The death occurred on Sunday 25th March of Rev.Tom Gordon at the age of 87years. Mr Gordon was inducted to the charge of The E.U.Congregational Church in Bathgate on May 24th 1987. He brought to us all the attributes of his Irish ancestry – his brogue, his outspoken opinions, his sense of humour – but if his nationality was referred to as “Irish” he would protest vehemently that he was BRITISH! Mary his wife, was very supportive and always by his side. She was a very gentle lady who unfortunately suffered health problems which must have given Rev.Tom much anxiety. Their stay in Bathgate was a very happy one, although he would complain if the numbers at Communion dropped below 55. His sermons – he called them his “message” – were robust and came after the part of the service that everyone waited in anticipation to hear! Rev.Tom would descend from the pulpit to the choir stall where he would regale us with the latest adventure of “Wee Johnnie”. The Wee Johnnie stories for the children of course, were legion. We felt Wee Johnnie was so real to us.

When, on their retiral to Ayr, a card was presented to them showing Rev.Tom lying on Ayr beach suitably dressed in swim shorts and dog-collar while drinking a glass of very diluted ribena (the then communion wine) while a very sprightly Mary was being saved from drowning by Wee Johnnie, (who had grown up into a Chippendale) he greatly appreciated the humour. Because of his slightly rotund figure Rev.Tom was affectionately nicknamed “The Bishop” – not to his face, but as a term of endearment. I think he was aware of it though, since I received mail from him signed “The Bishop”. The Rev.Tom Gordon will be remembered by those who worshipped with him, for his celtic humour, his brogue and occasional malapropisms, his children’s addresses and his forthright preaching of God’s Word.

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