Born in Pugwash Junction, NS, our brother moved to Bryn Mawr, PA in 1926. After a brief time of working as a chauffeur and helping in gospel work, he was commended by the Bryn Mawr assembly to the grace of God for his work.
“Accepted of the Multitude of His Brethren, Seeking the Wealth of His People”
A prince and a great man, a gentleman and a true servant, and to the titles listed above we can say, a brother beloved. It is with deep appreciation that I reflect on the life and service of Oswald. His presence has been a part of my life since birth. He and my father chummed together in the Bryn Mawr assembly before marriage and they were both employed as chauffeurs. From my earliest recollection, this erect, tall man was respected and loved in our home. Oswald was commended to the work of the Lord from the Bryn Mawr assembly in 1928. He shared with Hugh McEwen in a gospel outreach in Wilmington, Delaware before he was commended A summer vacation was spent in 1927 in a tent with Mr. James Marshall in Thomaston, Ct. He also shared with Samuel Rea in the gospel before the assembly in Hatboro was formed in 1929. Through the years he spent time with many of the men we have respected such as brethren McBain, Warke, Stewart and others. He was also a help to younger men who spent time with him in the gospel and to whom he gave counsel.
After I was saved, I came to appreciate Oswald in a different way. I began to learn from him in his ministry and to enjoy his earnestness in the gospel. He was remarkable in his knowledge of Scripture, but the answer was soon seen when you were around him in the home. He read his Bible with great regularity and gave much time to reading. He was well suited for the conference platform but was just as interested in visiting with a few believers in the gospel and ministry. He was an encourager as well as an expositor. He was always enjoyed in the home where he was a gentleman and one that showed consideration, true care, and interest.
Visiting was one of the features of Oswald and his late wife, Sarah Jane. He often went out of his way to visit someone that he had not seen for some time or one that was older and shut-in. This was certainly true in the assembly in Hickory where he had a long and careful care for the flock. But it was just as true wherever he traveled. He made time to make a visit. The older saints in Longport always enjoyed the times he would be there in visiting and helping the assembly. Our busy life seems to have put this characteristic to the background of our activity. His interest in the gospel kept him active in tent work well past the so-called “retirement age.” His activity was not limited to preaching after all was set up, but he was there to assist in the setting up and taking down of the tent. Manual work was never a problem to Oswald. Some of that result is seen in the Hall in Hickory that he built twice. That interest for souls was just as keen in his later days. The care givers that came to assist him were spoken to and asked if they were truly saved, born again. Doctors received a little word as well. Illness did not change his priorities. His wife, Gertrude, shared with him in later years and gave him wonderful loving care and assistance. Much more could be said. Oswald leaves a life that would do well to emulate. Who will fill this rank? Elizabeth and I will miss our almost weekly contact with Oswald but we know that he is at Home where he desired to be after a life of usefulness. Ours is the loss both personally and in the assemblies of the saints.
