Mrs Sadie Kennedy was called Home on 20th May, aged 96 years. She was saved in her late twenties while attending Gospel Meetings in Lurgan conducted by Mr Stephen Alford and, shortly after her marriage, moved to Vancouver in 1957. It was there that her husband Cecil was saved, and they came into fellowship in Woodland Drive Gospel Hall. Sadly, Cecil passed away in 1976 after a long battle with cancer and, in 1981, Sadie returned to Northern Ireland and gathered with the believers in Bleary, to whom she endeared herself. She was a godly sister, consistent in her attendance and wholeheartedly committed to the assembly. For the past eight years she was in Faith House, where she was shown much kindness and care. Her funeral was conducted by local brethren, and prayer is requested for some relatives not yet saved.
Mr Will Kirkpatrick, aged 76 years, was called Home rather suddenly on 12th April after a short period of hospitalisation. He was born in the Dunmurry area of Belfast in 1941, and he and a brother were saved in 1955 during Gospel Meetings conducted by evangelist Sam Thompson of Newtownards. During the early period of his Christian life he was associated with the assembly in Derriaghy, moving after his marriage in 1973 to the assembly in Portadown where he spent the remaining years of his life. Will was a very cheerful, consistent and committed brother, and always a help among the Lord’s people. His frequent support of meetings and conferences in various parts of Northern Ireland, together with his positive and pleasant personality, endeared him to many. For a number of years he was correspondent in the assembly in Portadown, where his absence is most keenly felt. In public life, Will was involved in agricultural sales, and travelled widely throughout Ireland bearing a good testimony among customers and colleagues alike. His widow and two sons remain in the Portadown assembly, and his daughter, Elaine, together with her husband, John Meekin, serves the Lord in Nova Scotia, Canada. Prayer for them and their families will be appreciated.
Mrs Phyllis Spence, aged 83, was called Home on 30th April. Phyllis was saved on 9th January 1961 through 1 Peter 2.24. It was the second Gospel meeting that she had attended when Jim Martin preached in Tullylagan Gospel Hall, and she was soon baptised and received into that assembly. With her late husband, Tommie, she moved to Cookstown in 1975, and joined the assembly there a short time later, faithfully attending all the assembly meetings and supporting the Gospel around the area. Phyllis also had a special interest in missionary activity, and was a dedicated helper in that work while she was able. She was a devoted and caring mother to her seven children, and was much loved by her many grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was always very thankful that many of them are saved and in assembly fellowship.
Her funeral service, in her daughter’s home, was conducted by Sammy Maze, with Jim Wishart and Billy Taylor sharing in tribute and prayer. At the graveside, David Gilliland gave a most appropriate message to a very large and attentive audience, and Brian Glendinning concluded in prayer. Please pray for her one remaining sister (aged 98) and her wide family circle as they come to terms with their loss.
