By Brian Hilsley

ANDREW Graham Black was born in Birkenhead on August 4, 1938, the second of four children born to Frederick and May Black.

He looked back on his childhood with great appreciation and the close bonds established with his siblings, Ian, Margaret and Rosemary, have lasted throughout his lifetime.

When Graham was in his teens, his father died unexpectedly, aged only 50. Frederick ran his own tailoring business and May, with four children to support, had to step in. Graham saw how hard his mother worked and never ceased to acknowledge the debt he owed, nor his deep admiration for his mother.

The Black family attended the Presbyterian Church of England and Graham resolved, in his mid-teens, that he would train for Ordination. Completing his secondary education at Birkenhead School, he went on to take an MA at Edinburgh University, followed by theological studies at Westminster College, Cambridge, which led to Ordination by the Presbyterian Church of England, in February 1964.

Appointed as assistant minister in Wythenshawe, with the challenge of planting a new congregation, Graham found himself thrown in at the deep end when his senior colleague fell ill. He rallied to the task with the support of his fiancée, Angeniet Verdonk, whom he met in Cambridge.

The couple married in the Scots Kirk, Rotterdam, in May 1964, thus beginning a partnership of over 53 years. During their time in Wythenshawe, Graham and Angeniet were blessed with the births of three children, Malcolm, David and Nicola.

In 1973, Graham was appointed to the vacant charge of Longniddry, taking on the additional pastoral charge of Gladsmuir in 1984.

In the early years, Graham was part of the initiative to set up Scottish Autism, which has brought much blessing to many families, including his own.

On retiring in 2003, Graham looked back on his years at Longniddry and Gladsmuir with a sense of great blessing. He felt particularly called to a pastoral ministry and his devotion to the care of others, flowing from his deep faith in Jesus Christ, was experienced throughout his parishes and beyond.

The elderly, the sick, the hospitalised, those with personal and family problems, all received support and comfort from him as they were needed. Perhaps the most public aspect of this work was with the bereaved, to whom he was a source of great comfort and strength.

The packed church, on the occasion of his memorial service, bore eloquent witness to Graham’s diligence, compassion, faithfulness and popularity. Graham himself was always grateful to Angeniet, who has shared his faith and from whom he drew unfailing support and encouragement. Beyond the bounds of his parishes, Graham gave service to both Presbytery and National Church, enjoying the friendship and respect of his many colleagues over the years.

In retirement, Graham continued to offer valued support, as a locum and in pulpit supply, to other congregations. He and Angeniet joined Gullane congregation and were especially supportive of the ministry in that linked charge.

Graham’s unfailing kindness and willingness to help will be very much missed by the Church throughout East Lothian. Retirement also enabled Graham to enjoy golf, bowling, dog-walking and gardening, as well as much more time spent with Angeniet and the family, which now includes his daughter-in law, Manuela, son-in-law Gareth and grandchildren Frances and Andrew.