Mrs Mary (Cissie) Brown, in her 99th year, went to be with Christ on 11th December. Saved as a girl of 18, she was soon baptised and received into the assembly at Ballygigan where she remained all her long life. With her late husband Jim she was faithful and helpful in the assembly, a lover of the gospel which she sought to support by her presence, prayers and practical giving. She was a woman who loved the Lord, His Word and His people. Her private funeral was conducted by R Pickering, H Williamson and A Nel. She will be missed by her only son Ronnie with his wife, and her only remaining sister Myia.
Mrs Mary Bruce, aged 88, was called into the presence of her Lord on 5th May after a time of illness. She was saved as a young girl of 14 years, was baptised, and, along with her late husband Jim was in fellowship in Fraserburgh, where she faithfully attended the gatherings. Mary was a godly, consistent sister with a good testimony who loved the Lord and was always ready to give a word of appreciation and encouragement.
Mrs Vera Dodds, was called home in her 90th year on 21st September, having patiently and bravely borne the illness of Alzheimer’s disease for the previous 7 years. Born in Stratford, in the east end of London, and saved and baptised at the age of fifteen, Vera moved to Scotland after her marriage to Jim in 1951, coming into fellowship in Newtongrange assembly (now Mayfield) where she continued steadfastly all her days. The family had the joy of seeing Jim and Vera celebrate their Diamond Wedding anniversary on 8th September, 2011 in Midlothian Community Hospital, where Vera was ably cared for by the staff. Vera was a faithful sister with a bright and cheery disposition, ever willing to show hospitality to the Lord’s servants and to assist Jim in his role as an overseer. She is remembered fondly by all who knew her and is greatly missed by her husband, and her four children and their families.
Mrs Helen Gibson, aged 88, went to her heavenly home on 4th November after a long illness. As a girl of 16 years she was saved while attending meetings in Coagh Baptist Church. Soon after, she was baptised and received into fellowship at Aughavea Gospel Hall, where, with her late husband Robert, she was faithful and helpful in the assembly over many years. A woman who truly loved the Lord, her family, four sons and daughter, and neighbours for whom she cared and prayed for earnestly. She was always speaking about spiritual things, seeking to forward the gospel and encourage those who preached it - a Christian lady who "adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things" (Titus 2.10). Her large funeral, at which many unsaved heard the gospel that she loved, was conducted by D McGarvey and R Pickering with D Owens and U Badger sharing.
Mr Fred Graham, aged 97, was called into the presence of his Lord on 27th November. He and his wife Helen were received into the fellowship of the assembly meeting in Windsor Gospel Hall, Belfast, in 1947. He?was well known in the district, and due to his influential testimony?the Sunday school increased to 400 children during his years as?superintendent. He was also a well respected overseer. In 2006 he and his wife joined the believers meeting in Laganvale?assembly where he was much loved.? They then moved into the care of?Faith House from which Fred was called to be with Christ, which is far?better. The funeral services conducted in Windsor and at the graveside?were taken by local brethren who had the privilege of working with him?in the large Sunday school in earlier years. Prayer would be valued for his wife, Helen, in Faith House, and for his?family who are still not saved.
Mr William Lindsay Jess, aged 69 years, was called home on 17th October after a lengthy illness. Brought up as the eldest of a family of six in Drumlough, he later came under the influence of a godly Boys Brigade leader and came to know the joy of salvation as a young man. He met and married Greta in 1968, and the union was blessed with the birth of a son and daughter. While finding fellowship among Baptist brethren they came to realise and appreciate the privilege of being gathered out to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sought and found association with the assemblies of His people, latterly in Ebenezer Gospel Hall, Bangor. Travelling widely in his occupation, Lindsay was well known and his testimony clear, as was seen in the large turnout at his funeral service. Before he was called home, and knowing that the time was near, he instructed that no tribute should be paid to him, but that the Lord would have first place in all that was said and done. He could truly be described as one who had a great appreciation of the Lord, and who loved nothing more than discussing the Scriptures which spoke of Him. It could be said of him that "he rightly divided the Word of Truth". His funeral service was conducted by the brethren at Ebenezer, as he wished. Please remember in prayer Greta and the family.
Mrs Olive May Lindsay, aged 95, was called into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on 21st November. She was saved when in her teens whilst attending the assembly at Werneth, Oldham. At the age of 20 she moved to Dreghorn when she married William Lindsay from the Ebenezer Hall, remaining in fellowship there for some 22 years, before returning to her home town of Oldham, and the Werneth assembly. Here she remained for the next 50 years. During this time she was active in the work of the Lord especially in missionary outreach, teaching in the Sunday School, speaking at various ladies’ meetings, and given to liberal hospitality. This she did until unable to carry on due to infirmity. Her final 3 years were spent in the Northern Counties Eventide Home, Southport, where she died, having finished her course with dignity, contentment and having kept the faith. A sister greatly missed and appreciated.
Mrs May McIntyre (née Goodwin), called home on 11th November aged 76, after a short illness. She was saved in 1947, aged 12, in the Gospel Hall, Bonnybridge, where, as a teenager, after baptism she was received into fellowship in 1951. On her marriage to Alan in May, 1960 she moved to Bethany Hall, Camelon, Falkirk, serving the Lord with gladness there for almost 52 years. She was most faithful in attendance and her presence will be sadly missed. Given to hospitality and faithfulness to God, she was a true helpmeet to her husband. She leaves a husband, two sons and a daughter, their spouses and six grandchildren. Prayer is requested for them and for the wider family circle, some of whom are not saved. Her very large funeral was conducted by Ian Cranston, a local elder, and Nicol Millar, Arbroath, and Iain Wilkie, Aberdeen, both long time friends of the Goodwin and McIntyre families.
Mr Len Stroud, in his 98th year, went to be with the Lord in 2011 soon after moving into Bethany Christian Care Home at Pamber Heath. He had been associated with the Pamber assembly for some 60 years, much of that time as a faithful and wise overseer. Few visited Pamber Heath without being welcomed with a genuine broad smile, a hearty handshake and a hymnbook from brother Len. With his wife Muriel, herself now resident in Bethany, Len raised three daughters, all of whom trusted the Lord in early years. Len Stroud loved the Lord and exemplified in his life that "godliness with contentment is great gain".
