THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: From the News Letter of January 1911

By Darryl Armitage
Published 14th Jan 2021, 08:39 BST
Updated 14th Jan 2021, 08:48 BST
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Presbyterian minister’s ‘fidelity and zeal’ remembered

During this week in 1911 the News Letter remembered the life of the Reverend John Anderson.

The News Letter noted: “We regret announce the death of the Rev John Anderson, place yesterday at the manse, Greyabbey, Co Down.

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“For some time Mr Anderson has been in failing health, and had been compelled relinquish the active duties of the ministry.

Linen Hall librarian John Gray, left, presenting a print of the White Linen Hall, Belfast, to the Lord Mayor of Belfast Nigel Dodds in December 1988. The White Hall was demolished to make way for the City Hall. The First Citizen was on a visit to the historic library to hand over as a reciprocal gesture a Charter centenary commemorative picture of the civic citadel. With him was town clerk Cecil Ward. Picture: News Letter archivesLinen Hall librarian John Gray, left, presenting a print of the White Linen Hall, Belfast, to the Lord Mayor of Belfast Nigel Dodds in December 1988. The White Hall was demolished to make way for the City Hall. The First Citizen was on a visit to the historic library to hand over as a reciprocal gesture a Charter centenary commemorative picture of the civic citadel. With him was town clerk Cecil Ward. Picture: News Letter archives
Linen Hall librarian John Gray, left, presenting a print of the White Linen Hall, Belfast, to the Lord Mayor of Belfast Nigel Dodds in December 1988. The White Hall was demolished to make way for the City Hall. The First Citizen was on a visit to the historic library to hand over as a reciprocal gesture a Charter centenary commemorative picture of the civic citadel. With him was town clerk Cecil Ward. Picture: News Letter archives

“He belonged to the neighbourhood of Saintfield, and very early in life determined to study with a view the Christian ministry.

“The greater portion his immaterial life was spent in Greyabbey, where was surrounded by one of the most congregations in the General Assembly.

“No minister ever discharged his duties with greater faithfulness than Mr Anderson, and in his death the members his congregation have lost one who for years proved himself their guide, counsellor, and friend.

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“He effected many improvements in the church property during his pastorate, and only a few years ago succeeded in erecting new church, which is one of the most beautiful in the Presbytery of Ards and will serve as standing memorial of his fidelity and zeal.”

Zooming in on top prizes at the Belfast Zoo camera competition in December 1988 are Stewart Mateer, left, and Balfour Stalker, both from Belfast. Stewart's 'cat' took the visitors' award while Balfour was club champion by more than a zebra's neck. Picture: News Letter archivesZooming in on top prizes at the Belfast Zoo camera competition in December 1988 are Stewart Mateer, left, and Balfour Stalker, both from Belfast. Stewart's 'cat' took the visitors' award while Balfour was club champion by more than a zebra's neck. Picture: News Letter archives
Zooming in on top prizes at the Belfast Zoo camera competition in December 1988 are Stewart Mateer, left, and Balfour Stalker, both from Belfast. Stewart's 'cat' took the visitors' award while Balfour was club champion by more than a zebra's neck. Picture: News Letter archives

The obituary concluded: “With all his relatives there will be the deepest sympathy in the loss they have sustained through hie death.

The interment will take place Movilla [at Newtownards] on Thursday at twelve o’clock.”

Formation of Lurgan Women’s Unionist Association

In response to memorial addressed to Mrs J Allen an important meeting was held on Wednesday, January 11, 1911 at four o’clock in the Shankill Buildings, Lurgan, for the purpose of forming a Women’s Unionist Association, reported the News Letter.

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A driving instructor with 50 years experience on the road was to hand in his driving licence in a protest act, reported the News Letter in December 1988. James Patterson from the Ravenhill Road in Belfast was so incensed at the number of injuries and deaths on the roads in Northern Ireland that he had decided to give up his license and present it personally to the Department of the Environment's chief road safety education officer, Mr Ronnie Trouton. Mr Patterson told the News Letter: “I'm protesting about the standard of driving and the lack of knowledge of the highway code in the majority of drivers.” He continued: “The public must be reminded constantly of the highway code. That's the only way we can get improved driving. Aren't they doing it with drink and driving and achieving success? Why can't they do the same with the highway code?”. Picture: News Letter archivesA driving instructor with 50 years experience on the road was to hand in his driving licence in a protest act, reported the News Letter in December 1988. James Patterson from the Ravenhill Road in Belfast was so incensed at the number of injuries and deaths on the roads in Northern Ireland that he had decided to give up his license and present it personally to the Department of the Environment's chief road safety education officer, Mr Ronnie Trouton. Mr Patterson told the News Letter: “I'm protesting about the standard of driving and the lack of knowledge of the highway code in the majority of drivers.” He continued: “The public must be reminded constantly of the highway code. That's the only way we can get improved driving. Aren't they doing it with drink and driving and achieving success? Why can't they do the same with the highway code?”. Picture: News Letter archives
A driving instructor with 50 years experience on the road was to hand in his driving licence in a protest act, reported the News Letter in December 1988. James Patterson from the Ravenhill Road in Belfast was so incensed at the number of injuries and deaths on the roads in Northern Ireland that he had decided to give up his license and present it personally to the Department of the Environment's chief road safety education officer, Mr Ronnie Trouton. Mr Patterson told the News Letter: “I'm protesting about the standard of driving and the lack of knowledge of the highway code in the majority of drivers.” He continued: “The public must be reminded constantly of the highway code. That's the only way we can get improved driving. Aren't they doing it with drink and driving and achieving success? Why can't they do the same with the highway code?”. Picture: News Letter archives

The memorial read as follows: “Dear Mrs Allen - We, the undersigned, are desirous that Women’s Unionist Association should formed in Lurgan, and wish to approach you as a staunch Unionist with this object.

“We believe the present time is most opportune for such a project, and are confident that under your presidency such association would most successful as well most desirable. The women Lurgan are well known for their loyalty and strong attachment to Unionist principles, and they believe such an organisation will be most useful and helpful in the present acute political situation”.

Related topics:John AndersonPresbyterian ministerSaintfield

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