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From BrethrenPedia
finished transcription
(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
