Project Description

2014/07

Remembering Margaret Armstrong – Part 2

Last time we considered the life of Margaret Armstrong up to the point of her separation from the Africa Inland Mission (AIM) because of its connection with the ecumenical National Council of Churches of Kenya. While her separation from the Church of Ireland took place in 1966, she tendered her resignation from AIM in the late 1970’s when she came to Southampton, England, to assist in looking after her ailing father.

On arrival in Southampton, Margaret aligned herself with Spring Road Evangelical Church, then pastored by the late Rev David Fountain, a noted conservative evangelical. She threw herself into the work of the church and warm tributes have been paid to her godliness and zeal. Jill May writes: ‘She lived in a lovely rambling house overlooking the Hamble river which could always be used by the clubs belonging to the church. I remember a series on the ‘I ams’ of Jesus, with a treasure hunt round the garden, including the sheds where hundreds of apples were stored. Many of the children were from poorer backgrounds and running round the garden eating the apples was just what they enjoyed, but the Gospel was her great delight – all very happy memories of a very kind lady who loved her Saviour.’

During her time in Southampton Margaret became close friends with Larry and Barbara Darmanin. They were to prove a tremendous source of comfort to her when she was diagnosed with the illness which was to lead to her death on 22 August 1981 at the early age of 47. Margaret paved the way for Free Presbyterian missionary work in Kenya through her links with the Kendagor family. Pastor Nathaniel Kendagor takes up the story: ‘ I don’t know exactly when my father came to know the late Miss Margaret Armstrong.  She started visiting my father and Andrew’s missionary work in Kara Pokot in early 1974 when AIC did not support him.  She would support his work at times whenever she was able. She heard of my work at Kapenguria in 1977 and the difficulties when the church was not strong to support the workers.  I don’t know how she got the information.  After a while in the same year she bought me a motor cycle for the work. Margaret wrote to me later and told me that she had left AIM because of AIC membership in the National Council of Churches of Kenya.

She then wrote about the Free Presbyterian Church and suggested that we should come to Ulster, after which my Father and Andrew came over and met Margaret who introduced them to the church. Margaret was able to buy a Land Rover from an AIM missionary to assist Andrew in his work at Kara Pokot.  In 1979 she bought me a Subaru which I used until the coming of Miss Margaret Russell. Margaret did not actually work in Bible Christian Faith Church (BCFC) but she supported our views and encouraged us in the work.  Her plan was to come out and work in BCFC, even after she took ill.  She came out late in 1981 and was still hopeful.  We were all saddened when we heard of her passing.’

Margaret Armstrong’s funeral took place in Spring Road church and was conducted by Rev Fountain and Dr Paisley, who later spoke at a memorial service in Armagh Free Presbyterian Church.  Margaret was greatly loved by those who knew her. She was a close friend of then Chairman of the Missionary Council, Mr George McConnell, who supplied much of the information for these articles. Mrs Marie Wilson, a founding member of Armagh congregation, says: ‘I first knew Margaret Armstrong many years ago when I held a prayer meeting in our home for AIM. Margaret attended it with her mother and sister, and we had lovely fellowship. She loved to hear Dr Paisley preach and I can see her yet sitting with her elbow on her knee and drinking in every word. Margaret was a very humble person and had a great burden and love for Africa. It is lovely that one of the book rooms is named after her. It was so sad when she passed away at only 47 years of age.’

Rev Gordon Ferguson.