Alexander Wilson 1910-1996
Alex Wilson’s Personal Testimony written in March, 1989.
“Born in Whiteinch, Glasgow, Scotland, May 9, 1910. Saved by the grace of God, Monday, February 9, 1925. Commenced preaching the gospel in April, 1932. Two years later in April, 1934, commended to the work of the Lord by the assembly in North Vancouver, B.C. In February 1939, married Florence Hayes of Agassiz, B.C. After becoming a widower, was married to Beulah Viney in May 1954. Established a home in Abbotsford, B.C. in the Fall of 1949. Had the joy of seeing our family all saved, and in assembly fellowship. Our record is on high; so little needs to be said about that.”
Our beloved brother Alex Wilson was the eldest of eight children. His parents emigrated to Canada when he was 13 months. He left school at age 13 in order to help his parents make ends meet for their large family. He worked as a plasterer for several years, and had great ability in building and handiwork. This experience was put to good use in helping to build a number of assembly buildings. With other brethren it was our privilege to share with him in the building of Port Alberni and Terrace Gospel Halls.
He was well versed in the Scriptures, and taught himself Greek in order to better study the New Testament and Septuagint. His help was much appreciated at assembly Bible readings and conferences, and was greatly missed when he was laid aside with cancer at age 80. His hearing also had deteriorated, and this was a great hindrance in not being able to answer questions as he was well able to do; there were few scriptures which he could not easily recall. The doctors said he could live for two years after the diagnosis of cancer, however, the Lord spared him for six years.
Much credit is due to his faithful and loving wife, Beulah, who cared for him so selflessly until he had a fall in August 1995 and was moved to a care Home. The saints in Abbotsford can bear testimony, that although he had a very short memory, he never lost his ability to worship on Lord’s day morning, offering sweet incense to the Father.
Soon after trusting Christ at the age of 14, he had the desire to share the gospel with others, and in the 1930’s he and Mr. Alex McGaughey frequently took trips in the “Gospel Car” visiting towns in the Fraser Valley with the gospel in tract distribution and open-air meetings. At the age of 22 he gave up secular work to devote more time to gospel work. His field of service spread to the Prairies and along with various brethren for many years he sought to spread the gospel; latterly he labored with Jim Ronald. Their labors were accompanied with the Lord’s blessing in salvation and assemblies being formed.
In later years he spent many summers in Gospel outreach in northern B.C. with older and younger brethren, using his Trailer Caravan. Many towns were visited house to house with tracts, children’s meetings were held in the mornings, as well as Bible Readings where young men benefited much from his godly example and teaching. It was our privilege to travel and live and work with him on many occasions. Fellowship was sweet, and never was heard an unkind word about anyone, instead he was always ready to give an encouraging word, especially to his younger brethren. As well as gospel testimony, he traveled long distances to visit assemblies to be a help to the saints; he is much missed. He lived an orderly life, never was late for meals! Much time was spent in prayer and Bible study; he was a true Christian gentleman, a man of God indeed. Although not given to self-praise, he could truthfully say with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only but to all them also that love His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7,8)
A large funeral service was held in Clearbrook. His long time friend and brother in the Lord, Mr. Tames Larson, opened in prayer His son, Donald, spoke of treasured memories the family had of their dad. Dr. Adam Thropay, his son-in-law, gave the message. The service at the grave was conducted by Mr. Art Breedveld. He is survived by his beloved wife Beulah, son Donald, daughters Frieda, Marion, (who has served the Lord in Zambia for a number of years), Heather and June.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Rev 14:13).
