Canada
British Columbia
Kamloops: Stan Wells paid a helpful visit to the assembly here in December as well as Westhank.
Saskatchewan
Arborfield: Our annual conference November 11-12 was well attended with a good number of young people present. Eight of the Lords servants gave a variety of profitable ministry. R. Weber and J. Portman had two weeks of gospel meetings November 12-26, faithfully visiting the town and the rural area. A number of unsaved attended.
Taylorside: The saints enjoyed one week of ministry by R. Vanstone in December.
Manitoba
Portage la Prairie: In November, J. Gould and I. McMaster from England had 3 1/2 weeks of gospel meetings. One lady professed to be saved. The meetings were well supported and a good number of outsiders attended, including Hutterites from several colonies. Recently, two young saved Hutterite women left their colony and are staying with Christians in the assembly. They were baptized along with two other young sisters in December. The annual one day conference was held on January 1. Nine brethren ministered the Word, and Shane Griffin reported on his three-month visit to Chile.
Ontario
Barrie: The small assembly is purposing childrens meetings with F. Krauss early in the New Year. The saints would appreciate prayer that God will move and that the assembly will be blessed.
Brampton: Gospel meetings are planned for two weeks beginning on February 4 with G. Goff and D. Booth expected for the meetings. This is the first series of meetings in Brampton since the new assembly was planted in September. We do look to the Lord to see His hand in salvation at this time. For further information please contact Dwight Dyke 905-459-6983
Guelph: The assembly was encouraged by a week of ministry meetings this past November by R. McIlwaine of PEI on the Seven Pillars of the Church in Acts 2. The assembly was also encouraged by the recent addition of a sister into the assembly fellowship.
Kapuskasing: In November, L. Langfeld was with us for two weeks of childrens meetings. The assembly was encouraged with the good attendance of many grandparents. In December, visits were appreciated from Gary Sharp and Allen Clark from Konora who gave a report on the work in EL Salvador following his recent visit.
Maberly: The November conference was the largest ever with profitable ministry given. Following the conference, E. Badgely gave three weeks of practical ministry on Egypt to Canaan, which was appreciated by the saints. Recent visits by L.Langfield and M. Pratt were an encouragement to the assembly.
North Bay: The Lord richly blessed in five weeks of gospel meetings at Nipissing Junction with our brethren M. Pratt and T. Walker. Five souls confessed faith in Christ. The saints were helped, and a couple was restored to the assembly the following Lords Day.
Peterborough: Several cottage meetings with L. Langfeld in a Christians home during the summer were followed by a three-week gospel series with L. Mitchell and D. Kember in October. The assembly also enjoyed a visit from J. Yocum for a Lords Day and also Bruce Rodgers for a couple of nights.
Sudbury: K. Moore was with the assembly in November. In early December, the saints appreciated three nights of ministry each by Alex Dryburgh and Lorne Langfeld. The saints were encouraged when a young brother was recently baptized.
Toronto: A number of assemblies in Toronto appreciated the ten-day visit of H. Bouwman in November. He was using his new chart, “Eternity to Eternity.”
New Brunswick
Fredericton: The assembly enjoyed and benefited from four nights of practical and encouraging ministry from the book of Ruth by J. Procopio in November. The day of meetings at the end of November was profitable with K. Taylor, J. Procopio, G. Roy, and A. LeBlanc present to minister and preach the gospel.
Nova Scotia
Blues Mills: On December 17, a sister was received into assembly fellowship bringing much joy to the saints.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Mt. Pearl: Prayer is requested for gospel meetings with P. Ramsay and M. Derksen to start in mid-January.
New Harbour: Please pray for gospel meetings to begin January 2lwith F. Bartlett and A. Blake. The assembly is small and earnestly seeks Gods blessing.
Sandringham: Gospel meetings are planned to begin on Jan14 with Wallace Buckle and Bryan Joyce. Please pray that the Lord will work in salvation.
Red Bay: D. Hunt and G. Whey shared in a short gospel series from December 10-17. The assembly was encouraged by the meetings and a number of unsaved were present.
U.S.A.
Arizona
Phoenix: The Sunnyslope assembly appreciated two weeks of ministry in early November by N. Mellish, using his charts on the Offerings and the Priesthood. Harold Paisley ministered on Church Truth from the book of Acts which was encouraging and very timely for young believers. The Seed Sowers effort during the last week of December was richly blessed and the response encouraging. Gospel meetings in Spanish with J. Dennison and S. Kember, Jr., are planned to begin on January 5. Please pray for Gospel meetings planned for February with T. Baker and S. Wells. A. Davidson and E. McCullough finished four weeks of gospel meetings in December with the Garfield Street assembly. Five professed to be saved and the saints are rejoicing.
New Mexico
Albuquerque: W. Lavery was with the believers here for two weeks of gospel meetings in November. The entire area around the hall was visited with tracts and invitations. Please pray for those who showed an interest.
Iowa
Hampton: The saints appreciated ministry from Alan Davidson on November 19.
Wisconsin
Egg Harbor: J. Jennings and G. Patterson completed 3 weeks of gospel meetings with good interest and some blessing in salvation.
Mt. Sterling: Two men were baptized in December. Gospel meetings started December 31 with G. Patterson and E. Miller with outsiders in each night. The all-day meeting December 3l was well attended. Ministry was given by F. Miller, J. Portman, J. Jennings, G. Patterson, and W. Skates. The Wisconsin winter Bible Readings started in December at Ontario with good attendance and excellent participation from local brethren. I Corinthians 8-10 will be taken up this winter. The January reading will be at Blue River, February at Black Earth, and March at Beetown.
Michigan
Jackson: Gospel meetings are planned for March with W. Seale and N. Crawford. Numbers of young people from the childrens work in the hall and at Windham Hills are attending the regular gospel meetings. Gary Hicks continues with a weekly gospel effort in a detention home for youths.
Indiana
Fort Wayne: Matthew Smith, with help from Jackson Christians. continues with meetings for young and old with some interest. Please pray for Gods blessing on this new work.
Ohio
Akron: W. Lavery and R. Surgenor were with the assembly recently, giving profitable and helpful ministry Mansfield: Max McLean of the Oil Springs assembly gave a report of gospel work in Russia. We also had an appreciated visit from R. Surgenor.
Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr: The assembly distributed 1500 calendars and Gospel literature door-to-door. D. Vitale visited for a Lords Day and the Sunday School Treat in December. The assembly appreciated the visit of D. Oliver on Dec. 31.
Hatboro: The monthly ministry meeting was shared by Walter Gustafson and Mike Renzi.
New Jersey
Pennsauken: W. Buckle visited in the area prior to the conference here. He also visited Barrington for a Lords Day.
North Carolina
Hickory: Bill Seale was with the assembly for one Lords Day with two sessions of ministry on “Love Exemplified, Demonstrated, Evaluated & Valid” & “Surrender, Service & Stewardship.”
Massachusetts
Byfield: G. Stewart visited the assembly on November 24 for a night of appreciated ministry, followed by K. Taylor who ministered to the assembly on November 27. W. Gustaf son visited the assembly after the Saugus conference.
Methuen: The saints appreciated the timely ministry and gospel preached by F. Tornaquindici on December 10.
Saugus: The December conference was an encouragement to the assembly, with a large crowd and refreshing ministry. N. Crawford, W. Gustafson, D. Oliver, J. Procopio, D. Shutt, and D. Vitale gave help, with a focus on building up the assembly and strengthening young believers in the reality of Christian living. The saints were encouraged by the excellent attendance at the baptism of a brother in December when G. Higgins was with the assembly for the day.
Conferences, D.V.
Matoaca, VA
March 4 and 5 in the Gospel Hall on River Road, Matoaca. Prayer Meeting Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. with meetings on Saturday and Sunday Corr: John Nobles, Tel: (804)590-2988 or email: nobles6@erols.com for accommodations.
Mt. Sterling, WIS
March 24 and 25. Bible Reading Conference will be held in the North Crawford School, 4 miles north of Gays Mills. The subject will be 1 Corinthians 11-13. Prayer meeting March 23″ at 7:30 p.m. in the Gospel Hall. Meetings start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Breaking of Bread at 10 a.m. on Lords Day. For accommodation contact Richard M. Dudgeon (608)734-3639, e-mail: rmdudgeon@juno.com or Rodney Aspenson at (608)734-3825.
Watertown, MA
March 30, 31 & April 1 in the Mt. Auburn Gospel Hall at 226 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, Tel: (617)924-7696. Friday: Prayer and Ministry 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: Bible Reading 10:30 a.m. (Ephesians 6), Ministry 2:30 p.m., Gospel 6:30 p.m.; Lords Day: Breaking of Bread 10 a.m., Sunday School 11:45 a.m., Ministry 2:30 p.m., Gospel 6p.m. Overnight accommodations will be provided for those coming from a distance. Corr: Joe Grillo, 2201 Lewis 0. Gray Drive, Saugus, MA 0 1906-4422, Tel: (781)233-8520, E-mail: joegrillo@juno.com
Stout, IA
April 7 and 8 in the Gospel Hall with Prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30 p.m. First meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m.. On Lords Day, Bible Reading at 9 a.m. on Luke 24:13-35, with Breaking of Bread at 10:30 a.m. Corr: Gary DeGroote, 28073 West Brook St., New Hartford, IA 50660, Tel: (319)983-2713..
Kapuskasing, Ontario
April 14 and 15 at the Kapuskasing Education Centre, 61 Devonshire, Kapuskasing, Ontario. Prayer meeting on Friday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gospel Hall, 154 Mill Street, Kapuskasing. Saturday: Bible Reading 10a.m.; Lords Day: Breaking of Bread 10 a.m. Corr. Gilles Plourde, (705)335-4974. Accomm: Gerald Labelle, (705) 335-3712.
Toronto, Ontario
April 13, 14 and 15 in Birchmount Park Collegiate, 3663 Danforth Ave., Scarborough. Meetings each day at 10 (except Lords Day), 1:30,3:30 and 7:15. Prayer meeting on Thursday at 7:30 pm in Victoria Park Gospel Hall, 1266 Victoria Park Avenue. Bible Readings on Personal Devotion as Seen in the Lives of (1) Daniel (2) Barnabas and (3) Timothy. Corr. Don Jennings, 53 Kamwood Dr., Scarborough, ON, MIL 2Z7, (416) 757-7019 – Robert Reilly, 30 Caronridge Cres., Agincourt, ON, M1W 1L2. Tel (416) 499-0829. Note: Breaking of Bread will be in the various Gospel Halls.
Conference Reminders:
Seattle, WA – January 27-28
Deland, FL – February 2-4
Tampa, FL – February 10-11
San Diego, CA – February 17-18 (Correction: Bible Readings are on Saturday and Monday mornings.)
Address Correction
Eric Fowler, P.O. Box 106, Lanse au Loup, Labrador, Canada OK 3L0, Tel: (709)927-5564, email: fowlereric@hotmail.com
Change of Correspondent
Turlock, CA: Albert Babilla, 825 West Tuolumne Avenue, Turlock, CA 95382, Tel : (209)667-8163 or (209)526-0910 for alternate.
Wallaceburg, ON: C.A.Workman, 121 Gillard St., Wallaceburg, ON, N8A 1N1, Can. Tel: (519)627-8743, Fax: (519) 627-7637, E-mail: pngwork@juno.com
Change of Meeting Times:
Hampton, IA: Evening meetings at 7pm.
With Christ
Evelyn J. Bowbrick of Toronto, ON on September 9, age 93. Our beloved sister loved to tell how she was saved in her teens, when she saw herself as the “colt, that needed to be redeemed”. After many years in the Birchcliff assembly, she was one of the original saints at the formation of the West Hill assembly in the 60s. She was a greatly beloved and praying sister who is sincerely missed. The funeral was taken by Fred Hannah and David Adams.
Mr. Paul Lampkin of Ottawa, ON on September 14, age 73. He was saved through the truth of Isa. 43:25 at agel9 during gospel meetings held by brethren F. Nugent and H. Wagler in Simcoe, ON. With failing health and deteriorating eyesight, he consistently studied the Scriptures to the end. The funeral was taken by a dear friend T. Kember. He leaves behind his caring wife Ina, two sons, and their families.
Margaret Gamble of Toronto, ON on Oct. 23, age 88. Our dear sister emigrated to Canada after the death of her husband to live with her daughter. She was a godly sister, faithful to the West Hill assembly. Her funeral was taken by Jack Yocum and David Grieve.
Harris Mizener of Bryn Mawr, PA on November 8, age 88. Saved at 18 in Detroit, MI, he developed remarkable focus, distributing tracts faithfully and seldom missing an opportunity to witness. Frugal regarding his own needs, he was generous in supporting the gospel and caring for others. He traveled widely becoming well-known for his joy and sincere faith in Christ. Due to his vocation, he had been in various assemblies, including West Springfield, MA, Augusta, ME, and Steubenville, OH, until settling in Bryn Mawr. At his funeral, his six children, all saved, paid tribute to his consistent life.
Mrs. Melina Moss (Matchim) of Easiport, NF on November 28, age 83. Our dear sister was saved about 30 years ago and prayed that the gospel would come to the area. In 1976, Bert Joyce and Bryan Funston arrived with the gospel tent, when both her husband and eldest son were saved. In 1977, two other sons were saved, and all obeyed the Lord in baptism. Since the assembly was planted, she continued faithfully. She leaves to mourn four sons and their wives, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The funeral was taken by Alvin Blake with Bert Joyce speaking at the grave side.
James Margerison of Unionville, ON on November 29, age 92. Our brother was born in England, saved at 13, and received into assembly fellowship in Blackburn. He and his wife Elizabeth, who predeceased him in 1992, moved to Northern Ireland in 1951, living in Coleraine and Larne before coming to Canada in 1974. They were in happy fellowship in the Unionville assembly and for the past 15 years resided in Bethany Lodge. Our brother was a man of prayer and a faithful personal worker. He is survived by two daughters and one son. Bill Stainton spoke fitting words at the funeral service.
Mrs. Doris Strandrud of Seattle, WA on November 30, age 73. Our beloved sister was saved in 1934. She was a cheerful sister even though she suffered ill health most of her life. She was a devoted Sunday School teacher and student of the scriptures. She is survived by her husband Theodore, daughter Mary, son Timothy, two saved sisters and three brothers, two of whom are not saved. Please pray for them. The funeral was taken by Tommy Thompson, with a good word in the gospel and tender words of comfort. Her son, Timothy, spoke at the graveside.
Miss Anita Chivers of Niagara Falls, ON on December 2, age 80. Anita was saved at 32 years of age and in the assembly for 50 years. She was a sister who loved the Lord and had the joy of seeing two of her nieces saved. The gospel was faithfully preached at the funeral by a local brother.
Mrs. Jennie Higgins of Pennsauken, NJ on December 3, age 88. Our beloved sister was saved as a teenager in 1928 in Philadelphia, under the preaching of W. Beveridge and C. Patrizio. She honored and served the Lord throughout her life, and with her husband Al, imparted a rich spiritual heritage to her children. Quietly, consistently, and devotedly, she continued to serve others, particularly widows, after losing her husband in 1980. She leaves her daughter Lois (James) Thompson, two sons, Dr. Sandy (Ruth) Higgins and Eugene (Nancy) Higgins, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Peter Higgins (grandson) and David Oliver shared the service at her large funeral.
Samuel J. McBride of Unionvile, ON on December 4, age 89. He was saved at the age of 16 and loved to serve the Lord in Sunday School, tract distribution and preaching with others in the open-air in small towns surrounding Toronto. His association was with assemblies in Toronto and Winnipeg. His wife predeceased him in 1999 and is survived by sisters Lois Winkworth, Mildred Kirchen (Audley), brother John, daughter Brenda of Massachusetts, son Philip of Texas, and two grandsons. Pray for the family.
Ernest (Ernie) Forde of Milton, ON on December 6, age 85. Our beloved brother was saved in 1940 in Belfast. After the family immigrated in 1954, they were in fellowship at Eglington in Toronto for many years, moving to Milton in 1991. He was active in the gospel all his life, and was a great encourager of younger brethren. The funeral service was shared by Ross Clark and David Regis with Tom Morrison at the grave side. He was predeceased by his son Wesley in 1974. He is survived by Sadie, his wife of 58 years, two sons and six grandchildren. He was highly esteemed and will be greatly missed.
Mary (Mrs. Silas) McQuarrie of Moncton, NB on December 7, age 90. After her marriage, she was saved in 1938 during gospel meetings by J. and R. McCracken in which her sisters had been saved. She loved the assembly, consistently holding the convictions learned in her early Christian days. Marked by youthful ways and cheerful friendliness, she faithfully attended assembly meetings and many area conferences until suffering a stroke in April, 1999. From then, she was confined to bed, still maintaining her gentle disposition. Her family, friends, neighbors, and fellow-believers at her funeral honored a beloved Christian lady.
Raymond Wardell of Hampton, IA, on December 8, age 76. Our dear brother was saved shortly after returning from WW II through the testimony of a neighbor girl, Virginia, who later became his wife. Together they were received into the fellowship of the West Union assembly, and later the Mason City and Hampton assemblies. He manifested faithfulness to the Lord, the assembly and his family. He loved hymns and poems and often quoted them in his worship and prayers. He is survived by his wife, and his children Ray, Jr., Donald, Darlene, Delores, and Roger, all believers; also grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Joe Hanna of Glen Ewen, SK on December 14, age 96. Our dear brother was saved in 1928, and maintained a good testimony until his passing. He was a highly respected and trusted overseer, able to give wise counsel and encouragement. No longer able to see to read his Bible, he was still able to lead in worship. Predeceased by his first wife, Marian, he is sadly missed by his wife Francis, three daughters, three sons, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His daughter, Daisy and son, Jim serve the Lord in Zambia. The funeral service was shared by Randy Logue and Don MacFarlane.
Mrs. Ray (Maureen) McCandless of St. Thomas, ON on December 14, age 80. Our beloved sister, born in Belfast, was saved and received into assembly fellowship in Toronto. In 1948, she married Ray McCandless and moved to Sarnia. For 45 years they entertained many of the Lords servants and His people. After moving to St. Thomas in 1993, Ray went to be with the Lord in 1997. Maureen was a godly, praying sister who knew her Bible. She had the joy of seeing her four daughters, Jean Vance, Sheila Giraldi, Nancy Hutchings and Norma Sona all saved and in the assembly. The high esteem in which she was held was clearly evidenced at her funeral.
Mrs. Isabel VanDenBush of Longport, NJ on December 14, 2000, age 88. She was saved in 1922 as a girl of 11 and later received into the assembly in Waterville, CT. She was in fellowship in Terryville, CT for many years until moving to the Gospel Hall Home in Longport. She is survived by two daughters. The funeral service was taken by Albert Amadio.
Henry H. Stride of Marysville, WA on December 16, age 86. Henry was raised in Vancouver, BC, and saved at the age of 14 in gospel meetings held by Herb Harris and Albert Joyce in the old Cedar Cottage Gospel Hall. As a young man he was very involved in gospel activity and outreach work. Before moving to this area, he was in Long Beach, CA. The fruit of the Spirit was very evident in his life. The large funeral was evidence of the respect and esteem in which he was held. Pray for his widow, Gladys, and also for some of his family still unsaved.
Phebe Watson of Portage la Prairie, MB on December 16, 2000, age 94. Phebe accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior in 1927 during meetings held by brethren Bunting and Scott, and was in fellowship in the Portage assembly for many years. Our sister was a faithful tract distributor when she was able. She is survived by a sister and three brothers. Two of her brothers are still not saved. The funeral service was shared by Jim Hanna, Dennis Wailcer and David Vanstone.
Mrs. Ruth Odom of Barrington, NJ on December 31, age 97. She was born in Kansas and saved at the age of 16. Two years later, she married the man who was preaching the night she trusted Christ. She had ten children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her husband predeceased her in 1960 after which she moved to NJ, coming into the fellowship of the assembly. A consistent saint, a woman of prayer, a warm joyous Christian, her home was always open to the people of God. She will be greatly missed. The funeral service was taken by Dr. A. Higgins and G. Higgins, with D. Oliver and Randy John (a nephew) at the grave side.
