The passing of Pastor William Ashby of Bethany Gospel Hall, at his residence on the Stoney Ground Road, has been announced by his family. He died on Tuesday morning, January 29, at the age of 94.
Pastor Ashby started his ministry in Barbados his birth place. He later migrated to St. Kitts where he ministered at the Gospel Hall Churches.He first came to Anguilla in 1962. He started construction work on Bethany Gospel Hall in September 1971 and the building was dedicated in July 1973.
He was the producer of the Gospel Herald Broadcast on Radio Anguilla from November 10, 1975 to December 12, 2011 when he retired after having had the longest religious programme on the station. His broadcast was also carried by the Caribbean Beacon.
Pastor Ashby lived a quiet and humble life which was characterised by a deep sense of Christian faithfulness. He was well-respected on the island.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs Joycelynne Ashby; their daughter, Adele Hennis; two sisters – Daisy Ashby who is known in Anguilla for her work at the former Woodbine Pre-School in The Valley and Rita Ashby – both of whom reside in Barbados; and other relatives residing there and in the United States. To them The Anguillian offers its condolences and best wishes.
The date and time of the funeralwill be announced later. It is known, however, that the body of the late Pastor William Ashby will be available for viewing at Bethany Gospel Hall on the day of the funeral, and will be followed by the Thanksgiving Service at the Central Baptist Church at Rey Hill, where it will be conducted by Pastor Cecil Richardson, a close family friend.
