Miss Helen Ainger, aged 66, called home to be with the Saviour she loved on 23rd May. Born in India and returning to the UK as an infant, Helen trusted the Lord early in life and was baptised at the newly opened Shirley Road Gospel Hall, Enfield in October, 1959, where she helped in all the assembly activities. This was followed by times of fellowship at Mill Lane Chapel, Cheshunt and Alexander Hall in Hornsey, where again she was a great asset in all aspects of the testimony, being very regular at all the meetings until the last few weeks of her life. Helen took a great interest in missionary work, was in contact with a number of the Lord’s servants in many parts, and also regularly wrote encouraging words for "Letters to Prisoners". A very large company attended the graveside, among whom were business colleagues, carers and hospital staff, neighbours and many friends. There D Tinkler conducted the service at which words of comfort were given to the family and the gospel preached. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Mill Lane Chapel at which an appreciation was given by D Tinkler with J Riddle giving a message of encouragement. Prayer is requested for the family and the assembly who greatly feel the loss of a dear friend and sister in the Lord.
Mr Ian Galbraith, aged 80. On 22nd July, after a long illness bravely borne, our esteemed brother was called home to be with his Lord. For most of his life, Ian was in fellowship with the saints in Ebenezer Gospel Hall, Wishaw where he served as an elder for many years. An able preacher, in retirement he and his wife moved to Largs where they were in fellowship in Brisbane Hall for 10 years before moving to enjoy fellowship with the saints in Bethany Hall, Gourock for the last 5 years. Remember his wife Isabella, in a nursing home in Ayrshire, his son and daughter and five grandsons.
Mr Samuel Kennedy, aged 81, on 8th July. Our brother was saved in early teenage years and was soon baptised and received into fellowship in Ballyclare. On marriage, he and his wife Jean set up home in Bangor, Co Down, joining the fellowship at Central Hall where they remained until his homecall. He was a quiet consistent brother who honoured the Lord in his business life and in his devotion to his family and to the assembly. He leaves behind his wife and his family of three sons and three daughters one of whom, Priscilla, serves the Lord in Malawi together with her husband John Finegan. A large company gathered for his funeral when suitable messages were given by J Wishart in the hall and R Pickering at the graveside. Family members, Philip Conn, John Finegan, Matthew Kennedy and Mark Kennedy contributed tributes and Scripture readings with Brian Gilpin, Harold Johnston and Joe Kelso sharing in hymns and prayers.
Miss Martha Lindsay (Meta), aged 94, went to be with her Lord on 1st June at her own home. She was saved as a young girl in Castlederg and was soon baptised and received into assembly fellowship. On leaving school she moved to Bangor where she was in happy fellowship in Holburn Hall for many years. After a period of illness she moved to fold accommodation in Belfast and became a member of Cregagh Street Gospel Hall. She was a faithful sister who took a keen interest in missionary work. Due to frailty and debility she became housebound but was content in her surroundings with the support of a few very faithful friends and carers. The funeral service was conducted by Mr Jim Flanigan supported by Desmond Saunders, and Jenny Saunders paid tribute to her aunt’s long and interesting life. At the graveside Mr Albert McKinney spoke and Mr Desmond Honan prayed.
Mr Wilbert McMullan, aged 80 years, went home to Heaven peacefully on 15th July. He was raised in a Christian home, and trusted Christ as his personal Saviour at 13 years of age through the words of 1 Peter 2.24. His favourite hymn reflects Wilbert’s appreciation of his salvation: "That Man of Calvary, has won my heart from me". He was baptised on the first Sunday in September, 1945 and was received into assembly fellowship at Ballymena Gospel Hall the following Sunday. Since then he had been most faithful at the meetings of the assembly, with his wife Pearl. For many years he served as a Sunday School teacher, and for approximately the last 12 years as precentor. Wilbert and Pearl had three sons all of whom trusted Christ as boys. His funeral on Sunday, 17th July was well attended with J Wishart and W Fenton bringing spiritual comfort and gospel challenge. Other brethren – J Parkinson, J Law and J Stevenson - contributed with kindness and feeling. He will be missed both at home and in the assembly.
