau Road. Due to troubles in the city they moved to Antrim where for some 24 years had happy fellowship. The last ten years of their active life they enjoyed fellowship at Carryduff. Margaret was a gentle lady who loved her Lord, His Word and His people. She was loyal and committed to the assembly and had a great missionary interest. The fragrance of her Christlike life was an inspiration to many. Due to failing health she has been in nursing care for some 2 years at Antrim. Her large funeral was from Antrim Gospel Hall where words of tribute, comfort, and gospel were spoken by W Hamilton and S Thompson with T Kennedy and J Hamilton sharing in prayer. She is survived by two sons and one daughter.
Mr Caldwell Lawrie, aged 61, called home on 1st December after a short illness. He was saved as a boy in Sunday School, later baptised, and was received into assembly fellowship in Shields Road Gospel Hall, Motherwell. He was there until after his marriage to Irene when he moved to Bethany Hall, Ashgill and continued faithfully in happy fellowship there for over 34 years. A willing worker in the assembly, sharing in the responsibilities, especially in the childrens work, and one who gave a very warm welcome to all who entered the door of the hall. Over the past few years he was the correspondent. The very large company of people who were present at the funeral service was proof that his testimony among the people in the village, colleagues at the college where he worked, and among saints, was well respected. He was a brother beloved and will be greatly missed by his wife Irene, the family and the saints in the assembly. Prayer is requested for the family and for the assembly.
Miss Mary McConnachie, aged 86, was called home on 2nd January. As a young woman Mary was saved, baptised, and received into fellowship in the Dufftown assembly. She attended assemblies in Dundee and Glasgow before returning to the North-East where she was Matron of a large mental hospital for many years. Mary was in happy fellowship with Gods people in the area, latterly in the Cullen assembly. A kind, tender-hearted, dependable sister who had a deep love for Gods people and a hunger for Gods Word, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The large funeral evidenced her good testimony in the community. Please pray for her two sisters, her brother, and the wider family of nieces and nephews, many of whom have not yet trusted Marys Saviour.
Mrs Isa McCracken, aged 94, was called home to be with the Lord on 14th December. Our sister came to Bellshill with her family when she was 8 years old, was saved, baptised, and received into fellowship at the age of 14 years. After her marriage to her late husband William they moved away for about 3 years, returning to Bellshill in 1937. With her husband she worked tirelessly in the gospel and among the senior citizens of the town. She was a loving, prayerful and godly woman, a true helpmeet to her husband. Mrs McCracken was faithful to the Lord and the assembly where she will be greatly missed. Please remember all her family who will miss her most.
Mrs Bessie Mairs, aged 92, widow of the late James Mairs, was called home on 29th December after a very short illness. She was saved in her late teens under the preaching of the late Fred Bingham. Later, she was baptised and came into assembly fellowship in 1935. In 1975 she returned to Ballyclare assembly having been in fellowship in the Kingsmoss assembly. She remained in Ballyclare until taking up residence in Faith House Eventide Home in 2006. She adapted to the home life very quickly and all there enjoyed her bright manner and willingness to co-operate. She is now greatly missed by her nephew Michael Miller and family, the Mairs family circle, and also the assembly.
Mrs Myrtle Miskelly, aged 65, on 8th January, in hospital after a long illness borne with patience and dignity. She was saved in 1971 at gospel meetings in Ballywalter, being baptised in Edenderry. She was for 2 years in Knockbreda assembly and for the last 35 years in Ebenezer assembly in Bangor. A quiet, godly, consistent lady held in high esteem, she will be greatly missed. J G Hutchinson and S Glenn conducted the funeral service. Prayer valued for her husband, son, and daughter, all in Christ.
Mr Robert (Bert) Pagan, aged 84, called home on 21st September. Brought up in Kirkconnel, Bert was saved at the 1955 Revival and lived to prove the change that salvation brings. Apart from six years in Radford Street, Mansfield, Bert was in the Kirkconnel assembly and served as Sunday School Superintendent and an elder until he was no longer able, due to ill health. Mourners were reminded of his cheerfulness and faithfulness and the way in which he sought to encourage the saints, both young and old to go on for the Lord. He had a great testimony in the village, and would speak the gospel to all he met. Pray for his wife Eunice, the family, and the assembly, all of whom feel his loss keenly.
Mr William (Bill) Thomson, aged 91, on 25th December. Born in Prestonpans, he was brought up to attend the Church of Scotland, and attended the "Lads Meeting" run by Dr McEwan and Mr Laidlaw. While working as a chauffeur for a local businessman, knowing he needed salvation and that war was imminent, he committed his life to Christ. Called up in 1940 to the army, he was baptized by Mr Harold German billeted in Lanark. Concerned for the souls of his fellows, he witnessed whenever he could, kneeling at his bedside in prayer. Ridiculed at times, he was faithful and steadfast throughout his service. After military service Bill came into fellowship in Viewforth Gospel Hall, Port Seton and served faithfully as Sunday School teacher, hall keeper, elder. Quiet and unassuming, he was a true Christian gentleman respected by all.
Mr William Wilson, aged 81, was called home on 29th December. He was saved in 1947, baptised in 1950, and was received into the assembly at Chappell Street, Barrhead after his baptism and continued there until his homecall. For some years Willie and his wife June were house-parents at Quarriers Homes. During those years they had fellowship in the assembly at Kilmacolm. He was for some years Sunday School Superintendent at Barrhead assembly, and had a very good testimony in the town. About 4 years ago he suffered a serious stroke which left him very severely paralysed. He patiently bore his illness. His wife June lovingly nursed him throughout those years. The esteem in which they were held was reflected in the large attendance at the funeral which was an occasion of thanksgiving and also an opportunity of testimony to the many unbelievers who attended. It was good to see some former Sunday School pupils and also not a few former foster children from Quarriers Homes come from various places. Prayer will be appreciated for June and the family.