A Tribute To Rev Andrew Campbell
number of people have wanted to read what I said about my brother in law Andrew at his funeral last Wednesday. Here is a copy of the script with one or two amendments. Early Life Andrew McGill Campbell was born in Loth, Sutherland, on the 1st March 1940 he was one of four children born to Helen and Andrew Campbell, who at that time where Home Board Missionaries in the Church of Scotland. Andrew is survived today by his three sisters Rae, Ruth and Moria. Andrew was educated in his early years at Loth Primary School, having a happy and contented childhood, often recalling the winters in Sutherland, when the snow was so high, they found it difficult to even dig their way out of the manse, or when as a family they had so little that they learned to live by faith in God. This faith and trust never left Andrew in the words of the Apostle, he knew to be thankful when he had very little or when he had more than enough. After the war Andrew's father felt called to further study and enter the ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament. This brought him to bring the whole family to live in Bilston. He came into this area to be minister of a church extention charge while at the same time studying at New College for his qualifications for the ordained ministry. Andrew attended Lasswade Senior Secondary School. It wasn't long before Andrew was on the move again, this time to Orkney where his father was ordained minister at St Margaret's Hope. He enjoyed the country life and before long was working the long summer holidays on one of the local farms. On leaving school he decided to go to sea and become a Radio Officer. Meets Doreen In 1956/7 Andrew made his way down to Glasgow to become a student at the Glasgow Wireless College. It was while attending a Church meeting, during this time, he met a young short hand typist Doreen Bogle and within a few months Andrew's dream of a career as a naval officer was well and truly over. He had fallen head over heels in love. They were married in June 1959 and set up home in Seamore Street in Maryhill, Glasgow. Both Andrew and Doreen were youth leaders in St Silas Church. Andrew was like a pied piper leading dozens of children down to Sunday School every Sunday. This all came about because my father, visited every home in the street inviting the children to come to Sunday School and instructing them to wait outside the close where his son- in – law stayed and they'd be escorted to Sunday School. In those days parents were glad to send their children to the Sunday School. Those where happy and challenging days for the young Campbells. Andrew was integrated into the Bogle family and was to become my older brother, and indeed introduce my sister Betty, a few years later to a young man who now worked beside him in Clydesdales Electrical. Douglas and Andrew were to become brothers in law and life long friends. Many stories could be told of their escapades but time will not allow. Andrew and His Family Andrew was always orientated towards him family. He was a caring and protective father and was proud of the achievements of Yvonne and Andrew and James. When all three of his children were married he welcomed Garry and Louise and Sharon into his family. Both Andrew and Doreen have been exceptional grandparents spending time with their grandchildren and getting to know their friends as part of their extended family. Jason and Jenna being married was a great joy to him especially as he was able top conduct the wedding service. It was a busy weekend and indeed week that followed. He attended the General Assembly, and although not in the best of health,he took part in the morning devotions reading the scriptures the day that the Archbishop of Canterbury attended. When we finally was admitted to hospital He was also comforted by the attention Jenna was able to pay to him. I believe he looked forward to his daily newspaper delivery by Jenna. Of course the rest of his grandchildren were all equally important, Emma, and now Dale, Morven and Jack, Duncan and Leah all got special attention from Gran and Papa with their special weekends away in London or some other exotic location. Andrew was a keen football fan attending the Motherwell games when he could and always having a discussion with James or Andrew or Garry about the quality of play. Andrew and Ministry When Andrew felt called to the Ministry in his mid 30s he gave up the opportunity of a well paid job, realising if he took it he would never answer the call to full time ministry. After five years of study at Glasgow University graduating with a BD and Dip Min he was ready to take up parish ministry after a brief spell at St Mary's Motherwell as their probationer minister. At the age of 42 or 43 Andrew became the minister of St Margaret's Muirhouses where he was to stay for just over 25 years serving the people without fear or favour. He was a well respected and loved minister of the gospel. He is remembered for his hard work and caring pastoral visits. He was also proud of the establishment of the Junior Choir and the long and lasting links he established for the church in the community at large. Prison Chaplaincy Many of course will remember Andrew as a prison chaplain at Shotts Prison. It was here that he excelled in his ministry. He had a great capacity to get on with the men and also to open his home to prisoners making the transition back into everyday life. Both he and Doreen have exercised a quiet unsung caring ministry in this area. Only yesterday an ex- prisoner on hearing of Andrew's death phoned his home to say, thanks to the guidance and support of Andrew he has a job, a home and a family life. For over 18 years Andrew worked in the prison and would still have been there had not his age prevented him from carrying on a ministry that was dear to his heart. He continued to care for those in prison visiting the many asylum seekers who are held in Dungavil Centre in Ayrshire. You see Andrew always thought about the underdog, he cared deeply for people in a difficult situation. He would put himself out to go the extra mile. Andrew believed in the importance of duty. These values made him who he was. A loving husband A supportive father A caring son in law A loyal brother and brother in law A faithful Friend A compassionate Pastor And a loving generous grandfather Above all Andrew and Doreen have been an amazing team and Doreen you have been his life long companion and God given help mate. You have experienced good times and bad times, joy and sorrow laughter and tears but in all of these circumstances you can trace the hand of God on your lives. It is that hand which reaches out to you today and says "As I was with Moses so I will be with you." As I was with Maggie when James died, so I will be with you" I will never leave you nor forsake you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. Look Andrew is no longer dead but he is alive in Christ. For did not Jesus say, I am the resurrection and the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live and who ever believes on me shall never die. Thanks be to God for the life and ministry of his servant Rev Andrew Campbell.
Posted By: Helmut On: 17 Sep 2012 At: 12:09pm
Thank you!