Tribute to Billy Scott - a stalwart at Mall Presbyterian Church

TRIBUTE has been paid to a stalwart at The Mall Presbyterian Church - Billy Scott, who passed away on Friday.

Mr Scott was well-known and respected within the church - having served as the Clerk of Session for some years.

Mr Scott was one of the longest serving Elders in the church.

He and his friend Lord Kilclooney were ordained together – with 10 other men – as Ruling Elders in May 1972.

Mr Scott attended meetings of Kirk Session whenever possible and contributed frequently to its debates and discussions.

He had completed 53 years service in the Congregation.

Mr Scott was also a lifelong member of the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution.

He served with distinction as the Royal Black Institution’s County Grand Master and Imperial Grand Registrar.

The Armagh County Grand Lodge said it “is deeply saddened at the passing of Wor Bro Billy Scott of Milford LOL 353, a dedicated and lifelong member of the Institution.

“He also served the Royal Black Institution with distinction as County Armagh Grand Master and Imperial Grand Registrar.

“We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, son, daughters and the family circle.

“Psalm 46:1 ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’."

The Royal Black Institution said, “The Sovereign Grand Master and officers of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth learned with great sadness of the death of right worshipful Sir Knight, William H. Scott, JP, past Imperial Grand Registrar from 2007 to 2022 and Honorary Imperial Deputy Grandmaster since 2015.

“Right Worshipful Sir Knight Scott attended many meetings at various levels throughout our institution. His wisdom and encouragement to many Sir Knights will be sadly missed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dorothy, his daughters, Esther, Fiona, Jacqui and son David, their spouses and families.”

The County Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, Rt Wor Sir Knt David Livingstone, said that the news of the passing of Rt Wor Sir Knt Billy Scott, who was his immediate predecessor, had been met with great sadness across County Armagh.

He sai, "Sir Knt Scott had been a member of the County Chapter for many years, serving with distinction as Deputy County Grand Master from 1990 to 1998 and subsequently County Grand Master from 1998 to 2015. The County Chapter will be ever grateful for Sir Knt Scott’s leadership skills, commitment and, above all, Christian example. We extend to his wife Dorothy, daughters Esther, Fiona and Jacqui and son, David, and their extended family members, our sincere sympathy."

The District Master of Primatial Royal Black District Chapter, Sir Knt Gordon Wakenshaw, also extended the sympathy of the Chapter to the Scott family. ‘Sir Knt Scott was a valued member of the Chapter, having served as Treasurer, Registrar, Deputy District Master and Worshipful District Master. Sir Knt Scott was held in the highest esteem through the District.’

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin MLA has also paid tribute.

Mr Irwin said the passing of Mr Scott was a massive loss to the wider district and paid this tribute.

He said, “I count it to have been an absolute pleasure to have known Billy and I had many conversations with him in my role in politics locally and he was certainly very knowledgeable and up to date on all the issues of the day. Billy was a stalwart in many local organisations both Christian, cultural and educational and he absolutely brought his Christianity to the table in all situations, that is for sure.”

He concluded, “Billy's passing represents a massive loss to the wider district and to all the various organisations he was a member of. His contribution to life in the district cannot easily be quantified and that is testament to the efforts he put in to many projects and causes throughout his life. My thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time and I know they will take great comfort from the surety of his strong faith in God.”

A family death notice stated William Hartford (Billy) Scott, late of Ballygroobany Road, Richhill, had passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 28.

The notice added he was the “beloved husband of Dorothy, dearly loved father of Esther, Fiona, Jacqui and David, dear father-in-law of Adrian, John, Clive and Claire, devoted grandfather of Grace, Ethan, Sam, Luke, Rachel, Emily, Lucy, Eliza, Joshua, Jonathan and the late Daniel.”

His Funeral Service will take place in The Mall Presbyterian Church on Monday 1st December at 1-30pm followed by a private family interment.

The notice added, “Family and Friends welcome to call at the home of his daughter Esther, 33A Marlacoo Road, Hamiltonsbawn, BT60 1LS, on Saturday and Sunday 12noon to 9-00pm.

“Family flowers only please donations in lieu if desired for The Mall Presbyterian Church c/o K G Cheevers and Son Funeral Directors, 58f Hamiltonsbawn Road, Armagh, BT60 1HW or online at kgcheevers.co.uk