The Revd Dr Ian Malcolm Tait, a true man of God, died on December 17, 2013.
He was formerly pastor of Welwyn Evangelical Church (1950-80) and before that of the FIEC church in Hurstpierpoint. He was elected President of the FIEC in 1969. He also served as a visiting lecturer at Covenant Theological College.
Ian was born in 1918. He grew up in Kettering but tasted sorrow early when his mother died when he was only nine. In 1937 he volunteered to serve as a Royal Engineer, and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. While on leave that same year he heard an Australian evangelist preaching the gospel and was born again. In 1941 he volunteered to serve in the RAF as a pilot officer.
Gospel ministry
In 1942, suffering from acute tuberculosis, Ian was invalided out of the forces and given 12 months to live. During convalescence he met May: Mabel ‘Twink’ Evershed. They were married in 1944, serving the Lord together, sharing with many their family home in Guessens, until she died in 1997.
The focus of Ian’s ministry was the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was the gospel that characterised his wide and deep expository preaching. Ian sincerely loved ‘his flock’, highly valuing their friendship and fellowship, as they did his. He never ceased praying for them, and for the mission field so close to his heart.
In 1999 Ian met and married Patricia Merminot, enjoying retirement together in Budleigh Salterton. Ian was grateful to God for the fruit of his ministry. We thank God for all he achieved in and through the life of his servant Ian Tait.
