Mrs Gretta Adamson of Lurgan, aged 70, was called Home on 24th July. Gretta was a much-appreciated sister and, with her husband Harry, was a faithful part of the fellowship. She was saved under the preaching of J Thompson and J Turkington in Lurgan in 1967, and was soon received into the assembly. Gretta was greatly loved by the saints, and was involved in children’s work, where her friendly disposition was valued in a special way. She is very much missed by her husband, who cared for her devotedly throughout her year-long illness. Her countenance and contribution will be fondly remembered.
Mr James Robert Baker, known to most people as Jim, was born in Liverpool on 8th May 1934. His father was saved after a lifetime at sea and, from conversion, made it his business to study the Bible and commit it to memory. This practice was passed down to his two sons, Jim and Ken, and for both of them it became the bedrock of a life of service for God. At the age of 18, Jim was ‘called up’ for military service, and he chose to join the medical branch. This determined his lifelong career in the world of nursing. Jim met his wife, Edna, in Liverpool, and they married in Belfast in 1957. In the following years they moved away from Liverpool on two occasions, first to Aylesbury and then to Hastings, as Jim furthered his career in nursing. During this time Jim and Edna had two sons, David and Stephen. The family relocated to Scotland in 1966, again in the course of Jim’s work, and he lived there for the remainder of his life.
During his 40-year professional life in the Health Service, Jim travelled widely, at home and abroad, conducting Bible Readings and ministering the Word of God. After he retired in 1991, he made many trips overseas to countries such as South Korea, China, Ukraine, Canada, USA, India, Sri Lanka and Australia. His warm personality, smile and clear Bible teaching won many hearts and minds both ‘on the platform’ and in the home. Unknown to most people was the help that he brought to many believers on a private and personal level via phone calls, writing and home visits, along with Edna.
Jim was known for his sharp mind, clarity of thought and his ability to handle Scripture. For 16 years he shared editorship of the Believer’s Magazine, in which he also conducted the Question Box for about 25 years. He wrote two commentaries in the What the Bible Teaches series - Daniel and 1 Timothy - and contributed to five of the Day by Day Precious Seed publications as well as writing for Assembly Testimony Publication’s The Glory of ... series.
The funeral for our dear brother was well attended, and many felt that fitting tributes were given to a life lived for the glory of God. Emphasis was made of the greatness of what the Lord had done in and through this dear servant of God.
Mr Arnot Caulfield went to be with Christ on 4th May, aged 90. Born into a Christian home in Lurgan, it was on 11th March 1942, when attending Gospel Meetings conducted by a Mr Rees, that Arnot experienced the peace of deliverance through Revelation 3.20. Baptised a month later, he was received into the fellowship of the Lurgan assembly on 26th April 1942. His new-found faith was expressed in what would become a lifelong interest in children’s work and the preaching of the Gospel. Marked by a meticulous nature, and involved with the Saturday night Lurgan Bible Readings (a priority to which he committed himself throughout his spiritual life), gift and ability developed, and he was regularly involved in fruitful series of Gospel Meetings. In 1962, a transfer in work took Arnot, together with his wife Anna, to the Harryville assembly in Ballymena. There our brother continued to manifest the same devotion and exercise in the things of God, making an appreciated and very valuable contribution to all the meetings. Arnot had a caring nature and a wide sphere of prayerful interest which will be missed. His regular visits, and concern for the sick and tried, brought them much comfort. In later years a deterioration of eyesight had far-reaching consequences, but an alert mind and a genuine interest in the activities of the saints were maintained. In his closing week, a quick decline in health gave way to a peaceful entry into the presence of the Lord whom he loved and served. Arnot appreciated the devoted care of his wife Anna and daughters Elizabeth and Wilma, together with other family members, for all of whom prayer is requested.
Mrs Grace Elizabeth Hunter (née Skelly), was called Home on 29th April, aged 59, after a short illness. Saved on 1st April 1970 as a girl of 13, after the family Scripture reading and prayer caused her to have great trouble of soul, she found peace through the words of the chorus “Two for their own transgressions died, the middle One for mine.” Her early life was in connection with the Cregagh Street assembly in Belfast. Grace then moved to Dromore with her husband Martin in 1977, where happy years were spent with the saints before the family moved to England in 1987, and later to Scotland; in recent years enjoying fellowship in Tayport. Grace loved the Lord and the assembly, and was devoted to her husband and family. Her heart and home were open to serve the Lord and His people, and she encouraged and supported Martin in the preaching of the Gospel. In every sphere where she served her Lord faithfully, her unexpected passing has left a vacancy that only God’s grace can fill. A Service of Remembrance was held in Perth on 7th May, and the funeral service took place in Dromore on 10th May. A large company of mourners from England, Scotland and Ireland gathered to sympathise with the family. Prayer is requested for Martin and the family: Samuel, Andrew, Mark, Norman and Ruth, with their spouses and children, that they may know God’s blessing and guidance.
Mr George Johnston, aged 94, of Drum, Co Monaghan, was called Home peacefully on 10th July. George was saved as a teenager following a series of meetings conducted by the late Mr Edward Hill. In his late teens, when others were leaving to find employment elsewhere, George decided before the Lord to stay in Drum and help the local assembly there. His life bore testimony to that commitment in the help, care, compassion and prayerful interest he displayed individually and collectively in the Drum area. Throughout his life, George was active in evangelism in the wider community and surrounding counties - he used every opportunity to spread the Gospel through visitation, calendar and tract distribution, tape and CD ministry, and supported the Postal Bible School in its early days. He also had a vision to see the Gospel proclaimed and blessed right across the Republic of Ireland. This hope was often expressed in conversation and prayer. George’s life of communion with God was reflected in his prayers of worship at the Breaking of Bread, and in his prayers of intercession on behalf of many. The large funeral service was held on 13th July in Drum Gospel Hall. Gladys, Rae and Louise and the families wish to express their thanks for the loving support and kind expressions of sympathy received from all. “Redeemed.”
Mr Andrew (Drew) Marshall, aged 71, was called Home on 16th May. He was saved early in life and, after being baptised, met with the assembly at Newmains until his marriage took him to Whitburn. He then later moved to Armadale, where he lived for most of his married life until he was called Home. He was faithful at all the gatherings of the saints, took on various responsibilities over the years, and was concise as a teacher of the Scriptures. He leaves behind his wife and daughter, for whom prayer is requested.
Mr Robert (Robbie) O’Neill, aged 92, was called Home on 18th January. Robbie grew up in Portstewart and, at the age of 16, joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. After serving his country during World War II, he returned home and was employed as a joiner with Howard Platt, Coleraine, and later as a Clerk of Works to the Ministry of Finance. In 1962 he attended a series of Gospel Meetings in Coleraine Gospel Hall, the speakers being Mr Jim Martin and Mr Jim Brown. Robbie was saved, and later baptised and received into the assembly at Portstewart. A few years later he was in fellowship in Coleraine Gospel Hall where he spent 50 happy years until, because of illness and old age, he was unable to attend the meetings. Some of the local believers made it their ministry to visit him regularly in the Cottage Home, for which he and his family were very grateful. When he spoke of his salvation he always said “It was a miracle.” Robbie was of a quiet disposition, never seeking the limelight, and was always a ready helper in using his carpentry skills to extend and maintain the Hall over many years. The funeral service took place in Coleraine Gospel Hall.
Mr Richard Parnaby was born in Bournemouth, as one of eight children. He had a godly mother but an unsaved father and, although he attended the local Church of England, he never heard the Gospel. One of his sisters, however, took him to the Gospel Hall where he did hear the Gospel and, for the first time, realised he needed to be saved. As a young man he was called up to do his National Service, and was posted to Weeton Camp just outside Blackpool. He met with the saints at the Blackpool assembly, and it was there that he met his future wife, Miss Catherine Parr, who lived in Fleetwood with her parents. When Richard’s National Service was over, they married and lived in Fleetwood, travelling to the assembly at Blackpool. When the assembly commenced at The Crescent, Cleveleys, they joined the saints there and, later, when The Crescent closed, they moved to Cumberland Chapel at Cleveleys. In time, Richard became the corresponding brother and an elder, and there he remained, never missing a meeting, illness apart, until the Lord took him Home, aged 85, on 16th June. What a testimony! Richard was an able minister of the Word, taking many conferences and Saturday evening ministry meetings. He loved children’s work, and everywhere he went he would take Bibles or New Testaments for anyone who wanted them, together with lots of large blocks of chocolate. He was very gifted and, over the years, compiled a vast set of brilliant Bible story illustrations which he either made or paid to have made. He was a founder trustee of the Eventide Home at Southport in 1961, and remained in this position until just a few weeks before the Lord took him Home. Also, for nearly 50 years, he was involved with the work of the Lancashire Gospel Tent. He had a great interest in young people’s work, and was the Camp Padre at the Blackburn & District Sunday School Camp for a good number of years. Not a few came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour through his godly influence. He leaves behind his son Nathan, daughter-in-law Susan, two grandchildren, Daniel and Rebekah, and also his brother Peter – the last of the eight children. Prayer would be greatly valued for the family, and also for the little assembly at Cleveleys. His seat is empty, and he is sadly missed, but severed only “till He come.”
Mr Willie Purdie was born on 28th February 1927, and was called Home on 19th May 2016. His parents were believers, and farmers by occupation. Willie was the only son of a family of five, with two sisters born on either side of him. At 13 years of age he trusted the Lord but, for the next six years, showed little interest in spiritual things. The incident that changed his life took place when he was ploughing with his father, who challenged him with the Lord’s words in Luke 9.62: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Deeply convicted, Willie immediately committed his life to the Lord, and was baptised and received into the Crosshill assembly, Ayrshire, where he remained and faithfully served the Lord for 70 years. His first wife, Nellie, was called Home in 1990. Five years later he remarried. Prior to his marriage to Jean, he asked the Lord to give them five years together; in the event he was deeply grateful for the 20 happy years they spent together serving Him. Throughout his long life, and with the willing support of his wives, he unstintingly gave himself to the support of assembly testimony and to the spread of the Gospel, particularly in Crosshill and surrounding villages. Among his last words shortly before he passed into the Lord’s presence, he expressed concern that his fellow-patients and medical staff were not saved. Sadly, with Willie’s passing, the small assembly has closed. Please remember his wife, and the village they so faithfully served.
Mr Samuel Sloan, aged 74, was called Home to be with Christ on 1st August. Samuel was saved as a boy of 14 at meetings in the Wilson Memorial Hall, Eden, Carrickfergus, conducted by Mr Curry Brennan from Belfast. He was later baptised and received into assembly fellowship. In 1964 he married Miss Hazel Finlay and, after three years, they moved to Lisburn, initially in fellowship in Wallace Avenue assembly, and then as founding members of the new Plantation Road assembly from 1976 to 2007. A steadfast and consistent brother, he bore responsibility in the assembly, being greatly appreciated for his able teaching and earnest Gospel preaching, including leading the work amongst the children. For the past nine years he was in the Broughshane assembly, where his continued help and godly character earned the respect of the saints. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Hazel in 2012, and is survived by his daughter Judith, her husband Trevor, and family.
Mr Roy Turkington, aged 90 years, was called Home to be with the Lord on 16th August after suffering a severe stroke some weeks earlier. Our brother was saved as a young man on 7th December 1945, and shortly afterwards was baptised and received into the fellowship of the Bleary assembly. Roy loved the Gospel, and it was during a spell of Gospel Meetings that he was having with another brother that he met Madge, who became his wife and constant companion. They came to live in Portadown and were received into the fellowship of the Hanover Street assembly in 1960. He remained there until his homecall. Roy loved the Lord, his family and the assembly. He was a devoted elder and a constant carer and encourager of the saints. His last ministry after the Breaking of Bread was from Acts 2, and he exhorted all those present to “(continue) steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”. He himself was a true example of such ministry as he was very faithful in his contributions to all aspects of assembly life. Roy was surely a brother beloved. His large funeral from Portadown Gospel Hall was an expression of the high esteem in which he was held. Prayer is requested for his wife Madge, his three sons, his daughter-in-law and grandchildren, some of whom are not yet saved.
Miss Eva Warke was born in Sion Mills, Co Tyrone, on 3rd June 1927, the eldest in a family of five, and trusted the Lord as a teenager. She went on to become a nurse and midwife at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, and worked in Belfast after the war, travelling between patients on her bicycle. After hearing the late Ernest Wilson of Angola speaking in the Donegal Road assembly, Eva felt the Lord calling her to serve in Africa. In 1954 she was commended by the Sion Mills, Strabane and Donegal Road assemblies to Dipalata, in what was then Northern Rhodesia. The journey to Africa took six weeks by boat, and then overland, and communications were limited, mail taking several weeks to travel in each direction. Eva worked initially at the Dipalata mission station, and moved to Cazombo, Angola, a few years later. She and her colleagues, including Miss Emily Rowntree, worked as nurses and midwives in the hospital, leper colonies and simple rural clinics. Eva was very grateful to the sisters’ classes who made and supplied thousands of items including knitted baby bundles. They also taught in schools and Sunday Schools, distributing over 1,200 prizes to the children annually. Eva’s skills extended to Landrover mechanics, warding off wild animals and snakes, and construction work. Before each clinic, the opportunity was taken to present the Gospel, either personally or by brethren from the local assemblies. Work did not finish at tea time – callers came to the house at various times, whether seeking help at the hospital, or to recite verses, often chapters at a time! Eva always sought to put the Lord first, and her faith and determined character helped her through many difficult situations, including the kidnapping of Canadian co-workers in Angola, the overtaking of the Cazombo station by Angolan rebels with the loss of all their possessions, and being held up at gunpoint at a later time in Kayombo, Zambia, to where Eva and Emily relocated when the Angolan door closed. Eva worked in Zambia until 2012, and she was called Home on 17th August to be with her Lord and Saviour whom she loved and served so faithfully. At her funeral service, thanksgiving was made for a life used, not only to help so many people in their physical needs, but also for the spiritual legacy that continues through lives transformed to the glory of God.
