Mr Robert Crozier, aged 71, was called home on 11th June. Our brother was saved in 1958, at the age of fifteen and was baptised and received into fellowship in Hebron Hall, Larkhall in July, 1960. A sincere and spiritual brother, he spent the remainder of his life in the service of the assembly, not only by his regular attendance at the meetings but also by his helpful contributions which were greatly appreciated. He held various posts in the assembly - Sunday School superintendent, precentor, deacon and treasurer. He was also secretary of the Lanarkshire Tent work for a period. Prayer will be valued for his widow and the family circle.
Mrs Iris Frazer, aged 91, passed away on 13th June. Saved as a girl of 16, Iris was received into fellowship in the Ballyhackamore assembly. After marriage to Charlie, they were a few years in the Ebenezer (Belfast) assembly and were commended to Bloomfield in 1952. Together they had a strong interest in missionaries and ever sought by various means to give them practical support. Despite poor health latterly, Iris was regularly at the meetings until November last year when she was diagnosed with cancer. She moved to Faith House in February where she was cared for until she passed away peacefully. The large funeral services were shared by W Pauley, D Hawthorne, S Hawthorne and D Craig. Prayer is requested for the large family circle.
Mr Charlie Frazer, aged 96, passed away on 18th July. Saved as a young man of 16, he was received into fellowship in the Matchett Street assembly. After marriage to Iris, they were in the Ebenezer (Belfast) assembly and were then commended to Bloomfield in 1952. Charlie had a love for the gospel and a great interest in missionary work to which he gave very liberal practical support. His personal testimony was exemplary and he had a great influence on many unsaved colleagues during his working life. Until last November, he was often at the meetings and took a little part when he was able. He moved into Faith House in February where he was well cared for until he passed away peacefully exactly five weeks after his wife. The large funeral services were shared by W Pauley, D Hawthorne, S Hawthorne and D Craig. Prayer is requested for the large family circle.
Mrs Elizabeth (Lily) Jenkinson was called home in her 95th year, on 3rd July. She was saved on 2nd December, 1943 while the late Mr Hull was conducting Gospel Meetings in McClure's barn in the Drumacanver district, Co. Armagh. Lily had been a widow for over 40 years as her late husband Robert (Bob) was called home when Lily was in her 50s. She has left a family of five which are all saved, Letty, Norah, Tom (Scotland), Robert (Bob) and Marshall. Her family have been a testimony as they devotedly cared for their mother over the years. She was known for her homeliness and hospitality and plain speaking. Her prayers for the lost in the neighbourhood will be rewarded in a coming day as will her support in the spread of the gospel. The large funeral service was conducted from the Drumacanver Gospel Hall where Lily was in assembly fellowship for over 70 years. A marquee was erected to accommodate the large number who attended her funeral from the district and all over Ireland and Scotland. The funeral service was shared by J Wishart, M Campbell who paid a fitting tribute, and J Bingham. Please remember the family circle in your prayers. "I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine" (Is 43.1).
Mrs Edith Petrie, on 28th July, aged 87 years. Our sister was saved at Gospel Meetings held by the late Hawthorne Bailie in Donacloney in 1946. After only a few years of marriage and just prior to the birth of her son, she was suddenly bereft of her husband who was called home as a young man in 1962 and she spent the remainder of her life in widowhood. The Scriptural description of a "widow indeed" who "continued in prayers and supplication" and was "well reported of for good works" (1 Tim 5.5,10) was fully exemplified in the life of Mrs Petrie. A godly woman, an avid reader of good books, and well versed in Scripture, wearing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit coupled with a healthy spiritual discernment were characteristics of our departed sister. For over 50 years she was a much valued and exemplary member of the Banbridge assembly where she was loved and respected by all. Her son Andrew and his wife Sandra, together with their daughters Rachel and Hannah, lovingly and sacrificially cared for Mrs Petrie and diligently attended to her every need over recent years right until her home call. Her well attended funeral service from Banbridge Gospel Hall was conducted by D Gilliland and W Martin, with brethren S Dawson and N Fleck sharing in prayer. "A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised" (Prov 31.30).
