Mr Lionel Coey, aged 82 years, was called Home very suddenly on 6th April. He was a generous, unassuming man who was given to prayer. He heard the gospel in Sunday School days in Craigavad, but was not saved until just before his 37th birthday. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Lord's people in Craigavad, Bushmills and Ebenezer, Bangor. He was marked by a devotion to his Saviour and his family, and had a keen interest in the gospel, praying continually for the salvation of souls. He saw many of those he prayed for saved by the grace of God, including members of his extensive family circle. He had a keen interest in the things of God, and was a consistent attender at all the assembly meetings. His large funeral was a testimony to the high esteem in which he was held. He will be missed by his widow Mabel, his daughters Lorna, Olwyn and Alison, and his grandchildren.
Mrs Christina Darroch, aged 90, was called Home on 25th March. She was born in Greenock and, apart from a brief spell attending the Gospel Hall in Alexandria, spent almost her entire life living and working in the neighbourhood close to the assembly there. She was brought up in Christian home and, aged 20, she committed her life to Christ. She met her husband Alistair in 1948 (they were married in 1954) and he remained her constant companion and staunch supporter throughout their married life. It was in her own neighbourhood that Chris was known and carried out her work for the Lord. For many years she helped in Gospel Meetings at two local elderly homes, and in prison fellowship. She was for many years a Sunday School teacher, and was involved at the commencement of the mother and toddlers work in 1987. She also attended and helped out at the Children's Meeting. This work amongst the young was particularly precious to her as she had a real burden and desire to see the Word of God taught to the children. This also extended to her professional life; as a primary teacher she was involved in the Scripture Union both as a student and a teacher. She was a faithful visitor of the elderly and sick, and her shepherd care was evident to all. She had a genuine care for all those in need. Her care was not restricted to her neighbours and friends, but she also made many contacts by letter to foreign missionaries and others. Chris was an example of how to reach sinners. There were contacts which she made, conversations in which she became engaged, and problems which others (especially women) could discuss with her, that would have been difficult for others. She encouraged all age groups; the preacher would be told if the ministry was helpful, the worshipper was told if the contribution was Christ-exalting, she would encourage the young, she was aware of those who were downcast and would lift them up, and she was willing to act when a visit would be helpful. She simply loved the Lord, His Word, and His people. She was known for her humble, gracious and Christlike character. Above and beyond all of her work, she was best known for being a personal worker with a God-given ability to engage people in conversation. Chris was very human and approachable, with a warm sense of humour. Very down-to-earth, she was sincere, courteous and kind, with a great capacity for friendship. We need more women of the same character as Chris to teach us, be an example to us, and influence us; that is the legacy Chris has left.
Miss Kathleen Davidson, for many years a member of the assembly in Ballymena, was called Home in her 90th year. She was saved as a girl after the weekly Gospel Meeting in Broughshane, when the preachers were Mr Adam Buick and Mr John Hamill. She began her working life as a junior in a local hardware shop, which also arranged transport for people who were emigrating. Kathleen later became the manager, and eventually the owner, of Greer's travel office. A very capable, caring and conscientious person, her aim was to make sure people got safely to their desired destinations, and over the years she helped many missionaries and evangelists with their travel arrangements. She had a good testimony and was held in high esteem by the travel industry, for which she became the N Ireland representative. She loved the gospel and had a desire that friends and colleagues would arrive safely in Heaven. Prayer is valued for her sister Vena, who lived with and cared for her, and now misses her greatly.
Mr James Dodds was called Home on 25th February aged 88 years. Jim, as he preferred to be known, was born and brought up in the coal mining community of Newtongrange. He was saved as a boy and, despite having polio, went on to serve the Lord faithfully for over 70 years as Sunday School superintendent, precentor, overseer and shepherd of the flock in the Newtongrange assembly (now Mayfield). Jim had a mobile grocery van and was well known in the village of Gorebridge and surrounding areas, having a good testimony and making many contacts. He had a great memory and was able to recall successive generations of his customers with ease. He loved the gatherings of the Lord's people and was a faithful preacher of the gospel and minister of the Word, with many of the saints still remembering messages he had preached in his own unique manner over 50 years previously. He was a great visitor of the sick and, along with his late wife Vera, he opened his home to the saints. Though latterly housebound and confined to his bed, he still took a great interest in others. The funeral service was taken by Mr Robert Miller from Mayfield. Jim is survived by his two sons, two daughters, and their families.
Miss Pearl Hall went to be with the Lord on 26th April. Born in Co Wexford, she came to Northern Ireland in 1940, living briefly in Bangor before moving to Drumbo, where her parents were received into the Ballymagarrick assembly. In 1952, Pearl was saved while attending Gospel Meetings conducted by Mr Charles Fleming at the Leverogue crossroads, near Ballymagarrick. In 1964, she was received into the Ebenezer assembly, Bangor, where - along with her sister, Ruby, who was called home two years ago - she was an active and devoted member. They were consistent and enthusiastic in support of all the activities of the assembly, and were given to liberal hospitality. Pearl was closely involved in the Ebenezer outreach in the village of Conlig, both as a much-liked and respected Sunday School teacher for over 40 years, and also in the monthly Gospel Meeting there. Her secular employment was with the Ministry of Education, and her services were honoured by the award of an MBE in 1991. Pearl was a highly accomplished, kind and gracious Christian lady, who was a great blessing to many, particularly those in the Ballymagarrick and Ebenezer assemblies, by whom she was greatly beloved and is so much missed. In 2012, Pearl and Ruby went to reside in Faith House Eventide Home, from where Pearl was called Home. A large number attended her funeral service in Ebenezer Gospel Hall.
Mrs Ellen Hampton, aged 95, was called Home on 25th April. She was saved in October 1938 through the words of the hymn "Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me". For many years she was a faithful member of the Donaghcloney assembly and, as long as she was able to attend, was present at the meetings. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas ten years ago. For the last year Ellen resided in a nursing home, and she was a joy to visit. Her two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will sorely miss her. Prayer would be valued for them, as many are not yet saved. Her funeral was conducted by Brian Glendinning.
Mrs Jean Kruse (née Reid), aged 78, went to be with Christ on 15th January. She was saved at the age of nine years, after attending a Gospel Meeting in Lanark. It was clear from the very earliest that she was earnest in her Christian faith and life, and was an example to all she knew and met. In her late teens she had the responsibility of helping her mother bring up the three children younger than herself, after her father was killed in a railway accident. She went on to train as a shorthand typist and took up employment as such. While attending a Missionary Conference she heard that it was not necessary to be a doctor or a nurse to serve on the mission field and, in fact, there was a great need for a typist at the Chibambo Mission Station. Having been aware of the Lord speaking to her and, after reading Through Gates of Splendour, with the words of the late Jim Elliot still in her mind, "Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the mind of God", Jean was eventually commended to the Congo. Having later survived the uprising by fleeing by canoe to Zambia, she went on to serve in a greater and fuller way at Luanshya. Kindly and generous, she was loved and respected by all who came in contact with her in her widespread and varied ministry. Serving alongside Ken Kruse, whom she later married, she lived out her calling until Ken's failing health brought about a return to Scotland, from where Ken was later called Home. They found fellowship in Larkhall for a time, before Jean moved to Auchlochan, from where she was called Home, her service having finished. She was a true labourer in every sense of the word, and the love and respect in which she was held were seen in the large company who came to pay respect to her memory, and in the tributes from home and abroad. She was a shining example of faith and grace, and was one to whom it could truly be said "well done".
Mr Robert Love was called Home on 9th March, aged 85. Our brother was saved as a young man of 14 under the preaching of Mr Alec Cooke, in Ballywatermoy Gospel Hall, Co Antrim. He was baptised and received into fellowship in Ballywatermoy in 1946. Robert was a dedicated, studious and caring brother in the assembly, with a great love for his Lord and the people of God. He was an overseer and correspondent in the assembly for over 45 years, and carried out these responsibilities with great care and accuracy. Robert and his wife Helen's home was open to many of God's people over the years as they cared for visiting missionaries, evangelists and many others. Robert also had a great interest in other areas of the Lord's service, such as the Logos School in Cyprus and Faith House Eventide Home. Robert will be greatly missed by his sorrowing wife Helen, the assembly, and a great many of the Lord's people. His funeral services were taken by brethren D Gilliland, D McGarvey, S Patterson and W Martin. Prayer would be appreciated for his widow, Helen.
Mrs Jean Maclean (née Wallace) was called to be with the Lord on 20th April, aged 56. Saved in early years in the town of Nairn, Jean moved to Forres when she married Ronnie in 1990. As a much-loved and valued member of the Forres assembly, Jean will be sorely missed. Her large burial service testified to the esteem in which she was held. Remembrance in prayer would be appreciated for Ronnie, son Gavin, daughter Rachel, Jean's brothers, sister and their families, and for Jean's widowed mother, Jean Wallace.
Mr John McDowell, aged 79, was called into the presence of the Lord from the Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, on 1st March. At the age of 13 he was saved at gospel meetings held by the late William Bunting in Clonkeen. He was baptised and received into assembly fellowship the following year. John, with his wife Olive, moved to Australia in 1972, and was commended to full-time service by the Burleigh Heads assembly in 1991. He gave much time to prayer, and had a wholehearted interest in the spread of the gospel, the printing of gospel literature, and the erection of highway posters throughout Australia. He loved to help smaller companies of believers, and sought to encourage all. His ministry to the saints could be summed up in the words of Acts 20.20. A large company attended the funeral service in Conference Hall, Brisbane, and also Randalstown Gospel Hall. Prayer would be valued for Olive, who faithfully supported and cared for John, and also that the faithful words spoken by those who participated at the funeral services will result in eternal blessing.
Mr Thomas (Tom) McNeill, well known and respected evangelist, was called to be with the Lord on 14th April, aged 81 years. Our brother was saved in early life after a Gospel Meeting in Buckna Gospel Hall, and shortly afterwards was received into the Ballyvaddy assembly. Upon his marriage to his wife, Jean, he set up home in Ballymena, later moving to Lurgan in connection with his employment. He then moved to reside in Larne where he was in the Craigyhill assembly, from where he was commended to full-time service in 1974. After returning to the Ballymena area, he spent some years in fellowship in the Broughshane and Harryville assemblies. For many years he laboured faithfully and fruitfully in the gospel throughout the province, as well as in Southern Ireland, sharing at different periods with James Martin, John Hawthorne, Wilson Jennings and several others. Today many are in assembly fellowship as a result of his earnest efforts in the spread of gospel tidings. He was a very diligent visitor, and was especially used among the farming community where he was adept in encouraging farming men, unaccustomed to Gospel Meetings, to come under the sound of the message. The perfect description of our brother is concisely given by the apostle as "the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches" (2 Cor 8.18). A big man in physical frame, he was warm-hearted in his approach and endeared himself to many. He preached with fervency and simplicity, and was a true winner of souls. His service, while mainly in the land of his birth, also took him on brief visits to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Of recent years he was limited because of health problems, particularly since the homecall of his beloved wife in 1998. Our brother has left a fragrant memory in the hearts of many, and has before him in Heaven a reward for a life of faithful service. Appreciation for Tom's labours was clearly seen in the unusually large and representative company at his funeral service from Harryville Gospel Hall. Brother Tom is survived by his sisters Elizabeth and Margaret, and brother David, all of whom will, together with their families, appreciate remembrance in prayer.
