Mr Hubert Boyle, aged 85, was called home on the 7th May, after a long illness patiently borne. He was a member of the Aughrim assembly for over 70 years, and was of a quiet disposition. Occasionally he would give out a hymn which was always in keeping with the theme of the meeting. He bore a good testimony and was well respected, both in the assembly and amongst his neighbours who were mostly Roman Catholic. The funeral service was conducted in the home by his son-in-law, C Milligan, and J Evans spoke at the graveside; local brethren, S Smith and W Pickering, shared in prayer. Prayer requested for family members, some of whom are not yet saved.
Mr Robert Cameron Gibson passed into the Lord's presence in the early hours of 7th February. Robert was the only son in a family of two sisters and grew up in the mining village of Kelty in Fife. He was saved in his early teens at the Fife Bible Class Camp where Mr John Rollo was the speaker, and from that day until his homecall he was consistent and faithful in his Lord's service. He was a skilled craftsman with wood and this was evident in the work he did with the Ayrshire Bible Exhibition. Robert was involved in this work from the beginning, building the exhibits and travelling the country from Shetland in the north to Jersey in the south including Wales and Ireland, bringing the gospel in this unique way to thousands of children as well as adults. He was a help in the assembly in Stevenston where he spent many years, and latterly in Cowdenbeath where he continued the exhibition work ably and was faithfully supported by his wife Isabel. His last illness was borne with remarkable fortitude and bravery and he will be greatly missed by Isabel, their three daughters and grandchildren. The esteem in which our brother was held was evidenced by the many who travelled from England and Ireland as well as from many parts of Scotland to be present at the funeral service conducted by brethren who knew him best.
Mrs Edith Dorothy (Doris) Hanna, called home on 3rd February. Doris, as she was affectionately known, was saved on 13th September, 1949 at East Wall Gospel Hall, Londonderry under the preaching of Harold Paisley, and was soon baptised and received into fellowship there. She, with her husband Bertie, served the Lord faithfully in all aspects of assembly life for many years in Londonderry and for a period of some years in Strabane. During the last seven years they enjoyed happy fellowship with the saints at Dunmurry when they came to reside in Faith House. Doris was a godly, exercised woman who manifested the graces of the Spirit, endearing herself to all who knew her and the many lives she touched. Her large funeral service was held in Dunmurry Gospel Hall and conducted by Alan Thompson. A fitting family tribute was given by her son-in-law Timothy Sloan (Ukraine), and Samuel Thompson gave a message of comfort, gospel and challenge. The service at the graveside was taken by A Thompson and G Gracey. Doris is survived by her husband Bertie, her daughters Rhoda and Sharon with their families, and the family of her late daughter Pauline Walls.
Mr Bruce Hull, aged 82, was called home suddenly on 27th April. He was saved in June, 1945 and later baptised and received in to the fellowship of the assembly at Newry. During his lifetime he was also associated with the assemblies at Whitehouse, Ballyduff and Ballynashee. For over 18 years he was in fellowship in the small assembly at Ballynashee where he was a respected and highly esteemed overseer. His presence and wise counsel will be greatly missed. He was an ardent and accurate student of the Word and an able teacher of divine truth. He was a man of deep conviction and stood firmly, faithfully, yet graciously, for the whole counsel of God. His influence extended beyond his local assembly; he contributed to Bible Readings and conference gatherings, seeking to instruct and maintain believers in the ways that be of God. The large company that attended his funeral bore testimony to the high regard in which he was held. B Currie and J Palmer conducted the funeral services, assisted by local brethren. Prayer is requested for his sorrowing wife, son and daughters, son-in-law, grandsons, brothers and sisters.
Mr William McKinstray, aged 89, was called home on 5th April. Our brother Willie was saved as a young man of 19 whilst serving king and country during the war; he went on to serve "the King of kings" for the rest of his life with great devotion, integrity, and zeal. Initially, Willie was baptised and received into fellowship in the Maybole assembly. Later, he and his wife Eva were in happy fellowship with the saints at James Street Gospel Hall, Ayr, then the Gospel Hall, Prestwick Road, Ayr, where he served as elder and correspondent. Willie was a truly gifted brother in the Scriptures and throughout his life he was much used of the Lord in both the gospel and the ministry, and many assemblies benefitted from Willie's exercise. It was also a privilege to hear Willie in worship and in prayer; a clear evidence of a brother in touch with his Lord. Willie also had a warmth and good sense of humour which remained with him even in his later years when he was laid aside due to illness. Willie will be greatly missed by the assembly. Please remember Eva and the family in prayer.
Mrs Eleanor McVeigh, aged 85, on 19th May. Saved as a girl of 16 through the preaching of the late David Craig of Scotland, she was received into the fellowship of Ebenezer Gospel Hall, Belfast and, together with her husband Andrew, later met with the saints in Cloughfern Gospel Hall, Newtownabbey. She was a faithful sister, whose presence will be sorely missed by the Lord's people in Cloughfern, and by her husband. The funeral services were conducted by Gerald Blakley, John Worthington and William Redmond.
Mrs Jackie Peden (née Green), aged 49, passed into the presence of her Saviour on 19th May. The daughter of Ernest and Ellen Green, missionaries in France, she was saved aged 8, baptised in June, 1977, and received into the assembly in Metz in April, 1978. She was later in fellowship in Reading, Bloomfield, Ballywalter, Ballyhackamore, and finally back in Bloomfield. She was a bright and happy Christian – committed to the assembly, a loving wife, and a devoted mother. Her testimony shone brightly through 18 months of serious illness to which she submitted with patient grace. Many were deeply impressed with her courage and sense of peace. A large number attended her funeral, taken by M Beattie, D Hawthorne, S Patterson, and G Carson. Prayer will be valued for her husband Jim and daughter Brook (aged 8).
Mrs Sadie Storey, aged 88. Sadie was called home to be with her Lord after a recent illness. She was saved, baptised and received into fellowship in early life and joined with the saints in Burnbank for a number of years and then latterly at Low Waters, Hamilton. Sadie was of bright disposition and always had a ready smile for all with whom she came into contact. For a number of years before her home-call she cared for her husband Wallace who was called home 10 months before her after a long illness. In the year before her home-call she showed her fortitude and faithfulness in attending the gatherings of the assembly when it was clear to all that she was far from well. During that time her infirmity was borne with great dignity and patience. For her it is now very far better as she is at home with her Lord, but, as is common, there is a family that mourn her passing. Remember them in your prayers.
Mrs May White was called into the presence of her Lord on 18th April. She was saved as a young woman and received into fellowship at Ballymacashon, evidencing a great love for her Lord, His Word and His people. She was widowed some thirty years ago and moved to live in Killyleagh where she enjoyed the fellowship of the saints there. A sister given to prayer, she loved the gospel and liberally supported the spread of it. She had one son, Trevor, for whom she prayed long. Her prayers were answered just over two years ago when he was saved, and he is involved in Church work. Our sister was in care for a number of years and Trevor was unstinting in his love and care for his mother. The large funeral service was in her son's home conducted by Samuel Thompson, and at the cemetery with Andrew Entwhistle and Stephen Thompson sharing in prayer. She is survived by her son Trevor, his wife and family.
