Looking Back: Death of an Editor

An appreciation of the Rev Leonard Bell, Editor of Life and Work, that appeared in the April 1972 issue

Obituary

The Rev L.J.A. Bell

Readers of Life + Work will have learned with sorrow of the death of the Editor, the Rev L.J.A. Bell. It was known for some time that Mr Bell was struggling against the limits imposed on him by a heart condition. He had, however, returned to full duty in recent weeks, and it had been hoped that his health would continue to improve.

On Friday 10th March, he set out to visit Cromarty during the weekend, and on Sunday 12th March, the news of his death there came with startling suddenness.

Ordained in 1937, Leonard bell held charges in Maxwelltown Laurieknowe and Brechin, Gardner Memorial. For a time during the war he also served with the Church of Scotland Huts and Canteens in Orkney and Italy.

He always had a great interest in the published word and articles bearing his name appeared in current periodicals. When the editorship of Life + Work fell vacant in 1965 on the retiral of Dr Stevenson, he was the choice of the Committee and of the General Assembly for the post.

We give thanks to God for the talents he brought to the service of the Church, as minister and editor, and for his personal kindness.

In the absence of the Rev. Dr Ronald Falconer, Convenor of the Committee on Publicity and Publication, it falls on me to express to Dr Margaret Bell and Michael and Arthur, the sincere sympathy of all members of the Committee and the Department.

Douglas Grant,

Vice Convenor, Committee on Publicity and Publication.

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