Evangelicals Now
Christian news worldwide
magnifying glass Search archives
home Home check the archives Archives Subscribe Subscriptions Advertising Information & booking of classifieds Adverts Find a local evangelical Church Find a church for the search engines and extremely curious! About us Contact us Site Map
Printable
Version

Gilbert Kirby, 1914-2006

Obituary

The Rev. Gilbert Kirby died aged 92 on October 15.

He led a very active life which included being the Principal of London Bible College (now London School of Theology) and General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance.

Evangelical Alliance

Born in Forest Hill, South London, his parents were members of Bromley Congregational Church, and he was educated at Eltham College before training for the ministry at Cheshunt College, Cambridge.

Having exercised ministries at Hulstead, Essex, and Ashford, Middlesex, he was invited to his position with the Evangelical Alliance where he served from 1956 to 1965. During that time he nurtured the embryonic Tearfund, coaxed mainstream Pentecostals to join the Alliance and was closely involved in the Billy Graham evangelistic missions with their ecumenical flavour.

London Bible College

On the sudden death of Ernest Kevan, (the first Principal of London Bible College), Gilbert, who had been involved with the college as a teacher and board member, succeeded him and held that position from 1966 to 1980.

A former General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, the Rev. Clive Calver said: ‘Gilbert Kirby was one of those unusual men who was never predictable. When no one else would have me either as a son-in-law, or a colleague, or even a student, he did all three! There must be thousands involved in Christian ministry today around the world who would echo those sentiments about Gilbert. We have lost one of our heroes, but rest in the knowledge that now he enjoys heaven and the Lord he loved to serve’.

EA’s General Director, the Rev. Joel Edwards, said: ‘Gilbert Kirby introduced me to the idea of evangelical unity in diversity. His ministry and lifestyle exemplified the rich diversity of evangelical unity. He was a model of grace and truth whose gentle persuasiveness belied his massive activism and contribution to evangelical ministry across the world.’ He was married to Connie for over 60 years and she proved a devoted companion and nurse during the recent years of ill health.

Thanksgiving

Gilbert Kirby’s funeral was on October 20 at Northwood Hills, and a thanksgiving service for his life and ministry was held in the chapel at the London School of Theology on November 11.