A FORMER minister at Helensburgh Baptist Church has died aged 75, writes Joan Young.

The Rev Kenneth Watson McNeish served as pastor to the town's Baptist congregation from 1988 until his retirement in 2005, but returned to live in the town with his second wife Sandra in 2014.

Kenneth McNeish was born in Fife where his father was the village GP.

His parents were very involved in both village life and the work of Viewfield Baptist church in Dunfermline, where they attended with Kenneth and his sister Irene.

He was baptised as a believer in Viewfield Baptist Church at 16 years of age. Kenneth said that for a long time he lacked certainty but as he trusted the Bible, assurance came and he realized he wanted to use his life in the service of the Lord.

As a result he went to London Bible College from 1961 to 1965 and became a Baptist minister.

Kenneth’s ministerial experience began in Kirkwall Baptist Church in Orkney, and continued for six years in Gourock. He then worked in Hawick before coming to Helensburgh in 1988 with his first wife, Sissel, and their two sons, Wallace and John.

In his role as minister of Helensburgh Baptist Church, Kenneth’s desire was to preach the gospel and care for his ‘flock’.

He did this faithfully for 17 years and was a much respected and loved pastor. Many who knew him remember his incredible memory for names, situations and places and it wasn’t unusual for Kenneth to produce a travel or history book for an individual or family who were visiting that place.

Kenneth loved history and was involved with Scottish Baptist History projects. He also enjoyed walking in the Scottish hills.

Sadly, Sissel died in 2000 after a relatively short illness. The church encouraged Kenneth to take a three-month sabbatical in the European Baptist College in Prague.

He returned to Helensburgh and continued to work tirelessly in the ministry, but in 2003 he had a severe heart attack which resulted in him being on life support for a month. Our fellowship and many others were praying earnestly for his recovery.

He made an amazing recovery and after heart surgery even returned to his ministry in the church.

It was at this point that his congregation were aware of his friendship with Sandra, but they delayed their marriage until Kenneth retired in 2005.

Kenneth and Sandra returned to live in Helensburgh in 2014 and we greatly appreciated them being part of the fellowship.

They were blessed with a happy marriage, but in recent years Kenneth suffered from ill health. He bore this with much patience and courage with Sandra by his side to encourage and help him.

Kenneth died on Wednesday, March 15, and went to be with his Lord who he had served all these years.

The funeral was a service in Helensburgh Baptist Church followed by a service of committal in Cardross on Wednesday, March 22.

We can say of Kenneth that he “ fought the good fight , finished the race and kept the faith” of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.