Mr William George Bell, aged 93, on 3rd May, in hospital. He was saved in 1932, and due to changes in farming etc., has been in 3 assemblies: in Drumlough, where he was on the oversight, Dundonald, and Cardy. From conversion he took a real interest in his Bible and the things of God. His convictions were strong but he was never severe or harsh. Though busy in farming he took a deep interest in the gospel, not only constantly preaching in the Lord’s Day meetings, but also conducting special efforts where he, with others, saw people saved. His beloved wife was taken in 1997. He leaves a daughter, son-in-law, and family all in Christ. The very large funeral from Cardy Gospel Hall was conducted by Brian Ambrose, J G Hutchinson, C Davidson, and P Bell.
Mr Jim Gill, aged 86, went to be with Christ on 4th May. Jim was saved at meetings in Mullafernaghan Gospel Hall when the gospel was preached by E Wishart and S Thompson during 1972. He was baptised and received into the Banbridge assembly, and in later years was in Dromore assembly. He was not a public man, but with a happy smile he lived a consistent Christian life. A quiet, gentle, gracious brother with a love for the gospel and the assembly gatherings, he will be missed by family and friends. Words of tribute and gospel were spoken at his funeral by J Graham, D Graham, and R Pickering.
Mr John Carson Harkness, on 23rd May in his 102nd year. He was saved in 1923. While not a public speaker, he was deeply spiritual, loving his Lord, His Word, and the assembly. Successful in business he always put God and His matters in their right place. The very large funeral from Ballymoney Gospel Hall was an indication of the esteem in which he and the family were held. Mr McKillen was chairman with Mr G Fleck and Mr T McCaughan helping in prayer and tribute. J G Hutchinson and J Fleck gave suitable messages in the Hall and at the grave. Prayer valued for his family.
Mrs Mary McAnespie, aged 91, on 11th April. Born into a Christian family, she was saved at the age of 11 after attending a meeting in James Street, Ayr. Received into fellowship in that assembly, she soon became actively involved in Christian service such as Sunday School work, and, after marrying Andrew, opened her home for hospitality. She moved to Woodpark assembly in 1988 and her bright personality, love of singing, and readiness to speak about her Lord earned her many friends. She knew her Book, knew her Lord, and her main desire every week was to be in the house of the Lord. Mary prayed constantly for her wide family circle for whom continuing prayer is requested.
Mrs H E Nutt, in her 97th year, in her son’s nursing home at Ballykelly. Saved in 1928 at meetings conducted by Messrs Craig and Lewis, since her marriage she has been in Limavady assembly where she was loved and respected. She was a consistent, godly lady with a deep interest in the welfare of the assembly and the making known of the gospel. Ever with her husband in his work and assembly activities, she always maintained the sister’s quiet place. She had the joy of seeing her family saved, one of them paid a loving tribute to her in the funeral service. Her funeral was one of the largest seen in the Hall, and was attended by all sections of the community. M Howe took charge of the arrangements in the Hall, and, by her own request, J G Hutchinson gave the message, M Howe closing in prayer. Mr H Caskey spoke at the grave, giving a very suitable word of Scripture. Prayer valued for her family.
