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

Keith Mawdsley, 1931-2010

Obituary

Keith had struggled bravely with cancer for three years, but passed into the Lord’s presence on Christmas Day 2010.

His funeral and thanksgiving service took place in Beeston Evangelical Church, Nottingham, on January 11, led by the Rev. James Wood. A large congregation gathered, and Alun McNab preached.

Keith was born in Liverpool in 1931, and his godly parents taught him and his sisters God’s Word and the truths of the gospel from the earliest years. While worshipping with his family at the Toxteth Tabernacle, he heard the pastor, Humphrey Vellacott, preach powerfully on the verse, ‘Today is the day of salvation’, and God opened his heart. There and then he gave his life to the Lord Jesus. He began preaching in the chapels around his home, having moved to Wales, and, although in business with his father by then, he was called to the ministry, and entered the London Bible College in September 1952, at that time blossoming under the strong leadership of Ernest Kevan. On the first day, Keith and Jim Wood became very close and firm friends, a friendship which grew closer as both men later entered the ministry of Baptist churches.

Birmingham & Nottingham

Keith was called first of all to Doals in East Lancashire, and then to two significant pastorates, first in Selly Park, Birmingham, and then at Beeston Evangelical Church, Nottingham.

Keith had married Marjorie Thomas from Wrexham in 1957, and in the years following, a daughter and two sons arrived. In all the labours of pastoral life in subsequent years, Keith had the devoted support of his wife, without which he could not have exercised such ministries.

Keith Mawdsley was pre-eminently a pastor. He loved God and served him wholeheartedly. He lived for people and that won their hearts. Keith was prepared to make whatever sacrifices were necessary to be a good pastor.

He was always very thorough in his preaching. The Bible is God’s Word and for Keith that meant that it demanded very careful handling. The worship of God centred on the Word preached. His ministry in every part was founded on a consistent life of prayer.

He had a passion to win the lost and testified to the Saviour even in his last days. While at the Selly Park church, Keith served as hospital chaplain at the Birmingham Accident Hospital and the Midland Nerve Hospital, appointments which were blessed by helping many to come to Christ. His passionate concern for the future of the church meant that he was deeply involved in the London Theological Seminary and the Reformation and Revival Fellowship.

Roger Hitchings & James Wood