The Christians at Ebenezer Hall, Lockerbie
Ebenezer Hall, 4 Park Place, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, DG11 2HG
History
Early Beginnings
The First Believers met in a rented room at 14 Union Street in 1898 which was the home of Mr and Mrs David Crawford (father of the late Willie Crawford of the Tollcross Assembly in Edinburgh).
Later on The Brethren rented a reconditioned Cheese Store at Wardhaugh's Close, near the town's old Percy Brothers Shop. Little is known about the founding members of the Assembly which at that time was known as the "Gospel Hall". However, names like Mr Gass, Mr Mackie, Mr and Mrs Robert McAdam (Grandfather of Robert McAdam of Troon) Miss Rachel Strong (who continued in membership until her home call in 1976) and Miss Jessie Burns stand out in the midst of a faithful witness.
The 1930's
In 1930 one of the leading brethren was Mr John James who was helped by younger men and some godly sisters. In the early 1930's the Lockerbie Saints were helped out by able brethren from Hebron Hall in Carlisle. Furthermore in 1934 Mr and Mrs Robert Henderson from Lanark came to reside in the area and helped the small company for many years. Other Believers from 1930 onwards included: Mr William Graham, Mr W. Stockdale, Mr J.J. Proudfoot, and Mr J.J. Crawford. Mr Wm. Stanley Graham, Mr Wilson Beattie, Mr Ronald Beattie, Mr and Mrs John McAdam (who went to be with their Lord in 1985 and 2000 respectively). Furthermore Mr Willie Scott (who later on moved to Machermore Eventide Home) and Mr Bob Thomson were associated with the assembly in the early 1930's. In 1940 Mr Alex Traill took up residence in Lockerbie and is still missed by many neighbours and friends since his Home call in 2001.
The Post War Years
During the 1940's the assembly had the pleasure of seeing many soldiers from nearby camps who stopped by to hear the Good news of Jesus Christ.
Shortly after the end of the war in 1946, the small company of God's people in Lockerbie had to give up their rented residence at Wardhaugh's Close, and relocate to the "Recreation Room" in the Masonic Hall until 1957.
A Permanent Building
The former Treasurer recounts how through the aid of a legacy from the dear sister Miss Jessie Burns, the meeting was able to purchase the present building at Park Place. The Brethren were able to buy the adjacent property of 39 Bridge Street from local resident John Carruthers in 1996 and convert the two buildings into one.
Mr David Lindsay was a member of the assembly for over 30 years, and his contribution cannot go without mention.
The Assembly has seen numbers fluctuate in recent years to a very low of just six in early 2003. But the Lord has seen it fit to bless the company presently with 11 adult members and four children born between 2001 and 2005.
Much of the facts and figures in this brief history have been taken from the late Mr Alex Traill.