Pastor Joseph White

PASTOR Joe White, who died on Monday, September 15, aged 92, was synonymous with the growth and development of the Baptist Church in Downpatrick.

He was pastor of the church for 30 years and was also at the forefront in fostering cross-community relations in Downpatrick and beyond.

His standing among all denominations was reflected in the largely attended thanksgiving service in Down Parish Church on Saturday, which was conducted by Pastor Jim Byers.

Also taking part were Canon Sean Rogan, Downpatrick’s parish priest, and the Very Rev. Henry Hull, Dean of Down, who both paid personal tributes and spoke of Pastor White’s many fine qualities.

Tributes were also paid by members of the White family and by Mr. Phil Hodge, an elder in Downpatrick Baptist Church.

Born in Tobermore, Co. Derry, he began his working career as a carpenter. During the war years he travelled to London to help in reconstruction work in the aftermath of the Blitz.

It was in London where he met his wife and lifelong soul-mate, Joyce. The couple were married in 1944 and would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in December. They were blessed with five children — Mervyn, Josephine, Christopher, Rosanne and Timothy — and later with 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

The family came to Ballykilbeg in the late 1950s and shortly afterwards moved to Downpatrick.

In 1959 Mr. White was secretary and elder for outreach in Ballynahinch Baptist Church, which then had a membership of 20. He was also working at the planning office in Downpatrick and suggested bringing the Baptist Church to the county town.

In 1963 a church building was acquired in the form of a temporary school classroom from Newcastle. During a time of heavy snow Pastor White worked hard to get the building ready for the eight people who would start the little church.

For the next number of years the church would be helped by visiting preachers, missioners and students, as well as by three local pastors who took the weekly Bible classes.

It was in 1983 that Mr. White was appointed pastor and over the next 30 years he diligently looked after the members of his church and also reached out to people from all parts of society. He was totally non-sectarian and was committed to all of the people of Downpatrick.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, who will be much mourned.

Following Saturday’s thanksgiving service, Pastor White was interred in Struell cemetery.