Mr John (Ian) Affleck, aged 62 years, was called into the Lord's presence on 3rd February. Our brother bore a bright testimony for the Lord during his year of illness, engaging with care staff and family up to just moments before his passing. Saved as a young boy, Ian was brought up in the Shields Road assembly in Motherwell where he was initially received into fellowship. Some 44 years ago, he moved to Lossiemouth where he subsequently married and became a vital part of assembly life and witness. An able preacher of the Word and one who loved to spread the glad tidings, he moved widely throughout the British Isles and latterly further afield. Our brother made several trips to the Indian subcontinent where his ministry and teaching were of great blessing and encouragement. He also made numerous trips to Canada, enjoying particularly the fellowship of the saints at the Gospel Hall, Owen Sound where his daughter Cheryl resides. Although the saints in these countries enjoyed his ministry and fellowship, it was among the local believers that he was of the greatest help, and his keen exercise and friendly disposition will be sadly missed. The large number attending his funeral was testament to the high esteem in which he was held. At the hall Ian's two sons, David and Alan, gave fitting tribute to their father, followed by Phil Coulson and John Hall who brought messages of comfort from the Scriptures, each recalling their times of service with our brother. At the graveside, a clear and challenging message was preached by Ainslie Paterson. Remember Ian's wife Ann and the family as they mourn the passing of our beloved brother.
Miss Ruby Hall was called home on 21st April. She was born in Co Wexford, and the family came to live in Northern Ireland in 1940, residing first of all in Bangor and then moving to Drumbo where her parents were received into the Ballymagarrick assembly, and which the family attended for approximately 20 years. It was while Mr Charles Fleming was conducting Gospel Meetings there that Ruby was saved on 20th March, 1951. The family moved back to Bangor in 1964 and were received into the fellowship of the Ebenezer assembly. Her secular employment was in the Civil Service where she commanded the respect and affection of everyone. Ruby was a wonderful, indeed unforgettable, character, with a very warm and infectious enthusiasm for everything in which she was involved. This was particularly seen in her constant devotion to, and involvement in, the Ebenezer assembly, where she was always an example and encouragement to everyone. With her sister, Pearl, she was given to hospitality. They loved to entertain, especially the Lord's people, and all were made to feel so welcome and were treated so generously. Some two years ago Ruby and Pearl went to reside in Faith House Eventide Home in Belfast. However, the increasing grip of dementia necessitated her being moved in March this year to the Bangor Care Home from where the Lord called her home. Her large funeral service in Ebenezer, Bangor, was conducted by S Ferguson, B Currie, D McQuillan, and D Gilpin.
Mr Jim Kerr was called home on 16th November. Becoming friendly with Cathie McLelland, who like himself, had been widowed, he started attending meetings in Central Gospel Hall. Jim was saved in December, 1995 and was baptised in September, 1996. Jim and Cathie were married on 1st February, 1997 and together they continued in fellowship until they were both called home.
Mr Ernest Trimble was the youngest of the three children born into a Christian home but his mother died when he was around ten years of age. His older sister Myrtle helped her father to care for her brothers and was determined that she would do all she could to make sure Ernest would not miss Heaven, so when meetings came to Ballywillwill in 1958, in spite of difficulties she encouraged Ernest to attend and indeed went with him. He was awakened and saved under the preaching of Mr Sam Thompson and Mr Reg Jordan and shortly after was received into the fellowship. He and his wife Jean were associated with the assembly at Ballywillwill since their marriage, and for many years he shared in the oversight of the assembly. He was a loving father and grandfather and had a heart for the gospel. He had earned the respect of many of his customers and neighbours who were included in the huge number from all over Ireland that attended his funeral service which was conducted by R Pickering and T Wallace.
Miss Freda Walmsley, in her 90th year, was called home on 25th May. Our dear sister was saved in 1952 when Mr James Martin was preaching at Currien, Fermanagh. She was in fellowship in the Currien assembly but for the last few years was house-bound because of illness. She leaves her sister Emma and brother Alfie. Prayer is requested for them as they seek to maintain testimony in that needy district of County Fermanagh. At her funeral T W Wright spoke in the home and B Glendinning at the graveside.
Mrs Rebecca Warden, in her 99th year, went to be with the Lord on 6th June. Our beloved sister was saved at the age of nineteen as a result of attending gospel meetings conducted by the McCracken brothers at Tullykevin, Greyabbey. She was in assembly fellowship in Bethel Hall, Ballywalter for the greater part of her life. Rebecca was a faithful attender at all the meetings and was a great encourager to all. She was at the remembrance meeting on the Lord's Day before she was called home. She was lovingly cared for by her only daughter Ruby and son-in-law Nelson. She will be greatly missed by them and also her grandson Richard, his wife Rachel and the great grandchildren Katie and Sophie. Her very large funeral was conducted by S Glenn and M McKillen assisted by M Shanks and T Meekin.
