This morning, girls and boys, we are setting aside our regular study because I wish to speak a little about a man who went to be with the Lord on the Sabbath morning past.

His name was George McConnell of Kilkeel.

* He was a friend of mine and a dear brother in Christ, but more than that he was one whose labours and stand for Christ have benefitted you all here. 

I first met him in 1966, when Dr Paisley, Rev John Wylie and I were invited to a ‘Welcome Home’ rally in Kilskeel, at the late Mr Charlie Campbell’s house, a few days after our release from prison after serving a three month sentence.

* From that time forward, I formed a friendship with Mr McConnell. I was often up in that area, conducting gospel missions and taking meetings in Mourne Free Presbyterian Church, where Mr McConnell was a founding elder.

* Mr McConnell loved the Lord and loved the gospel and saw the threat to it that the ‘Ecumenical Churches’ presented. He was ever ready to support the gospel and to protest against all that was contrary to it.

* He was a supporter of Christian Education, serving on the management committee of the Christian School attached to Mourne FPC and also on the Education Board of the Presbytery. 

* His witness and stand was that of our Protestant forefathers and the Puritans and Reformers of old. He was one who carried the banner of the gospel high in these days of compromise and backsliding.

* This coming generation, of which you all are a part, owe much to Mr McConnell and his bold faithfulness to Christ. This school has enjoyed support from him and his family.

* Today, in Kilkeel, a funeral farewell is taking place to one of whom we might justifiably say with David of old : “Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?” 2 Samuel 3:38.

Firstly, I would like you to note that THESE ARE THE WORDS OF THE KING. 

We should so live as to receive the praise of Christ when we die.

Secondly, note that NOT ALL UNDERSTOOD THIS TO BE SO OF ABNER, THE MAN SPOKEN OF BY DAVID. 

The greatness of holy men is very often hid to human eyes.  It was so of The Saviour and His chief servants. “Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, [and are] the offscouring of all things unto this day,” 1 Corinthians 4:13.

Thirdly note: KING DAVID WOULD HAVE OTHERS SHARE HIS OPINION OF ABNER. 

Mr McConnell has entered in to the glory of his Redeemer and even now shares with all the redeemed the glorious light of His presence. 

One day all of the saved ones shall share in Christ’s glory and be owned by Him.

“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day,” 2 Thessalonians 1:10.

Boys and girls, I trust that you all have believed the witness of the gospel!

As a school, I trust you will all remember and honour the name of Mr George McConnell.