W.G. McCartney - His Life And Labors

W.G. McCartney: His Life and Labors (Feb. 2, 1901 - Mar. 15, 1982) by Willard Rodgers. Waynesboro: Christian Missions Press, 1985.

CMP note

The following is a note clipped to the pamphlet, "Please accept this complimentary copy of W.G. McCartney, His Life and Labors, in tribute to his 84th birthday. It is especially appropriate in lieu of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of INTEREST magazine which he founded in [1934]. Our prayer is that the truths his life and labors were found on may continue to be upheld."

Foreword by Leonard E. Lindsted

Ever so often, God sends a man who has singular vision for his times and pertinent ministry for the people of his day. Anyone who has known Brother W.G. McCartney will recognize him to have been such a man.

This brief biography does not begin to touch the extent of his influence for Godly living and service for God which he effected in scores of lives, my own being one of them. Nor does this biography touch the inner depths and springs of this man's soul, the tears, the trials, the testings and the triumphs waged in the arena of faith. Sufficient is said, however, so that the words of Hebrews 13:7 may well apply: "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW, considering the end of their conversation."

Brother McCartney lived what he preached and preached what he lived. "Buy the truth and sell it not", were not cliche statements from a preacher's arsenal. They were the spiritual bone and fiber of his whole life. As I look back to my first encounters with Bill McCartney, as a teen-ager newly saved, the principles he taught, loved and practiced from the Word of God were as vibrantly precious in his last days as they were at his first.

No changing standards to placate changing Christendom, nor a watered-down theology to amuse the saints from this man of God. Deeply devoted to the Person of Christ and unflinchingly loyal to His Word, he pursued both to the end of his days. For those who pause to hearken and reflect, it may be said of him, as it was said of one of old, "...God testifying of his gifts: and by it, he, being dead, yet speaketh." (Hebrews 11:4) Leonard E. Lindsted

Bio by Willard Rodgers

Birth

"In all things preserve integrity; and the consciousness of thine uprightness will alleviate... disappointments and give thee a humble confidence before God, when the ingratitude of man, or the iniquity of the times may robe thee of other reward." (William Paley)

William George McCartney, born on February 2, 1901, in the town of Portadown, Northern Ireland, was the seventh of ten children born to James and Sarah McCartney. (It is interesting to note that years later his wife, Mary, quaintly remarked that the significance of the number "seven", as seen in the Scriptures to represent perfection, was singularly apropos in respect to her husband's being the seventh child of his parents. Whether rightly or wrongly, how many wives would say the same of their husbands?)

Second Birth

William McCartney was a twice-born man. The expression, "born again", has been popularized in recent years, and made to mean no more than an awakening of interest in any given subject, or the adoption of a way of life. What happened to young "Bill" McCartney was far more than a passing attraction. At the age of eighteen, while walking home from a meeting where the Gospel had been faithfully preached, he felt the claims of Christ pressing upon his soul. He yielded his stubborn will, acknowledging his need of salvation; and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour he was born again, "not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever" (1 Peter 1:23). From that day until the day the Lord called him Home, the chief business in life for Bill McCartney was to bring others to know that blessed One Who had captivated his heart and to teach them "to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:20).

Emigration & Outreach

In the year 1919, William McCartney left his native Ireland and came to America where he settled in the Chicago area. This ambitious young man soon obtained employment, and saved enough from his earnings to enable him to bring to this country other members of his family.

Not surprisingly for one who loved the Lord as he did, Bill sought the company of fellow believers. He found a warm-hearted group of them meeting in a unpretentious building on Laflin Street, on the south side of Chicago. Without formal liturgy, nor "ordained" minister, these believers met solely in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ to remember Him in the way He, Himself, had appointed. They met regularly, also, for prayer, the study of the Word of God, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Into this company William McCartney was warmly welcomed, and immediately felt quite at home among them.

Never a "pew warmer", Bill very soon became active in furthering the testimony of the local assembly at the Laflin Street Gospel Hall. His God-given gift for preaching the Gospel was recognized by the elders, and he was encouraged to minister the Word of God, not only in the Gospel Hall, but wherever he was given opportunity. Not content to wait for opportunity to strike of itself, Bill and several other young men who, like himself, loved the Lord and desired to serve Him, made their own opportunities by undertaking a "pioneer" effort in various neighborhoods of the great metropolitan area of Chicago.

As a result of their efforts, assemblies sprang up and prospered. Later, due to population growth, and resultant movement into suburban areas, most of those early assemblies changed their locations, and also their names to identify them with their new locations. William McCartney became so active in carrying the Gospel into various parts of Chicago and its environs, and in promoting the establishment of local assemblies, that he became known as an "assembly builder".

In connection with this "pioneering" in the Gospel, it should be noted that the work involved not only "preaching the Word", but also "laboring in the Word" (II Tim. 4:2 & I Tim. 5:17).

An early example of this labor, and its results, is seen in young Bill's practice of going out on a Sunday afternoon in the neighborhood of the Washington Heights assembly and literally "rounding up" boys whom he brought to the Sunday-school. To persuade a gang of Chicago teen-agers to leave their baseball game and attend an afternoon Sunday-school would appear to be so unlikely a prospect as to discourage even the thought of it. But the thought of difficulty did not deter William McCartney. Not with a Pied Piper's whistle, but with his Irish charm and the irresistible appeal of his evident love for the boys, he led them to a place where they heard, most of them for the very first time, that God loved them, and that Christ died for them.

Let it not be overlooked that the one who manifested such missionary zeal was, himself, a young man. Might he not have enjoyed an afternoon of baseball, or other sport or recreation? He had been working hard all week. Might he not have argued that he deserved a bit of innocent pleasure? He might have... if he had been like many of us who pamper ourselves, gratifying our languid desires, and finding plausible excuses for doing so. But, as a matter of encouragement for other young men who sacrificially give of their time and energy to the work of the Lord, let it be known that some of the boys who were recruited from the streets of south Chicago are now actively serving the Lord as elders in their respective local assemblies.

(A note from one of these boys received while this manuscript was being typed... "Bill was instrumental in my salvation as a boy of 12 years. I appreciated him very much." B.P.)

The above story is worth the telling because here is revealed in the young Bill McCartney those qualities of energy, purpose, persuasiveness and determination which presaged the greater achievements yet to come.

Family Life

On March 12, 1932, William McCartney married Mary Gibson, of Detroit. To those who knew them it soon became evident that this was a union which was formed with the blessing and approval of God. There was never any doubt that in the home thus established the Lord was Lord indeed. To the many who were privileged to enjoy its hospitality, the experience was unforgettable.

The atmosphere of that home was love... a love which united the family, and spread its benign influence over all who entered its doors. Happy the guests; happier still the children who were welcomed into the family circle with love, nurtured with tenderness, disciplined with fairness and sheltered with strength. William Jr., Gibson, Marianne and Linda, I salute you. You have a rich heritage; and with it a solemn responsibility, "For unto whom much is given, from him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48).

Bradshaw & McCartney

In the year 1934, was founded the firm, Bradshaw & McCartney, Inc., a wholesale furniture company. The establishment of this business enterprise deserves mention in this chronicle of God's working in the life of His servant because from its inception the two partners exemplified the truth of Joshua 1:8; "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Throughout the many years of their business association the two partners encouraged each other in their respective labors for the Lord. Both were highly regarded as expositors of the Word of God. Each was glad to remain at the store, carrying on the business, while the other went out, "preaching the Word". In this delightful fellowship of service was a rare demonstration of the truth of I Samuel 30:24, "As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff."

Bethany Chapel, Wheaton

In 1946, the McCartney family moved from their home in Chicago to Wheaton, Illinois. By reason of the reputation of Wheaton College as an institution of high academic standards, plus its strict rules governing student behavior, it was the college of choice for many Christian parents, including many from assemblies throughout this and other countries.

Some parents were not altogether happy to know that while a few Christians did, indeed, meet for the Remembrance Feast, this alone did not appear to be sufficient to identify them as an "assembly", or local church. Which is to say that none of the other distinguishing characteristics of a local church were found in practice.

Some college students dutifully attended the meeting for the Breaking of Bread with others in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer Lane, and later in the Plum Studio of the college campus. Afterwards, many of them attended Sunday morning services in one or another of the local churches. Learning of this situation, some parents expressed their desire that an assembly, fully functioning as outlined in the Book of Acts, might be formed in Wheaton, and thus be more easily available to their children.

At this point the writer must confess the contrast, not flattering to himself, between his own position and that of William McCartney. Along with my family, I had moved to Wheaton three years prior to the coming of the McCartney's. I, too, wanted my children to have the benefits of a normally functioning assembly. Unlike Bill McCartney, however, I sought and found fellowship in the assembly at Lombard, Illinois. This is in no sense a reflection of the Lombard assembly, for the years we spent there were among the happiest of our Christian experience, and we shall ever cherish warm memories of precious fellowship with some of the Lord's choicest saints.

Still, it must be recorded that William McCartney, characteristically, proved himself once more to be an "assembly builder". Meeting at first with the faithful few who preceded him, he made contact with others in the college and in the town, and soon moved the group into the larger accommodations of his own home.

Later, when even his home, remodeled and enlarged, became too straitened for the growing assembly, he initiated their move into Bethany House. Many of my readers will have nostalgic memories of that old Wheaton mansion, renovated and refurbished for use by the assembly in its varied activities, and made available to students a social center. Later still the assembly was moved by the irrepressible William McCartney to plan the construction of a building commensurate with the potential of this now thriving assembly. The result was the handsome and commodious Bethany Chapel.

Christian Missions Press, Waynesboro

In 1963, William and Mary McCartney moved to Waynesboro, Georgia. Unlike many, who might have reasoned that after so full and fruitful a life they had earned the repose of retirement, for this remarkable couple a new opportunity to serve the Lord began to fill their vision.

For a man who accomplished so much, it is difficult to determine what may have been his greatest achievement. Not the least, certainly, and that for which he may be most recently known, is Christian Missions Press, Inc.

When a young man told Dwight L. Moody of his impatience to do great things, the old evangelist replied, "When God would make an oak tree He may take a hundred years; He makes a squash in four weeks." Bill and Mary McCartney began Christian Missions Press as they began Letters of Interest.

From a tiny "hole in the wall" in a back room of a transport terminal, tracts began going out by the thousands. But, like the young oak sapling which sprang from an acorn, Christian Missions Press continued to grow. Larger quarters were needed, and the God Who grows oaks from acorns was sufficient to meet the need of this growing enterprise. When a suitable piece of property was found to be available, unbelief might have staggered at the price and subsequent purchase. But this is a chronicle, not of doubt but of faith. The building was purchased, and has been twice enlarged.

Christians Missions Press is a living memorial to the faith of a man who, like Abraham, "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom. 4:20). This writer is fully aware of the fact that if our beloved brother were here to read this he would say, "Christian Missions Press is a monument, not to the faith of man, but to the faithfulness of God." (Note: more about CMP, Inc., at the end of this booklet).

Assembly Plants

This account of the life and work of William G. McCartney would not be complete without a statement concerning several landmark achievements which alone or together make it a matter beyond dispute that his name will live while the church remains on this earth.

Mention has been made of the planting of assemblies in Chicago and elsewhere. A list of those for which William McCartney was wholly or in part responsible would include Roseland, Fernwood, Washington Heights, Lansing, Warrenville, La Grange and Wheaton.

There may be others of which this writer is not aware; but reference should be made to the efforts of our dear brother in connection with the forming of the assembly at Sioux City, Iowa. Cottage meetings had been held in that city following a visit by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hoy, missionaries to France, to the home of Mrs. Hoy's parents.

William McCartney and William Trotter later conducted a Gospel campaign in a canvas tent which proved to be so fruitful in conversions that our brother McCartney returned on several occasions to encourage the new believers. Faithful, as always, to "declare unto (them) all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), he instructed them with regard to the Scriptural principles of the gathering of believers in assembly capacity. Thus was founded the Sioux City assembly which has maintained a testimony for God in that city, and through outreach into regions beyond.

Letters of Interest

The magazine, Letters of Interest, was conceived as a vehicle for conveying news of the work of God in "pioneering" effort. It began as a mimeographed sheet, prepared and distributed by our brother and sister McCartney, acquainting the Lord's people with the work of evangelists, some of whom were little know, laboring in many cases under difficult conditions, and with no visible means of support. True pioneers, indeed, these men did not solicit publicity, but looked to the Lord, alone, to meet their needs. Appreciating their desire to depend solely on the Lord, Bill McCartney felt the Lord's people ought to know of such work in order to be enabled to pray more specifically and to encourage them in their labors.

Conceived in a genuine concern for unheralded workers who were often neglected by man, this mimeographed sheet was blessed by God, and soon developed into the proportions of a magazine. Continuing to this day under its abbreviated title, "Interest", the "Quotes" (From Workers) section is regarded by many as the most significant and valuable department of the publication.

Stewards Foundation/Ministries

What was to William McCartney faith in the God of Whom the Scripture declares, "With God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37), some interpreted as visionary optimism. Few today remember, if they ever new, the morose skepticism with which his concept of Stewards Foundation was first received.

It is cause for thanksgiving that there were men of like faith who, with him, in 1945, formed this institution which has been instrumental in providing funds for the establishment of assembly testimony on so wide a scale.

(Doug's note: Also see Stewards Ministries, 1982 subsidiary of SF)

Belmont Hospital

Nine years later, in 1954, William McCartney's faith was tested again when he learned that Chicago's Belmont hospital was about to be offered for sale. Bill saw this as an opportunity for Stewards Foundation to provide means for the medical care of servants of God, and at the same time, by keeping the hospital open for public medical service, to realize a reasonable profit for more diversified service in the work of the Lord.

In the course of several years, the number of hospitals purchased and operated by Stewards Foundation increased to six, of which two are located in Chicago, and four on the West Coast. Qualified men were "raised up" by the Spirit of God to serve as chaplains for each of the hospitals, and their work has been a source of blessing, almost immeasurable, to missionaries, full-time workers and saints stricken by illness, and also in bringing to Christ many who might otherwise never have known Him. It was brought to light at Bill's memorial service by Wilson McCracken, administrator of Belmont Hospital, how, when learning of the first patient who came to place his trust in the finished work of Christ, Bill's comment was, "Well, Mac, if he's the only soul saved it will have been worth it all".

Postlude

Two hundred years ago the eminent preacher, William Paley, uttered the words which we have placed at the heading of the account of the life of our beloved and esteemed brother. Said William Paley, "In all things preserve integrity; and the consciousness of thine uprightness will alleviate... disappointments and give thee a humble confidence before God, when the ingratitude of man, or the iniquity of the times, may rob thee of other reward."

A man of vision implemented by resolute action and knowing the pain of disappointment as well as the joy of success, our brother never lost that "humble confidence before God". More trying to him than disappointment, however, must have been the "ingratitude of man", and yet his own integrity never faltered. Moreover, witnessing the "iniquity of the times" infiltrating assemblies of the Lord's people, his personal uprightness shone as a beacon-light in the closing darkness of our day.

On March 15, 1982, William G. McCartney, after a short illness, was released from his burdens and ushered triumphantly into the presence of the Lord Whom he loved so well and served so faithfully. The epitaph selected for inscription on his memorial stone is most fitting: "Buy the truth, and sell it not" (Prov. 23:23). He paid the price for truth in ways that we feel he would not wish to have recorded in this chronicle. And he refused to sell the truth, for any price, whether it be flattering applause or treacherous approval. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord... that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them" (Rev. 14:13). This was a man of God.

"More about CMP!" by D. Pedigo

Christian Missions Press, Inc., began operating in 1963 in a small room in the Brown Transport terminal in Waynesboro, Georgia. There were only two members of the staff then, Mr. & Mrs. W.G. McCartney, but they had enough faith, hope and vision to see the tremendous potential and need of an establishment dedicated to sound, Biblical literature. Mr. McCartney wrote the first tracts and Mrs. McCartney worked diligently by his side taking care of the office duties. And what a pair they made. When they hired their first printer they were on their way to fulfilling the commitment they had made to the Lord.

They worked hard to make their dream come true. In time they had grown so that they needed larger quarters to house the ever-increasing need for tracts. In 1964 they moved to their present location on Highway 25 in Waynesboro, an old farmer's market building and former peanut warehouse. As the demand for tracts grew, so did the need for a larger staff. As always, the Lord filled this need sufficiently.

Their faith never faltered, and the Lord continued to bless their efforts. Whenever an obstacle would block their view they would simply go to the Lord and ask His help and direction. From the beginning they have had weekly Bible studies with the staff to praise God and discuss any problems or solutions to increase their output. There were times in the early years when Friday would come around and there would be little money to pay the workers for their services. Mrs. McCartney would find a quiet corner and leave the problem with God. Before the day would end, there would be funds to pay them. What a testimony! Mr. McCartney always had what he described as "an air of holy carelessness". In other words, don't worry! God will take care of everything in His holy way. Just leave everything to Him.

Over the years CMP has not wandered from their dedication to sound, Biblical publications. Mr. McCartney saw to it that everything printed was true to the Scriptures. No man-made belief or opinion would he let invade his Lord's sacred mission. It broke his heart to see other organizations neglecting the importance of keeping the truth foremost in their plans. While other organizations have upheld such beliefs and practices as remarriage after divorce and public appeal for funds, CMP has had no part of it. If it wasn't Biblical, it wasn't printed. Proverbs 23:23 best describes Mr. McCartney's dedication to the Scriptures, "Buy the truth and sell it not." His life so reflected this motto that this verse is inscribed on his headstone.

CMP has grown steadily since 1963. This is their 20th anniversary. They are still upholding the beliefs upon which Mr. & Mrs. McCartney based their business and their lives. Tracts are still sent free of charge to those who cannot afford them and make their desire known . During the Vietnamese war over 5 million tracts entitled The Serviceman's Guide were shipped to chaplains and individuals at no charge. The Serviceman's Guide contains different Scripture verses and these small booklets with them onto the battlefield. CMP now carries over 400 different publications from tracts to booklets to books, all Scripturally accurate and interesting to read.

Their publications cover topics such as marriage, bereavement, cults, worship, New Testament principles and tongues, just to name a few. Several of their writings have been translated into other languages and it is not unusual to see many packages a week being shipped to foreign countries. Popular sites for their tract racks include airport terminals, hotel lobbies, doctor's offices, restaurants and laundromats.

On this their 20th anniversary they have a lot to celebrate. The McCartney's dedication to the Word and work has been a testimony they can look back on with a humbleness of spirit. Mr. McCartney's wonderful Irish sense of humor has been the source of much laughter at the Press. Once an employee was asked to tell what she thought was the best part about working at CMP. She readily replied with a grin, "Mr. McCartney". His sound beliefs continue at CMP.

(D. Pedigo, former secretary to Mr. McCartney)

Testimonials

The following "excerpts were taken from the many cards, letters and expressions of sympathy given to the family at the time of his Home call" in 1982.

• Willard Rodgers: "I need not tell you how much I admired Bill. I have never known a man quite like him. Certainly he was one of the Lord's mighty men. He was not always understood, for the reason that truly great men are often misunderstood by lesser men. Men of stature, like higher peaks in a mountain range, are not recognized nor appreciated in the near views. In the perspective of distance, or time, the 'giants' rise and tower above the common range. I shall forever be grateful to the Lord for having given me the privilege of knowing Bill."

• M.F.: "What an abundant entrance Brother McCartney must have had in Heaven. Praise God!"

• L.S.: "We will not forget the kindnesses you and he showed us in the early days of our experience in obeying the Truth he taught so well of the Church, and the practical expression of it in the local testimony."

• W.B.Y.: "Your father was a Rock of Gibraltar to me in the early days of my exit from organized religion. I have always treasured those hours of fellowship with him. They are blessed memories to me. One of the surprises I had upon first meeting him many years ago was the refreshing sense of humor that I detected. I thought that people of his persuasion were austere and rigid. I found him to be warm, friendly and deeply spiritual. The spiritual chemistry between us flowed freely and unhindered. Bro. McCartney has already met many people in Heaven who are there because of his efforts through Christian Missions Press as well as his own direct contacts. He was a dear man of God."

• M.W.: We appreciated Bill's faithfulness to the true Word of God and all that you and he have done to publish and propagate that Word. We value every effort that made Christian Missions Press what it is and all that both of you have done as you served the Lord in this wonderful way. Bill's entrance into Glory must certainly have been an 'abundant' entrance."

• L.B.: "I shall remember him always as a good student of the Word, who was always ready and willing to share all that the Lord revealed to him with everybody who was willing to listen. He clarified many important doctrinal truths to me at a time in my life when I had questions galore."

• William MacDonald: "I have just received the news of Bill's sudden Home call, and I hasten to express to you my sincere Christian sympathy. The church has sustained a tremendous loss, and his passing will leave a lonesome place against the sky for all who knew and loved him. You and he have done a wonderful work for God down through the years and your works will follow you."

• A.D.: "You may not remember me, but I was a young girl in the Washington Heights Gospel Hall in Chicago many years ago and came to know the Lord as Saviour through the pioneering Sunday School efforts of your husband. I have always been grateful for his faithfulness in starting that effort."

• C.B.: "The Scriptural integrity of all he published there at Christian Missions Press was reassuring. While I always read the tracts because I enjoy them, I would never hesitate to hand one out unread because I know there is nothing in them that is not in complete agreement with the Word of God."

• A.F.: "What a delight it must have been to Bill to see the Lord! He had served him faithfully for so many years, never tiring in his endeavor to make Christ known by his own ministry. Bill had a real warm place in our hearts. We both felt that the Lord had called home one of our own faithful friends, a friendship that began in our youth and has lasted all these many years.

Bill was one who truly loved the Lord. His service for Him was not a matter of duty only, but his devotion to Christ far surpassed any sense of duty as such and found him 'in season, out of season', ever serving the Master, irrespective of weather, Assembly problems, misunderstandings, criticism, poor health at times, and all the many trials that are always the lot of one devoted to Christ as Bill was. The Lord will have Bill's reward ready for him when the day of review dawns, and His commendation of Bill will not be a small one by any means."

• B.P.: "He sure was a tireless worker with only the praise and glory to God as his goal. I know he has had some setbacks and grief but through them God has made him an even better servant."

• L.S.D.: "Bill's pleasing Irish accent and gracious way were so used by our God!"

• R.V.H.: "I shall always remember him as one of the finest acquaintances and friends that I have ever had."

Sources

• gifted from Fred Kosin in July 2024, transcribed by Doug Engle