JAMES SHAW

Jimmy Shaw, one of our elders, died in the Monklands Hospital on Tuesday the 27^th July 2001 after a long illness which he fought with great courage to the end.

Jimmy was ordained to the eldership in Dunbeth Church in 1960, an event which entailed an interview to examine his faith and the purchase of a morning suit for communion duties. He served Dunbeth diligently and faithfully until the union of the churches when his energies and loyalty transferred wholeheartedly to the new congregation. For me as minister Jimmy was a ‘St Andrew’s man’ through and through. He had his own vision for the new congregation and did his best to achieve that vision.

Many will remember Jimmy’s work with the Sunday School in Greenhill and as Superintendent in Dunbeth. A deep knowledge of the Christian faith and care in all he did marked his service.

In St Andrew’s he willingly took over as Church Officer during Bob Berwick’s illness and until David Goldie was appointed, but his great input was to visit our members in Residential Homes. It was a great experience to accompany Jimmy on these visits as he used his unparalleled knowledge of Coatbridge and its people to stir old memories which were precious.

His professional life began working in Glasgow with the Public Analysts. Then came war service in the navy. It is typical that this young lad, away from home for the first time, with a background of faith within the Baptist Church, finding himself in Aden, threw himself into an involvement with the Church’s mission there. On his return he took up a post as analytical chemist at Organon and later turned his skills to research.

Jimmy was also involved in the life of the community, working to establish a Post Office at the Red Bridge, fighting for Greenhill School as chairman of the P.T.A.

Jimmy could also enjoy the fun of watching Airdrie play, the excitement and fellowship of the Victoria Bowling Green, Coatbridge Indoor Bowling and the friendship of Probus.

Today we give thanks for a life of faith and for a life of service to Christ and his church.