NI couple married for 70 years embrace virtual world to celebrate

Ernie and Mollie Monteith began using an iPad several years ago and the virtual family get togethers have kept their spirits up despite the prolonged lockdown and cancelled plans.

The platinum pair were married in Seskinore Church of Ireland on July 29, 1950, setting up home in Tullylush where they still live.

They have been stalwarts of Omagh Free Presbyterian Church for many years, and the online services have been greatly appreciated as they are less able to attend their usual place of worship.

Son Darrell said the family convinced his dad to master the iPad as he has so many relatives living in north America.

“Dad’s 93 but he loves his iPad,” Darrell said.

“He’s had one for about six or seven years and he keeps in touch with the world and his family.”

With mum Mollie also in her early 90s, the couple enjoy an easier pace of life after many decades of hard work and family commitments.

“Dad farmed cattle and sheep and was always very fond of his sheepdogs. He still has two or three about the yard but he has one special one that sits beside him in the house all day. If he gets up off his seat the dog gets onto it to keep it warm until he comes back. They are inseparable,” Darrell said.

“Mum always kept the house and reared the family but she did a bit of work in the yard too. There were eight of us at home so that was quite a job.

“Dad was the founder of the Free Presbyterian Church in Omagh. He had Dr [Ian] Paisley here back in 1968 for a six-week mission and the church was formed from that. He was one of the original elders and was the clerk of sessions up until about three years ago. Dr Paisley would have been in our house regularly over the years.”

As well as having eight children, the couple have 27 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

Asked what his parents recommend to ensure a long and happy marriage, Darrell said: “Dad would probably say he was a born-again Christian from his early 20s – and has lived his life in accordance with God’s word as far as he could. Both of them have been born-again Christians from before they were married.”

Rev Colin Mercer of Omagh Free Presbyterian Church has also paid tribute to the couple he described as “very committed members” of the church family.

“What strikes me about both of them is their love for their Saviour and their interest in his Gospel”, he said.

“They hosted a children’s meeting in their home for many, many years and have been a vital part, in every way, of congregation life in Omagh and we are very thankful for that.”