Tributes, paid to the life and work of the late pastor by his colleagues of the ministry, were heard by a crowded gathering at the Rushden Full Gospel Church on Monday.

Pastors of "The Assemblies of God" in many towns attended the funeral service of Mr. Charles Thomas Pearson, of "Peacehaven," 25, Purvis Road, Rushden, who took over the responsibility of the Rushden Church in 1946. He died on Thursday.

Among those who attended were Pastors George Newsholme, of Coventry (chairman of the district), D. J. Davies, of Wellingborough (secretary of the district), J. Brierley, Kettering, J. D. Atkins, Rugby, C. F. Smith, Cambridge, A. E. Friday, Corby, F. Haines, Luton, H. Young, Bedford, R. F. Munday, Raunds, H. W. Lummers, Biddulph, Staffs., A. E. Wilson, Peterborough, Wm. Hocking, Northampton, Sister Ruth Busfield, Houghton Conquest, and the Rev. John Renison, representing Rushden Ministers' Fraternal.

Throughout the hour-long service the visitors and a church member spoke movingly of the qualities of Mr. Pearson as a minister, friend, evangelist and father.

Respected

Accompanied at the piano by Mrs. E. W. Lovell, after a prayer by Mr. Haines, the congregation joined in two hymns and a scripture reading was given by Mr. Hocking.

It was as "a bosom friend of Brother Pearson" that Mr. Lummers told of the pastor's work—how he had "given him comfort" when he had himself preached on the beaches at Scarborough, of his knowledge as a Bible student and how he earned the respect of all whom he met.

Mr. Hocking, referring to the "sudden and unexpected call home of Brother Pearson," spoke of the pastor as a friend, father and husband, and referred to the letters he had written one or two weeks ago to every member of the family.

"Brother Pearson" he said, "was a true pastor. He exemplified the good words "The Good Shepherd layeth down His life for His sheep" I would like to say he was a definite evangelist."

A Friend

Another scripture reading was taken by Mr. Newsholme, who was unable to be present at the earlier part of the service.

For the Rushden assembly, Mr. O. F. Tompkins said that they had lost a friend and a brother whom they had found to be all that the pastors had said.

After the hymn "Out of My Bondage, Sorrow and Night," Mr. Davies led the closing prayer.

Also present were the secretary and treasurer of the church, Mr. E. W. Lovell and Mr. H. Endersby.

The interment was arranged to take place at Scarborough to-day (Tuesday).