Canada
Alberta
Calgary: The West Hillhurst assembly is planning tent meetings July 10-19, every night at Forest Heights Park. John Fitzpatrick is to be joined by Gordon Williams as his health permits, and by local brethren when required. Please pray that there will be blessing at this time.
British Columbia
Kamloops: The annual conference was blessed with helpful, uplifting ministry. Sharing in the ministry of the Word were Ian Gibson, Bryon Meyers, Dave Richards, Ross Smyth, and Stan Wells. The messages are available at www.westsydegospelhall.com. Stan Wells stayed for a night of helpful ministry after the conference. Dave Richards has been giving ministry on the book of Hebrews which is also available on the website.
Vancouver: Larry Steers and David McKinley had four weeks of gospel meetings in the Fairview Gospel Hall. Invitations were mailed out to the apartments in the area and delivered door-to-door at homes with little response. There was some support from other assemblies. Following the meetings, Larry Steers had one night of ministry in the Fairview, West Richmond, and Victoria Drive assemblies. Eric and Margie Fowler visited the Victoria Drive and Port Alberni assemblies with appreciated ministry. Our brother also gave a report of the work in Ukraine at the June missionary meeting held in Victoria Drive, along with a report by Kenny Lam (Victoria Dr.) on the work in Hong Kong and China that he observed during his visit for that purpose.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Charlottetown: Eric Fowler was on the coast for a few days in late May and early June, spending the weekend of May 31 in Charlottetown and having a ministry meeting in English Point and L’Anse au Loup the following week.
Corner Brook: The assembly appreciated a three-week series of gospel meetings that began on April 19 with Eric Fowler and Stuart Thompson. Blessing in salvation and restoration were evident, for which we thank our Lord.
Parsons Pond: The assembly had a week of gospel meetings in April with a good number attending. Edward Payne and a local brother from Corner Brook preached in these meetings. A gospel tent has been raised presently with Eric Fowler and Roy Foster (Corner Brook) preaching.
Northwest Territories
Yellowknife: Steven Kember and Steve McCandless plan to visit the Rae Edzo community, 100 km north. A native lady named Madeline, who made contact through a literature package, is meeting with about nine others to study the Bible. These brethren plan to visit homes and work with children. Pray that the Lord will work in hearts, for safety on the roads, for wisdom in all situations, and for family at home.
Nova Scotia
Weaver Settlement: In the month of June, the saints were encouraged when four young believers obeyed the Lord in baptism. Murray McCandless spoke to the large crowd that was present.
Ontario
Gore Bay: The Gospel Hall has been sold. The assembly is presently meeting for the Breaking of Bread (10am) in the home of Brian and Carolyn Owen at Gore Bay.
North Bay: Please pray for gospel meetings to be held at the Davedi Club, 313 Airport Rd, North Bay, ON from September 20 to October 9, Sunday to Friday, 7-8pm, Lord willing. Speakers will be Bruce Rodgers and Mike Trahan.
Providence Bay: Prayer is requested for purposed gospel meetings to be held in the Gospel Hall, August 9-30. David Booth, Brian Owen, and Ken Taylor will be sharing these meetings. Any who can plan to vacation on Manitoulin Island at that time to help support the meetings would be most appreciated.
Victoria Road: The believers enjoyed a visit from Jim Jarvis in May and five nights on the Tabernacle with Ken Taylor in June. Gospel tent meetings are planned for July 12-25 in Kirkfield, a small village in a rural tourist area, where the tent has been pitched for the last five years with the Lord’s blessing. Bert Snippe and Lorne Langfeld are helping with the meetings. The assembly will appreciate any who can support the meetings, either by attendance or prayer.
Massachusetts
Saugus: The annual VBS meetings will be held August 10-14. Local brethren will be responsible for the lessons and a surprise field trip is planned for the children on the 15th. There has been a good response from the invitations in past years and from parents who have attended with the children. Please pray.
Michigan
Jackson: Tent meetings with John Dennison and Bill Seale during the month of June were well attended despite bad weather. One young man trusted Christ prior to the meetings, and the Lord continued to work in salvation during the meetings. Please continue to pray, as there are many who attended almost nightly who are still outside of the door of salvation.
Minnesota
Fridley: The Lord’s people profited from three nights of practical ministry from Larry Perkins, who spoke on John 13 the first night, and the next two evenings offered encouragement and instruction from the Psalms as to David’s dependence upon God and his delighting in God.
New Jersey
Barrington: Gospel meetings were held May 31 through June 28 with Gene Higgins and Dan Shutt. The gospel was faithfully preached. The series was in connection with the assembly’s 100th anniversary.
Wisconsin
Beetown: Roy Weber and Jerry Jennings plan to commence gospel meetings in the Gospel Hall on August 9. Meetings will be from 7:30 to 8:30pm each night except Saturday.
Guanajuato
Irapuato: The believers in this area are enjoying a visit from Ross Vanstone during June and July.
Guerrero
Iguala: The parents of Sunday school children began showing interest in the gospel, so a weekly Wednesday house meeting commenced the end of May. Other family members and some neighbors have also been attending.
Nayarit
Santiago Ixcuintla: The annual conference was held the third weekend in June with encouraging attendance. Various brethren helped in the ministry and gospel, including Jorge Gómez and Chucho Gómez (Zamora, Michoacan). Three believers were baptized on Saturday evening.
Quintana Roo
Cancún: Timothy Turkington commenced gospel meetings on June 23, helped by Tiberio Hernandez (Hermosillo) for the first eight nights. Several new contacts have been in to hear the gospel preached.
San Luis Potosi
El Barril: Jason Wahls and Jairo Gracia (Hermosillo) commenced gospel meetings on June 18. In particular, we ask prayer for the unsaved spouses of several believers. On June 21, a sister was baptized.
Sonora
Ciudad Obregón: Work continues on the construction of the hall. Kevin Procopio (Saugus, MA) visited in June and helped with the parking lot.
Hermosillo: A young sister was baptized in June, bringing joy to the saints. It was also encouraging to see the hall well filled for the gospel meeting that evening.
Veracruz
Xalapa: The new assembly rejoiced recently when three more believers were added to the fellowship.
Veracruz: John Nesbitt commenced gospel meetings on June 14, helped by local brethren. The second week, David Alves, Jr. was able to come and give appreciated help there, as well as in Cotaxtla, an outreach work one hour west. The owner of the Cotaxtla hall was baptized in June.
Yucatan
Paraiso: Timothy and Amy Turkington continue to visit this Mayan village once a month for a children’s and gospel meeting. Marcus Cain was with Timothy mid-June for this monthly visit while visiting the work in Cancun.
N. Ireland
Moneyreagh: The assembly had a number of weeks of gospel meetings in the hall with some local interest. These meetings with C. Beresford and K. Newell concluded June 7.
Ballykeel, Mourne: The assembly was encouraged by their annual conference on June 25. The hall was filled to capacity, with helpful ministry from Walter Boyd, Fred McCauley, David McKillen, David Radcliffe, Malcolm Radcliffe, and John Rodgers.
Ballywatermoy: W. Fenton and M. Campbell are having well-attended meetings in association with the assembly here. A large marquee has been erected in the yard of the late Jim Fenton, who was a well-known and respected business man in the area. Blessing has been seen early in these meetings.
Bushmills: The assembly hosted two weeks of Bible readings July 13-24 in the Dunluce Secondary School. The Bible readings were conducted by R. McKeown. These meetings generally have in excess of 400 attending nightly. Open-air gospel meetings are held each morning at 11am.
Carryduff: W. Martin and W. Gribben have been able to obtain use of the assembly hall in Carryduff Primary School for gospel meetings. A good number of local people have come to the meetings and there is also support from surrounding assemblies.
Dungannon: W. Martin and E. Fairfield had five weeks of gospel meetings in the Dungannon Gospel Hall. Many heard the gospel plainly presented and God moved in blessing.
Enniskillen: The small assembly here held a month of gospel meetings in the local Killyhevlin Hotel during June. Stephen Gilfillan was responsible and all were encouraged with a number of locals attending and with blessing seen in salvation.
Kingsmoss: S. Jennings and T. Topley had four weeks of gospel meetings in the Kingsmoss Gospel Hall. Encouraging numbers attended.
Limavady: D. Williamson and P. McCauley have been preaching the gospel in the hall, with a number of unsaved from the area attending.
Lurgan: The annual Conference and Bible readings, May 22-26, were well attended and a blessing to all. D. Gilliland, A.J. Higgins, R. McKeown, and A. Turkington were responsible to open and lead the Bible readings.
Clive Barbour, Australia, had a short, but most appreciated, visit to N. Ireland in June, giving reports of the work in Australia, and also helpful ministry. During July, conference meetings were held at Bleary, Ballybollen, Kingsmills, Dunmullan, and Ballymagarrick.
Republic of Ireland
Dublin: Clive Barber (Australia) was with the Rathmines assembly for the annual assembly outing in July. He also gave a report on his work for the Lord in Australia and New Zealand, shared his testimony in the gospel meeting, then on returning to Dublin following two weeks meetings in Northern Ireland, ministered to the believers from Acts 3. This was his first visit to Ireland and was very much appreciated by the assembly.
Longford: The assembly welcomed Clive Barber (Australia) for a report and ministry meeting in June.
Conferences
Fogo, NL
September 4-6.
Hardwick, VT
September 12-13, with prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 153 Cherry Street. All other meetings in the Hardwick Elementary School, village jct. of VT Routes 14 and 15. Saturday: Ministry 10 am and 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, followed by Sunday school, ministry and gospel. Breakfast served at 9am Saturday and 8:45am Sunday, with meals served between meetings. Accom: Bill Scott, Tel: 802 472-6257, E-mail: billsinvt@earthlink.net. Advance notice please.
Sault Ste Marie, MI/ON
September 12-13, the 99th conference will be held in the Gospel Hall, 475 Wellington St. East, Sault Ste Marie, ON, with prayer meeting on Friday, September 11 at 7:30pm. Saturday: meetings at 10am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm. Lords Day: meetings at 10:15am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 7pm. Bible readings at 1:30pm each day on the subject of “The Deity and Humanity of our Lord Jesus,” John 1. Accom: Gilbert Belair, Tel: 705 941-8975; Hall: 705 949-1101.
Arnstein, ON
September 19-20, with a prayer meeting on Friday, September 18 at 7:30pm. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 9am and 2pm, Bible Reading 3:15pm (“Christian motivation – Fearing and Loving God”), Ministry 7pm. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 8:45am (The Lord Jesus – His fear and love for God), Worship 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. For advance accommodations: Jesse Booth. Tel: 705 757-3716. All meetings are in the Arnstein Gospel Hall at 10762 Hwy 522, Arnstein, ON.
Chapman Valley/Parry Sound, ON
September 26-27, in the Chapman Valley Gospel Hall, 9 Miller Road, Municipality of Magnetawan, Hwy #124 and Miller Road,18 km west of Hwy #11. Prayer Meeting on Friday, September 25, 7pm, with supper served at 6pm. Breakfast served at 8:15am on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday: Bible Reading 9:45am (“Setting and Maintaining Christian Priorities in Our Life”), Ministry 1:45pm, Ministry/Gospel 6:45pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:45am, Children’s meeting 1pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Chapman Valley contact: Russ Longhurst, 28 River Road, RR#2, Sundridge, ON, P0A 1Z0; Tel: 705 387-4393, E-mail: russandiane@gmail.com. Parry Sound contact: Delcoe Jeffery, 11 Hoddy’s Side Road, RR#3, Parry Sound, ON, P2A 2W9; Tel: 705 746-8453; E-mail: deltess@cogeco.ca.
Midland Park, NJ
September 26-27, 74th annual conference with prayer meeting on Friday, September 25 at 8pm in the Gospel Hall, 61 Prospect St., Midland Park, NJ. Meetings on Saturday and Lord’s Day will again be in the Eastern Christian High School, 50 Oakwood Ave. (off High Mountain Rd.), North Haledon, NJ. Speakers expected are David McAllister, Eugene Higgins, Frank Sona, and James McMaster (UK). Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday School 11:45am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Two meals will be served on Saturday and Lord’s Day. Please advise beforehand of your coming. Accom: David Hamilton, 189 South Central Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446; Tel: 201 312-8439; E-Mail: davidandjoyhamilton@gmail.com.
Mississauga, ON
September 26-27, Applewood Heights Conference. Many will remember the Mimico Bible Readings which were a blessing and help to many Christians.The conference this year will be in the same format. The study will be Matthew 5 – 7. The following brethren will be responsible for leading the readings: Scott McLeod, Dan Shutt, Shawn St.Clair and Ken Taylor. For accommodations please contact Al Bell, Tel: 905-274-3527; or E-mail: albell2003@hotmail.com.
New Lenox, IL
September 26 and 27, in the Lincoln Way West High School, corner of Spencer Road and Gougar Road, New Lenox. Prayer Meeting on Friday at 7:30 in a location to be announced. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 3:30pm. Accom. Brent Studnicka, Tel: 815 463-9590, E-mail:brentstudnicka@gmail.com.
Manchester, IA
October 3-4, with prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 1308 N. 3rd. St. Meetings following to be held at West Delaware Middle School, Doctor St. Saturday: Ministry 10am, Testimony Meeting 6:15pm, Gospel 7pm. Sunday: Bible Reading 9am (Judgment Seat of Christ), Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4pm. Accom: Ken Gentz, Tel: 563 927-4662, E-mail kensuegentz@windstream.net.
Blue River, WI
October 17-18, with prayer meeting on Friday at the Blue River Gospel Hall at 8pm. All other meetings will be in the Highland High School, located off Hwy. 80 on north side. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Testimony/Gospel 6:45pm. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 9am (“The Doctrine of the Resurrection, Acts 13:29-38, 1 Cor 15:20-23”), Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm. Contact: James Frazier, 15513 Richwood Estates Lane, Blue River, WI 53518; Tel: 608 537-2977; E-mail: woodind@mwt.net.
Conferences Previously Published:
Westbank, BC – August 1-2
Fort McMurray, AB – August 29-30
Arlington/Marysville, WA – September 4-7
Beetown, WI – September 7
Hitesville, IA – September 19-20 (Bible Reading – Leviticus 2)
Updates
Change of Correspondent
Toronto, ON (West Hill Gospel Hall): Mr. Ray Conroy, 4 Ivy Green Cres, Scarborough, ON, M1G 2Z3; Tel: 416 439-8826; E-mail: Ray.conroy@yahoo.ca.
Change of Address of Correspondent
North Vancouver, BC (Fourth St. Gospel Hall): Allan McCurrie, #108 – 3125 Capilano Crescent, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 4X5. E-mail and phone number remain the same.
Home-calls
Note: Due to multiple requests, the decision has been made to resume printing obituaries in the magazine. Those omitted from the July issue which appeared on the web site are included here. As a guideline, the length of obituaries should not exceed 150 words.
S. W. Wanford (Shirley) Guest of Nineveh, NS, on November 13, 2014 went home peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born on September 7, 1928 in Beaconsfield, NS. Through the faithful witness of L.K. McIlwaine, and his sister, Jerusha, Shirley learned of his need of salvation and was saved on July 27, 1947. He was baptized and received into fellowship at Brickton Gospel Hall, and later fellowshipped at Nineveh Gospel Hall, NS. He married Helen Hatt in 1952 and, together, they raised four daughters; Lois (Ezra Kember), Doris (Phil Brodie), Edith (Carson Payne), and Shirleen (Rev Martinez). He has 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Shirley lived his life with a consistent love of God and a desire to please God in all that he did. Over the years, his faithful attendance to, and interest in, the welfare of fellow Christians, and strangers, established his testimony. Robert McIlwaine, Joseph Potter, and John Meekin faithfully proclaimed the gospel at the funeral. Remember in prayer his widow, Helen, in her loneliness having been married since she was very young.
Mary Flett of Taylorside, SK, on November 14, 2014, age 67. Our beloved sister was saved as a teen, baptized, and received into assembly fellowship. She taught the younger children in Sunday school and had a genuine interest in the well being of others. Her prayers and godly influence will be missed. She bore wonderful testimony during her illness. Prayer is requested for her relatives. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The funeral service was taken by Herb Wright and Murray Myers.
Allen F. Peterman of Highlands Ranch, CO, on February 5, 2015, age 87, beloved husband of the late Georgenia Stewart Peterman and Margaret Rea Peterman, loving father of Bill (Debbie), Lee (the late Timna), Wanda (Ted) Lindsay, Mark (Nancy) and Doug, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Allen was in fellowship at the Stark Road Gospel Hall for many years. When more care was needed as the result of Parkinson’s disease, he lived with his daughter Wanda and her husband in Colorado. Allen worked for the Ford Motor Co. for 34 years and was a pioneer among those who are now called “computer engineers.” After his career at Ford, he ran the Academic Computing lab at Madonna University for 19 years. Allen’s greatest interests were Bible study, the pursuit of his personal relationship with the Lord, and sharing the gospel with others. Even as his physical capabilities began to decline, he had time to talk with his many caregivers, and had boldness for sharing God’s love with everyone he met. Even a few days before the Lord called him home, Allen was discussing his concern for the spiritual life of those he knew. He touched the life of everyone he met with his kindness, caring, and lack of complaint regarding his physical challenges. David Vallance gave the message at the funeral service.
Leona Ward of Oil Springs, ON, on February 20, age 92. She was saved on February 5, 1977, three days before her late husband Ray Ward, while reading Romans 10:9-10. They were both baptized and added to the assembly in Oil Springs when they were in their seventies. They enjoyed showing hospitality to the Christians and were in happy fellowship until their home-call. They enjoyed two tours with Fred Krauss to the Holy Land. Leona is survived by a son and two daughters who all have that blessed hope. The funeral was taken by Bert Snippe and the eulogy was given by Max Mclean.
Arnold Raynor of Enmore, PE, on March 6, 2015, age 79. He was saved as a result of the faithful witness of Brendon Good. This was the beginning of what became a lifelong friendship. Arnold had a keen mind and was very knowledgeable in many subjects. He was in assembly fellowship in Springfield West (O’Leary) and although he was not given to public participation, he bore witness by faithful attendance and was instrumental in a large Sunday afternoon Sunday school effort, providing both the building and bus transportation for children from the surrounding communities. Only eternity will reveal the results of this gospel effort. Opening memorial remarks at the funeral were given by his son, Darrell, with David Hierlihy, Brody Thibodeau, and Robert McIlwaine speaking tenderly, kindly, and faithfully to the many in attendance. Prayer would be valued and appreciated for his wife Lois as she adjusts to her loss.
Edith Jeffries (nee Potter) of Portage la Prairie, MB, on March 10, 2015, age 100. Edith was born in Toronto October 3, 1914 where she grew up, received her education, and worked at Eaton’s. Raised outside the assembly, she heard the gospel, along with many of her peers, and was saved at age 23. She married Ernie Jeffries in 1939, at which time both were in fellowship at Mimico Gospel Hall. The Jeffries relocated to Portage la Prairie in 1959, along with their three children. Their Christian kindness and service to others quickly endeared them to the Lord’s people. Predeceased by her husband in 1981, Edith remained totally committed to the Lord and his interests. She is survived by her sons, Albert and David, and daughter Corinne Ronald, and their families. During the funeral, family members and others paid fitting tribute to her recognition of God’s love and faithfulness to her during her long life.
Jeanette Mackenzie of O’Leary, PE, on March 10, 2015, age 82. Predeceased by her husband, Lewis, in 2011, Jeanette was deeply devoted to both her own family and spiritual family. She had learned the truth of what the Lord taught regarding Martha and Mary and the “one thing that is needful.” She entertained many, both practically and spiritually. She loved to cook (famous for her rolls) and loved to meditate, as evident by many poems she had written. She was in fellowship in the Springfield West (O’Leary) assembly, and even in failing health, attended the meetings faithfully. Opening remarks at the largely attended funeral were given by her nephew with David Hierlihy officiating. Her son-in-law, Rick Adams, shared loving reflections of her, and her grandson, David Arbing, spoke beautifully about “our grandmother’s inspirational love.” Jeanette is greatly missed by her family and by all who had the privilege of having known her – “Until the day dawns.”
Gertrud Dittberner of Ashfield, MB, on April 7, 2015, age 94. Gertrud was saved during her transatlantic voyage in 1953, as her family emigrated from Germany to Canada. She was baptized at West End Gospel Hall (now Parkview St.) in Winnipeg, where she was in faithful fellowship for many years. Later, after moving north of Winnipeg, she attended the Ashfield Hall. She was known for her warmth and hospitality, and manifested her love for her Savior to all who knew her. Her later years were spent in a personal care home, wheelchair-bound due to a major stroke, yet always a wonderful testimony for her Lord to all with whom she came in contact. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Emil, in 2006. She leaves behind four children and spouses, 10 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. The funeral was taken by her son-in-law, Ken McCorkle, with her son, Burke Dittberner, speaking at the graveside.
Evelyn Jassie of Manchester, CT, on April 19, 2015, age 94, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord, after spending a number of months in a nursing home. She was saved at the age of 18 on May 28, 1938 at a Byfield conference, was baptized shortly after, and received into the Manchester assembly. She was truly one of the faithful, and, unless for sickness or being on a trip, was always one to be depended on. Her pleasant smile and godly disposition are truly missed. Her father was one of the original brethren in the assembly when it began in 1909. She is survived by two nieces, their husbands, and their four children, none of whom are saved. Please pray for them.
Minor C. Hawk of the Western Assemblies Home in Claremont, CA, April 29, 2015, age 93, following a brief period of illness. He was saved at the age of 30 while in the hospital, fearing the possibility of death during an operation the following day. He was baptized, and received into the assembly in McKeesport, PA, and later was in the assembly in Donora, PA. An ardent evangelist, he carried on a radio ministry, “The Voice of the Gospel” for 56 years, and was a faithful witness to engineering and science students while a professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. He was privileged to point a number of students to Christ. He was commended to the work of the Lord in 1985, and continued with gospel series in many parts of the western United States, the British Isles, and the Caribbean Islands. He was predeceased by his wife, Bette, in September, 2014, after almost 72 years of marriage, and by his son, William. The graveside service was taken by Henry Carmichael of Midland Park, NJ. Family members and several believers spoke briefly at a memorial service following the funeral. He leaves two daughters, Betty Markley of Claremont, CA, and Deborah Mitchell of Jefferson Hills, PA, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, some of whom are still in need of salvation.
Ethel Taylor of Taylorside, SK, on April 29, 2015, age 93. Our dear sister was saved at age 13, baptized, and received into assembly fellowship, faithfully attending until prevented by failing health. She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley, in 2006, after 64 years of marriage. She leaves two sons, their wives, and one grandson. Her cheerful disposition, love and concern for others will be missed. The funeral service was taken by John Parker and Steve Kember.
Mildred Hayes of Cedar Falls, IA, on April 30, 2015, age 92. She was raised in a God-fearing religious home. At the age of 18 she discovered her great need and was saved August 6, 1940 through the labors of the late Oliver Smith. In the villages of Stout and Morrison at that time, many were saved, including several family connections, friends, and neighbors. She and her husband, Earl (deceased May 1998), remained faithful to God’s truth and assembly until the end. For 65 years, she enjoyed the fellowship at Stout, then moved to Cedar Falls while living in the Western Home Community Center. It could be said of our sister, “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Tim 6:6). Four children and spouses, all believers, and many grandchildren owe much to her godly example. Her son, Scott, Roy Weber, and Al Christopherson shared in the large funeral service.
Donald Cumming of San Diego, CA, on May 3, 2015, age 82. Don faithfully served as an overseer in the assembly for many years. He and his wife, Victoria, were marked by hospitality and faithfulness to the assembly. He was also very involved in visiting and inviting families to gospel meeting and Sunday school. Several currently in the assembly are the result of his faithful visitation. Many who were contacted in the early days of his Sunday school work were either present at the service or contacted Victoria to express appreciation for his care and love. The hall was filled to capacity for his service which was taken by Alfonso Solis and A. J. Higgins. He is survived by his wife, Victoria, sons David (Andrea) and Mark, and three grandchildren.
Cornelia Kopp of Black River Falls, WI, on May 7, 2015, age 83. Having lost a three-year-old daughter, she sought for 20 years to know for sure she would see her again in heaven. She was the first to be saved in gospel efforts in the Humbird area near Black River Falls, WI by Joel Portman and Joe Clarquist in 1981 through Romans 10:9. She was baptized and received into fellowship the same year. She loved the Lord, His Word, and the assembly, always desiring to be at the meetings, though unable the last few years due to illness. The Lord took her home on her daughter’s birthday. She had the joy of seeing a number of her family saved, and some in fellowship. Prayer is appreciated for others not yet saved.
Marion Joyce of Unionville, ON, on May 14, 2015, age 83. She passed into the presence of her Lord from Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto following heart surgery. She was the third of four children born to Albert and Helena Joyce. Marion was saved as a young girl and received into the fellowship at Eglinton Gospel Hall. For the past 30 years she was in fellowship at Unionville Gospel Hall. She was a respected educator with the North York Board of Education, and became the first female principal in North York. After retirement, she developed and taught an ESL program at Unionville Gospel Hall, which has expanded to multiple sessions and continues to be a wonderful gospel outreach and great encouragement to the assembly. The funeral service was taken by three nephews, Ian Margerison speaking of her life, Ryan Smyth giving an excellent gospel message to the large audience (including many of Marion’s former colleagues and teachers), and Paul Stainton giving an encouraging message at the graveside.
Richard “Dick” Bruley of La Crosse, WI, on June 12, 2015 age 76. He was awakened at the age of 24 through his grandmother’s death and saved one week later. Dick’s love for the souls of men was immediate as he did the work of an evangelist, and he became a faithful shepherd in the La Crosse assembly. Their home was always open, as he and his wife, Lois, entertained the Lord’s people. It could be said of Dick that he was a man who worshiped, who was mighty to witness, and who meditated in the Word until the very end. His wife Lois, three sons and seven grandchildren who referred to him as “papa,” mourn their loss. Sharing in the service to a large crowd were Gene Bruley, Russ Nesbit, Al Christopherson, and son, Troy Bruley, who gave an outstanding eulogy of his dad.
Marion Andreessen of Cedar Falls, IA, on June 15, age 90. She was saved January 14, 1946 while reading Romans 5:6. She was in fellowship at Western Avenue assembly in Waterloo for over 50 years until she was no longer able to attend due to physical limitations. During her last years here on earth, she resided in a nursing home in Cedar Falls. “I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness,” brought her much comfort as she anticipated going home to be with the Lord. She is survived by two children, seven grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Russ Nesbit took the funeral service, and Eric McCullough spoke at the grave.
Harold Crain of West Union, IA, on June 19, age 84. At the age of 18, Bill Nutting, a family friend, invited the Crain family to house meetings shared by Louis Brandt and William Warke. Not only was Harold saved at that time but many in the Crain family, as well. He and his wife, Mildred, were committed believers in the West Union assembly, raising their six children under the gospel, with all of them professing faith in Christ. Although a quiet man in the assembly, he was known as a faithful helper to his neighbors and assembly believers. He leaves his wife Mildred, two sons, four daughters, 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Sharing in the funeral service were Larry Crain and Al Christopherson.
