Mr Samuel Graham, aged 89, was called into the presence of the Lord on 15th September. He was saved on 22nd September 1981 at meetings held by our late brethren Jim Brown and Jack Lennox in Banbridge. Our brother was received into Donagcloney assembly, where he was a faithful and valued member, attending all the meetings until health failed. He leaves behind a widow and family for whom prayer would be valued that they may be saved. His funeral was conducted by A Redpath and B Glendinning.
Mr Peter Hinshelwood aged 75, was called Home peacefully to be with his Lord on 1st September, after 12 years of coping with Parkinson’s Disease and, over the past five years, loss of sight as well. Despite these afflictions he never complained, but was always rejoicing in the things of the Lord. Until he was admitted to hospital a few weeks ago, he was still able to say a few words of thanksgiving at the Breaking of Bread worship meeting. He had been in fellowship with his wife Mary in the Carluke assembly for 43 years, and was active in every avenue of the assembly testimony amongst young and old - Sunday School, Children’s Meetings, Bible Class, work in hospitals and Eventide Homes, to name but some. For many years he served the saints as an elder, and was well regarded for his help to other assemblies in ministry and in Gospel witness. His home was a constant venue for people, whether Christians or not, to visit for hospitality. Although the interment was in Carluke, the funeral service had to be held in Wishaw Gospel Hall (Peter’s place of upbringing) due to the large number of believers and other friends who wished to attend. The presence of around 300 people was indicative of the esteem in which he was held. Please pray for his widow, son and daughter, and five grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
Mr James (Jim) Kells, aged 80, passed into the presence of His Lord with his family around him on 7th September. He was saved at the age of 15, and always had a burden to share the Gospel. He was commended to the Lord’s work in the South of Ireland in January 1960 from the Windsor Assembly in Belfast. He tirelessly covered many miles doing visitation and distributing tracts. In earlier days he preached with Mr John Finnegan, Mr John Hawthorne and others, and did tract work with Mr Hall. Jim married Nan Roycroft from Skibbereen, Co Cork in September 1962 and went to live in Drum, Co Monaghan, where his parents originally came from. He moved to Ballina, in the west of Ireland, where only two remained in fellowship and were about to retire to the North. The assembly then moved to Lugawarry. He faithfully worked in remote areas such as Stonewall, Newtownwhite, Arvagh, Longford, Boyle, Leitrim and Lugawarry to name a few, and saw fruit for his labours. Many attended the funeral which demonstrated the high esteem and respect he had among the neighbourhood, his family and fellow believers. Jim was a great man of prayer - little in stature but a giant in many aspects of life - encouraging, gracious, selfless and known far and wide for his endearing smile. He will be sadly missed, and prayer is appreciated for his wife Nan, children; Grace, Joy, Samuel and Cherith, their spouses and his 15 grandchildren, who all spoke of their love for Granda. Jim has gone to be with Christ, which is far better.
Mr William (Willie) Lipton was born on 3rd January 1921 in Co Tyrone. In August 1945 he attended Gospel Meetings, held in a tent in Fivemiletown, which were conducted by the late Harold Paisley and, as a result, he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and was saved. Sometime later he was received into the fellowship of the Lungs assembly, where he continued until the family moved to Newtownards, Co Down, in 1950. There, Willie was in fellowship in the old Scrabo assembly until 1983, then he moved to Ballyhay, where he continued steadfastly as long as he was able. Due to advancing years he was not able to attend the assembly meetings consistently, and was cared for by his devoted daughter, Lois. He and his wife, Ellen, who predeceased him in 1993, had two sons and three daughters. The family circle expanded to 20 grandchildren, 31 great- grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. He was called Home on 7th September, aged 95 years, and his large funeral took place on 12th September. Prayer would be valued for this large family circle, the vast majority of whom are not saved. Willie was a faithful brother who will be greatly missed.
Mr William (Billy) Wilkinson passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord on 7th September. Born in Waringstown in 1942, the family later moved to Enniskillen where, in 1958, Billy trusted Christ as his Saviour. In August 1967 he was married to Ruth Moore, and God blessed them with four daughters, all of whom have come to share their parents’ faith. In his mid-30s Billy and his wife came into fellowship in the Enniskillen assembly, where they remained faithful and valued members. Billy’s love for Christ, and his deep appreciation of all the Saviour had suffered for him, was easily recognised as he met with fellow believers to remember his Lord. He came with a full heart, and the warm sincerity with which he took part publicly often lifted the spiritual tone of the meeting. Billy was ‘a people’s person’ who loved mixing with local people, getting into conversation with those he met, and sharing with them the good news of the Gospel. The esteem in which he was held was demonstrated at his funeral service, when over 300 gathered to pay tribute to a man whom they knew and loved. He will be greatly missed by the assembly, and the family, too, would value your prayers at this time.
