Bible Institute of South Africa

TRIBUTE TO MARY CAMPBELL GILFILLAN
(Wife of Rev Sandy Gilfillan, a past Principal of BISA)
Born in Glasgow, an MA graduate in Mathematics and Higher Diploma in Education, Mary came as a young wife to BISA in 1950. 
She was appointed matron, lectured in English and Logic, and counselled students with deep love and understanding. She cared deeply for her husband Sandy and their 4 children. Among other achievements, she trained the BISA choir. Mary’s abilities in teaching and leadership led to her appointment as National President of the SA Baptist Women’s Assoc. As she followed Sandy’s career, she taught at three high schools in Johannesburg.

I quote from Rev. Sandy Gilfillan’s tribute to his beloved wife -

“We took every major decision in our Christian service together, and we shared our joys and sorrows, wept and laughed with each other. She stood by me through thick and thin, uncomplainingly accepting both my own idiosyncrasies and the difficulties of ministerial life. She calmed me when I was angry, comforted me when I was hurt, encouraged me when I was despairing, accepted me when I failed, forgave me when I was offended, reasoned with me when I was unreasonable, and put up with me when I was impossible. And she always prayed for me ”

Mary stands out as a woman of strength, endurance, fun and an all-encompassing love of her heavenly Father. 

Mary passed on to her Lord in November 2010. We rise up and call her blessed.

Barbara Wannenburgh