A FORMER minister at Magheragall Presbyterian Church has passed
away in British Colombia, Canada at the age of 94.
The Reverend Gilbert Smith played cricket for Lisburn and hockey
for Lisnagarvey before moving to Canada in 1953.
Born on October 14, 1913 in Londonderry, he was educated at
Foyle and Magee Colleges. He loved language and completed an MA
in English at Trinity College, Dublin followed by Theology at
New College, Edinburgh.
As a young man he served in Belfast as a chaplain during the
bombings of World War II, later ministering at Trinity, Bangor
before going to Magheragall in January 1943 where he stayed for
10 years, enjoying an amazing rapport with young people. Gilbert
was a keen sportsman, representing his schools in soccer,
cricket and hockey, and his country in hockey.
Later his sporting prowess helped Lisburn Cricket and
Lisnagarvey Hockey Clubs reach great heights.
In 1953 he was urged to go to Canada and his leadership helped
found a new congregation, St. Giles Presbyterian Church
Peterborough, Ontario.
Here he met Barbara and they married in 1954.
After serving congregations in Brantford and Mt. Pleasant, the
family went to New Zealand where he ministered at Clevedon from
1965-1967 when he returned to Canada, to Trinity Presbyterian,
Victoria.
He retired from Trinity in 1981 but continued in service,
especially loved by his friends at the Chinese Presbyterian
Church.
At Beacon Hill Park he enjoyed playing cricket and later
umpiring. There were monthly Cricket club luncheons and Golfing
Mondays at Royal Colwood GC, where he managed two holes in-one.
Gilbert was also an ardent flower grower, a member of the
Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Clubs.
He passed away on January 16th leaving his wife Barbara, son
David and three grandchildren - Stephen, Brian and Sarah.
Gilbert was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and brother,
all of whom had lived in Northern Ireland.
Ulster Star
08/02/2008
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