Roy John Littleproud

LOI 1959-9

The following is an article from Letters of Interest (1951-9), authored by James Gunn & edited by W.R. Simpson, on the life of R.J. Littleproud.

Intro

"Grace does not run in the blood, but thank God it sometimes runs in the line. The Church has every reason to thank God for outstanding Christian sons of worthy Christian parents, who have served God and His Church and been a blessing in the world. In this regard we think of such men as the Bonar brothers, H.A. Ironside, J.G. Patton, and others.

Roy Littleproud had the inestimable privilege of Christian parents. His father, Alfred W. Littleproud, was born in Raglan, Ontario, in 1863, and his mother, Mary Kennedy, in Gananoque, Ontario, in 1861. They were married in the town of Little Britain in 1885, but later moved to Forest where Roy John was born February 21, 1889.

Testimony

Alfred Littleproud was associated with the assembly gathered to the Lord's name at Forest, Ontario, and in this environment young Roy grew up. Early in life he was taught his need of a Savior, and from his childhood he witnessed the simple yet devoted practice of his parents and their fellow believers. He often heard the Lord's servants tell of their conversions, and since many of them had received Christ through John 3:16, in his youthful mind he determined to be different.

At the age of seventeen he became deeply convicted of sin. This was partly brought about by the clear testimony of the young lady who later became his wife. One evening when alone with God he became almost desperate, because in turning to many Scriptures he found neither light nor peace through them. Finally he read John 3:16. Graciously the Lord again used this precious Scripture, and R.J. Littleproud was saved.

On graduation Roy began teaching school in the district of Forest where he also sought to serve the Lord, and during summer vacation months found much joy in sharing gospel meetings. One summer is recalled when he and James Marshall, now also with the Lord, spent several weeks together in a special evangelistic effort in a tent. The outstanding incident of the season happened just after the tent had come down. John Kernohan, son of the pioneer evangelist, William K. Kernohan, sent for brother Littleproud, and admitted real concern of soul. What a joy it was to the two brethren when he accepted Christ during this interview.

Marriage and Muncey

Early in 1911 our brother moved to Muncey to teach at the Indian Institute there and in April of the same year he married Hilda Vance. The principal of the school, a Methodist minister, frequently called on Brother Littleproud to speak to the Indian children. The results of these talks eternity alone will reveal, but it is known that some of these little ones accepted the Savior, and one of them later went with the gospel to his own people.

When the problem of educating their young son arose, the Littleprouds moved to London, Ontario, and here our brother proved a great help to the assembly. Of a sympathetic and understanding nature, our brother in assembly problems could always listen to both sides of any difficulty, and then follow with wise and godly counsel from the Word of God. In times of grief he knew what it was to "weep with those who weep", as at other times to "rejoice with those that rejoice." He was possessed of a true shepherd heart.

Toronto and Swanwick

In 1926, R.J. Littleproud was appointed by the Ontario Provincial Government to the position of inspector of the School Penny Bank. This required his moving to Toronto, where he associated himself with the Swanwick Assembly (now Danforth). His ministry was highly appreciated by the saints throughout the city. As inspector of the Penny Bank he covered much territory, and thus in moving out from Toronto, he served the Lord for fifteen years in the assemblies throughout the entire province, as well as elsewhere. Many small assemblies were blessed by messages from him during his visits to their areas.

Three Prominent Features

Three prominent features characterize those fifteen years of constant activity.

Toronto Bible Class

About the year 1927, brother Littleproud became deeply exercised about helping younger men in the study of the Scriptures; therefore, it was arranged that a number of these meet in his home on Saturday evenings. At the first there were probably a dozen who met thus together for a season of prayer and Bible study. The class rapidly outgrew the capacity of the Littleproud's living room, and since there were many others who wanted this helpful methodical ministry, the class was moved early in 1931 to Central Hall, where it grew in size beyond even our brother's expectation. It was an inspiration to see a hundred and more young men on a Saturday evening sitting around the Word of God.

At the end of each term student, if they wished, could write out answers to questions submitted, and several prizes were given for the best answers. Some of those who attended these classes are today serving the Lord in the foreign field, such as John McClelland of Brazil and Alex McClelland of Angola. Other brethren were invited by our brother to assist him in his now heavy responsibility among these: Peter Hynd, Arnot Porter, James Irwin, J.M. Davies and James Gunn. A library was gradually built up and operated similarly to a public lending library under the care of David Peat, now with the Lord.

Principals of the Christian Assembly

The second outstanding feature of those fifteen years was the publishing of Principles of the Christian Assembly. This was an outgrowth of one of his most intensive studies with the young men's class. This book has been out of print for several years, but is obtainable through the Gospel Folio Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Besides The Christian Assembly our brother also wrote other works, mostly pamphlets especially for Sunday-school teachers.

Sunday School Teacher's Manual

Some twenty years ago, a few brethren met in brother Littleproud's home and discussed the possibility of a magazine devoted to the needs of Sunday-school teachers. As a result the Sunday School Teacher's Manual was written, and published by Gospel Folio Press. he faithfully edited this quarterly until the Lord took him home. It still is going forward in the United States and Canada, England, Australia, South America, British West Africa and other places.

Death and Outro

Brother Littleproud's homecall was a great shock to many of the Lord's people. On January 17, 1941, he was in an auto accident from which he was taken to the Brantford General Hospital. He seemed at first to make progress toward recovery, but God willed it otherwise and called him higher on April 9, 1941. Surely the name of the just is blessed, and we do well to remember those that have the rule over us. There are those who think that brethren in secular employment cannot adequately serve the Lord, but the history of Roy Littleproud is a rebuke, to such warped thinking."

Sources

• Letters of Interest
  • 1951-9