Mr Hugh T Ardis was called home in his 99th year, on 18th September. He was saved when 41 years of age through the words of John 3.16 while digging turf in a bog, about 3 days after his wife May was saved. He had a constant interest in the gospel which he endeavoured to communicate personally at every possible opportunity, possessing an exceptional ability to engage in gospel dialogue with people from every walk of life. He was pre-deceased by his wife 31 years ago, and leaves his family of 8 sons, 3 daughters, 47 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. He was a faithful supporter of assembly activities, while physically able, in Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh, where he was in fellowship since shortly after his conversion. He was lovingly cared for by his son Goodlet and daughter-in-law Deirdre for the last 13 years. A large number attended the funeral which was from Goodlet's home where the service was taken by Jim Black with Bertie Rogers praying. At the graveside W J Nesbitt delivered a clear gospel message and Joe Preston concluded in prayer.
Mr Tom Bain, aged 75 years, was called home on 12th September. The only contact our brother had had with the Word of God, until his conversion in 1965, was in the Boys' Brigade. After marriage, he and his wife Mary emigrated to Canada in 1960. At 26 years of age, Tom was confronted with the great issues of the gospel. When a Jehovah's Witness raised with him matters he did not understand, Tom spoke to a Christian, the caretaker of the flats where they lived, who answered many of Tom's questions and brought Tom under the sound of the gospel, leading to both Tom and Mary separately trusting the Lord Jesus. They returned to reside in Glasgow in 1967, and initially attended a Baptist Church and from time to time Tylefield Gospel Hall. During that period they were helped by Peter King, who worked in Tom's place of employment. In 1979, Tom and Mary were received into fellowship in Woodhill Gospel Hall, Bishopbriggs, and in 1995 into Springburn Gospel Hall. Tom's contribution to the work of the assembly in Springburn was immense. For several years, he and Mary were the backbone of the tract distribution. Although not a gifted preacher, Tom played an active part in the public gatherings of the assembly and supported a number of assemblies by attendance at various meetings. Not surprisingly, the attendance at Tom's funeral was the largest in memory, a tribute to his consistency and Christ-like demeanour.
Elizabeth Ann (Nancy) Flannigan was called home on 26th October on the day before her 75th birthday. Our sister was saved as a girl of 15 during Gospel Meetings in Drumaness conducted by Samuel Thompson and the late Jim Graham. After her marriage in 1964 she moved to Co. Armagh and was a much appreciated member of the Drumacanver assembly for the remaining years of her life. She passed away after a short, though severe, illness and a brief period in hospital, leaving behind very many fragrant memories. Nancy will be sorely missed beyond words both in her home and in the assembly. She was a sister of cheerful and caring disposition and was greatly given to hospitality. With her husband Gordon, she always had an open door for the Lord's people and servants, and for all and sundry. Her generous kindness and sacrificial care for others were well known throughout the wider community and gained for her a special place in the affections of all. Some of her family have suffered serious illness over recent years and our sister was the main carer for other members with special needs. Her homecall leaves a particularly large vacuum in this area and prayer will be greatly valued for her husband Gordon, her son Cyril and her two daughters, Janet and Hazel together with Janet's husband, Victor, and three granddaughters. A very large company of mourners assembled for her funeral services which were conducted by Mark Campbell and David Gilliland with other brethren from the Drumacanver assembly participating.
Mr William Howe was called home to be with the Lord, suddenly, on 3rd September. Having left Ireland in early life, he spent time in Rhodesia where he was saved, in Northern Ireland, and latterly in South Africa in the Klipspruit West assembly. Having returned to Ireland last year, He and his wife Vera were for a few months in the Cork assembly and, more recently, moved to Longford where they were in happy fellowship. William was a kind, godly brother and a faithful, consistent attender at all the assembly gatherings, desiring to witness to others in a personal way. His participation and support in the Longford and Cork assemblies is keenly missed. His funeral was from the Longford Gospel Hall where the gospel was faithfully preached. Prayer is requested for his wife Vera, his daughter and two sons, all in assembly fellowship, and, their children, and in particular for a large family connection still not saved.
Mrs Elizabeth (Bessie) McCubbin, aged 84 years, was called home on 30th August after a time of illness during which she was lovingly cared for by her husband, Davy. She was brought up in a Christian home, saved in her teens, baptised at 19 years of age, and received into fellowship in Crosshill assembly. After her marriage to Davy in 1955, and a short time spent in Ayrshire, they moved to Stranraer, where they were in happy fellowship until they retired to Ayr in 1992. They then returned to fellowship with the believers in Crosshill, where she was faithful until a few weeks before her homecall. Bessie was a true "servant of the church" in many ways and is sadly missed. She was a faithful wife and helpmeet to Davy and a loving mother to her son Colin, his wife Isobel, and their children, Kirsty, Gillian and David, and little grandson Elijah. Prayer would be valued for the family and brother and sisters in their loss.
Mr Robert (Bobby) Patton, aged 91, was called home suddenly on 25th November. Saved as a young man of 20, he was in assembly fellowship all his life in Sion Mills. He taught in the Sunday School and Bible Class, and spoke at many midweek children's meetings. Bob loved to preach the gospel, played an active role in the Sion Mills assembly, and remained a faithful attender at all meetings until a decline in his health in latter months. He has been lovingly cared for at home for many years by his devoted wife Margaret throughout their 51 years of marriage. He was loved and greatly respected by his children and grandchildren alike. His funeral was well attended and the large amount of people present was a reflection of his life and the impact that he made on others. He made lifelong friends with people from all walks of life and lived his life to the full, trusting his every step and every decision to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His funeral was conducted by Aaron Colgan and Robin McKeown. Please remember his wife and the family circle in your prayers. With Christ which is far better (Phil 1.23).
Miss Emily Rowntree, aged 91 years, was called home on 12th October. She was saved at the age of 14 and baptised at Portadown Gospel Hall in June, 1936. She felt the call of the Lord to mission work in Angola, and was commended by her home assembly at Clonroot, Co. Armagh. Emily attended the Missionary School of Medicine, London, completing her studies in 1948. She then travelled to Portugal for language study. In 1950, she arrived in Cazombo and joined James and Jenny MacPhie (UK) in the depths of the Angolan jungle. It was not long before she became involved in the work of the school and clinic, and was a tower of strength as that work grew and developed. In 1985 missionaries were forced to leave Angola, so Emily and her colleague, Eva Warke, went to serve in neighbouring Zambia. In April, 2012, they were visited by two armed men, one with a gun and the other with an axe. The men stole money and also a Bible - which Emily and Eva prayed they would read. Emily and Eva were fully involved in gospel work until October, 2012, when they returned to the UK due to ill health. Emily will be greatly missed by all at Kayombo, not only for her medical work at the clinic, but also for her early morning teaching of Religious Education in the school. She was heavily involved in various Sunday schools where thousands of children were taught the Scriptures and God's way of salvation. In 1981, Emily was awarded the MBE, by her Majesty the Queen, for nursing services to Angola. However, she has now entered the Lord's presence where recognition of her service to the people of Angola and Zambia will last for eternity. A large company attended the funeral from Central Gospel Hall, Bangor where Emily's family had moved many years ago, and when on furlough Emily treated it as her home assembly where she received warm hearted fellowship and support over many years. A tribute from Jack Finnegan who had served the Lord in Zambia was read by Raymond Bingham. Kenneth MacPhie (grandson of the late James MacPhie) also read a tribute of appreciation. Sam Jennings read the Scriptures and gave a short message. The graveside services were taken by D Graham and D McAllister. Prayer is requested for Emily's co-worker Miss Eva Warke.
