Mr Charles Gahan

As reported in our last issue, our beloved brother Mr. Charles Gahan of Paignton, passed to be with Christ on 10th June 1976 at the age of 81. He had been in indifferent health for some time but the end of his pilgrimage came rather suddenly following a cerebral haemorrhage.

When a young man he attended a gospel mission at St. Benedict’s Church (C. of E.) Liverpool and after having gone home one evening, he read through the Gospel according to John, as a result of which he was fully assured of salvation through believing. The Book that brought him into spiritual blessing was to be his guide for the rest of his earthly course. He continued to attend the church but he found that those with whom he was meeting were not following the New Testament pattern. He lost no time in seeking such and soon identified himself with believers in assembly fellowship and commenced to serve the Lord in Liverpool with other young men. He joined Will Stevens and later W. D. Dunning in evangelistic work in the South West. It was during this period that he met the one who was to be his wife and helpmeet for 52 years. After their marriage at Chard, they went to live for a short time at Exmouth. Eventually setting up a home base in llminster our brother and his wife launched out in pioneering with the gospel in Lincolnshire and other parts of the country and had the joy of seeing many converted to God and permanent testimonies established. A great work of the Holy Spirit was evidenced at Oldland Common, Bristol, where some sixty souls were saved.

In 1931 our brother went to New Park Hall Assembly, Barking, where he engaged in pastoral work for about 11 years. On returning to llminster he laboured much in the gospel and ministry of the Word in various places; his preaching was fervent and penetrating and his ministry was ever Christ-exalting and challenging.

About three years ago he moved to Paignton to be near his family.

It was largely due to Mr. Gahan’s concern 31 years ago that a number of brethren in the West Country were called together to discuss the need of what is now known as the Precious Seed Magazine, which was born out of a deep conviction that the great need of the moment was to reaffirm New Testament Church Principles in assembly life and service and to stimulate interest in gospel work. For 27 years our brother rendered faithful and untiring service in this work, both as Secretary and as Chairman of the Committee, in addition to contributing edifying articles from his pen from time to time. The original intention of those concerned with the publication was to confine its distribution to the South-West of England and to South Wales, but it was not long before requests for copies came from all parts of the British Isles and from countries overseas. Our brother had the joy of seeing the circulation grow from 2,000 copies at the onset to over 20,000 copies last year.

We mourn the loss of a dear colleague and friend and we shall miss his wise counsel and help. Those who knew him and worked with him will testify that he was a true man of God who, while faithfully holding the truth, yet ever manifested a loving and gracious spirit. We thank God for saving Charles Gahan and giving him to the Church in our day and generation.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to his widow, who was always his loyal and active helper in all his work for the Lord, and to his daughter and son and family.