Mr John Ashwood, aged 74, was called home on 4th February after a sudden, short illness which was borne with great dignity. He was predeceased by their daughter Wilma (aged 13) 35 years ago as the result of a tragic accident. He was a faithful brother to the Assembly at Bonnybridge, which has now closed as he was the last remaining brother. Prayer respectfully requested for his widow Margaret.
Mr William Gault, aged 79, called home on 1st January after a long period of failing health. Bill was saved as a young boy and was baptised and received into fellowship in Lossiemouth where he continued as a respected elder. He was married to Jessie Smith from Portessie for over 52 years, and their happy loving relationship has been an example to us all. The large company attending his funeral showed the respect with which he was held. He will be missed by all, but prayer is especially requested for the family, which includes 8 great-grandchildren, who will miss him the most.
Mr George Lind, Dumfries, 1928-2009. George was born and brought up in the Dumfriesshire mining village of Kirkconnel where he was saved in his childhood. He was baptised and received into fellowship in the same Assembly where his lifelong love of the Scriptures and passion for gospel witness were nurtured. Soon after his marriage to Peggy (Thomson), he moved to Dumfries where his zeal for the Lord continued in Bethany Hall, and he found in the late Alex Garden a true "father in Christ". At the age of thirty he was invited by the brethren to become Correspondent. He faithfully served in this and in other capacities until his death. He sought to bring a variety of spiritual nourishment to the lives of the saints by the diversity of preachers whom he invited week by week over the years, delighting, with Peggy, in providing hospitality. He carefully balanced his family and Assembly responsibilities, seeing his three sons trust Christ and go on to serve Him. George and Peggy had an open home, maintained a keen interest in the work of missionaries, and had a particular calling to hospitality and the provision of pastoral care, particularly to the housebound and elderly. He preached acceptably, and willingly travelled to encourage the saints in small Assemblies without encroaching too much on his local responsibilities. Blessed with a keen sense of humour, infinite patience, tact, and wisdom, he gently witnessed to Christ’s saving grace to all his carers during his final illness. The large attendance at his funeral service was witness to the excellent testimony he maintained. As mentioned there, George lived and died "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us".
Mrs Martha Jane McCrum, aged 92, was called into the presence of her Lord on 3rd March in Faith House Eventide Home. She was saved on 10th February, 1944 while attending gospel meetings in Mullafernaghan Gospel Hall, Co Down conducted by brethren T Wallace and J Stewart. Her husband was saved 4 days later, and shortly afterwards they were baptised and received into the fellowship of the Dromore assembly. With her husband, who predeceased her 5 years ago, they were consistent and faithful members of the assembly. For the last 3 years she has been in failing health but bore her illness with fortitude and with a bright spirit. Her large funeral from Dromore Gospel Hall was conducted by local brethren with W J Nesbitt giving goodly words of gospel and comfort at the graveside. She leaves two daughters and a son.
Mr Andrew Murray, aged 63, called home on 30th September. Andy was saved in his early forties and was in happy fellowship in Hospital Hill, Dunfermline. He had a great love for the Lord’s people and the assembly, and his greatest joy was to take part in worship at the Lord’s Supper. In the latter stages of his life ill health prevented him from attending the gatherings, and for him to be with Christ is indeed far better. Please remember in prayer his aged widowed mother who is not yet saved.
Mr Hubert Ward, aged 85, called home to be with Christ on 20th March. He was saved on 19th March, 1937, Mark 8.36 being the text that made him seek salvation. During meetings held by Mr Wright and Mr Beattie in Drumlough Hubert trusted Christ. Shortly afterwards he was received into the assembly there, and in later years he was in Banbridge Assembly. He was a faithful supporter of the gospel and a consistent visitor of the sick for many years. His funeral services were attended by many from the locality and also a great number of the Lord’s people. Words of tribute, comfort, and gospel were spoken by David Radcliffe, Bobby Grattan, Roland Pickering, Ivor Parke, and John Rogers. He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife and family.
