Yesterday, Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church marked its 51st anniversary since the opening of the hall which now forms the auditorium of the church building
Here are two pictures of that event. It is soul-stirring to look upon so many who laboured on the building of the hall who are now in glory.
‘One by one their seats were empty, One by one they went away.’
We are thankful to the Lord that He has maintained the witness of the hall, which in 1977 was constituted as a Free Presbyterian Church congregation.
In February 1978 I became the pastor of the small flock.
The following year, Kilskeery Independent Christian School was commenced under the principalship of Mrs Ann Foster BA, now too in glory since June 8th, 2024.
Mrs Foster when I first met her in a Young People’s Fellowship meeting in Ravenhill Free Presbyterian Church, September 11th 1964 — soon to be 61 years ago.
The crowd that attended the opening service
The men involved in the start of the witness. (L to R) Mr George Somerville, the late Mr Robert Edwards, who gifted the site, the late Mr Hugh Gallagher, Mr Ivan Morrison [holding a book], Mr Jackie Neville, the late Mr George Morrison.Here are yesterday’s ‘Anniversary Messages’, preached by Rev Samuel Fitton:
“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Matthew 25:5-6.
This chapter begins with the word ‘Then’. We must ever remember that the Bible was written without chapter divisions. They were added and are very helpful in finding our way through it but sometimes they tend to divide that which should be seen and read and understood as a continuing discourse.
Depiction of the Parable of the Ten Virgins
Chapter 24 and 25 of Matthew is just such a case.
Olivet discourse
Chapter 25 is a record of the Saviour continuing His ‘Olivet’ discourse in answer to the disciples’ questions: “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?” Matthew 24:3.
So, in Matthew 25:1, we are given the state of the ‘ kingdom of heaven’ here on earth, just before the Saviour returns. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto . . .”
I. IN THE FIRST CENTURY, THE REDEEMED ARE SEEN TO BE WAITING TO GREET THE SAVIOUR ON HIS RETURN.
1. This is made clear in the epistles of Paul.
“And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body,” Romans 8:23.
Paul said of the believers in Corinth: “Ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:7.
“For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come,” 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10.
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5.
2. This is not to be understood as the first generation Christians expecting the Saviour to return in their day.
I can say that because Paul corrects some who were mistaken about this matter. (more…)
Master Kobill Jude, teacher at the Emmanuel Christian School, Uganda
This dear brother, Kobill Jude, was known to some from Kilskeery who visited Uganda a little while ago and his faithfulness and godliness was spoken of warmly.
The prayerful sympathies of Christians here in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church are sincerely offered at this sad time to his whole family and circle of fellow labourers for the Lord.
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them,” Revelation 14:13.
The following statement has been issued by the Free Presbyterian Mission Board.
UGANDA – It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden death of Master Kobill Jude, one of our dedicated teachers at the Emmanuel Christian School, Uganda. He was killed on Sunday afternoon in a motorbike accident, at just thirty-nine years of age.
Master Jude had taught RE in the Primary School for thirteen years, and was the P7 Class teacher. He was also a very able translator at School assemblies.
There was a very large attendance at his funeral service on Monday including the staff and P7 pupils of the Emmanuel School. Rev Carscadden was one of the speakers at the service. As a mark of respect, the Emmanuel School was closed for the day.
Master Jude was also a part time Pastor, and he was killed as he returned from preaching at a Church service where he had spoken of ‘running the race and passing on the baton’.
His wife Madam Sylvia is also one of our Primary teachers and their four children are all pupils at the school.
We extend to them all our deepest sympathy.
Please pray for Master Jude’s family, the school and our missionaries at this very sad and difficult time.
Here are a few pictures of Mr. Jude’s funeral service:
