Joe Hislop, whose ministries were at Battersea Rise 1952-57, Eastcote 1957-81, and Alnwick 1981-89 died on February 8th 2007.
Born in Stanley, Co. Durham, into a staunchly Presbyterian family, Joe left school early and was apprenticed as a mechanic working in the coal mines. Being in what was a `reserved occupation` he was not called-up for war-service.
He was an active leader in the Presbyterian Fellowship of Youth where his talents for organising and motivating people were formed. It was in these years that he felt called to the ministry. He had, however, few academic qualifications. Through the good offices and encouragement of a church elder he studied for matriculation, eventually gaining admission to King`s College, Newcastle followed by Westminster College.
The family tell of how he was probably fortunate to begin his theological training at Cambridge when he did. At that time students were required to have – before they were admitted to the college – some basic knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. The story is that when the Hebrew exam was to be taken, Joe neatly wrote his name at the top of the paper, handed it to the tutor and left the room. Summoned to explain himself before the board of examiners he was characteristically straightforward. `Well, I`ve fallen in love and I haven`t been able to concentrate on the necessary preparation.` They could hardly not admit him!
Such tales are numerous and typical of a man who was larger-than-life, enormously good company and for whom laughter was a constant companion. However, it would be completely wrong to imply that he couldn`t be serious. He could be and was.
He conducted creative and faithful ministries in Battersea, Eastcote and Alnwick, and is remembered with respect and affection. Married to Joan in 1952, they were inseparable in their love for each other and their care for the different churches. Their children are Janet, Fiona and Maxwell.
All aspects of Joe`s ministry were grounded in and shaped by the Gospel. His Presbyterian upbringing gave him a passion for good order in church government and reverence and dignity in worship. Though he had opposed the union with Congregationalists in 1972, he did not – as some of his colleagues did – retreat into an ex-Presbyterian ghetto. He played an active part in an evolving church. His pastoral gifts were used in the wider church particularly in work with the young, but also in the `spiritual oversight` of other churches, especially those in tough areas.
His priorities were especially seen in his work with children and young people. It was he who first had the dream of Adventure Camps which were to serve a generation of young people in the church. Later, while in retirement in Gunnerton his was an articulate voice fighting the local authority to prevent them building on the one piece of land in the village where children could play in safety.
From 1970-81 he was Justice of the Peace on the Harrow and Hendon bench, and also in the Juvenile Court, frequently in the Chair. Later, he served on the Alnwick bench.
From 1958-1981 he was part-time RAF chaplain at Northolt – the longest serving person in that office.
The fact that he was a minister was never a `separating` characteristic. Rather, his humanity informed all his work and relationships. It was shaped by and expressed in his faith. Of course, words rolled out of him, sometimes at considerable length, but with vividness and often with passion. Yet, Joe could listen intently – which is why he was such a good pastor. He would hold you in his regard. He`d not be shy of giving advice nor – if necessary – of challenging, but he was fair and kindly and wouldn`t cut people off. Words that sum him up include robust, strong, straight, considerate, pastoral, well-rooted. There was also a very sensitive side to him.
The latter years were difficult. His eyesight deteriorated and other illnesses caused pain and distress. Yet, to talk with him was to sense someone who had not been overcome or defeated. Though afflicted, he was not crushed; perplexed - no doubt - he was not driven to despair; struck down, but not destroyed. He did not lose heart. He knew life was drawing to a close and he prepared himself and others, emotionally and spiritually, His upbringing, his training, study, preaching – all aspects of his ministry were grounded in and shaped by the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the resurrection to eternal life. All this he had proclaimed throughout his ministry. Therefore he had hope. His death came peacefully on February 8th 2007.
This is an abridged version of the funeral address given by Aaladair Pratt, minister in retirement at Alnwick