May Kirk
May Kirk is a resident in Stewart Memorial Nursing Home, Bangor, and is a member of the Bangor Branch.
Disabled from the age of three she spent some years as a pupil at Stewart Memorial when it was a school for disabled children.
Unable to take up a job and despite having to use crutches at that time, May served her wider family by caring for their children.
This allowed her married sisters to work.
A believer from an early age May worshipped at Melbourne Street Elim Church.
In common with many Belfast Christians she often attended the Coalmen's Mission on a Saturday night.
It was here one evening she was handed an early edition of the VITAL LINK (the magazine of DCF in England) and was asked the challenging question "Would you like to do something for the disabled here?"
As a woman who prays about every situation and issue, May sought the Lord and upon being convinced of God's Will approached Pastor Thompson and the Church Elders for their permission to use the Church Hall to hold meetings for disabled people.
A trial run was agreed.
May set about making contacts, writing personal invitations and calling at homes to encourage attendance.
She made and sold handicrafts to help with the finances.
Help with transport was offered and disabled folk came even from as far away as Derryvolgie Avenue.
A start was made and the work established.
Although not affiliated to DCF in England and not formally recognised as a Branch of that Fellowship, it was the beginning of a similar work.
The group continued for some years but was forced to stop when their Hall was bombed due to "The Troubles".
Many of the original group joined the North Belfast Branch which was formed some time later in Agnes Street Presbyterian Church.
May moved to the Belvoir area and for a period was a member of the South Belfast Branch.
Now a wheelchair user and resident in Bangor she attends the local Branch regularly.
A woman of prayer, her faith remains strong, and she occupies part of her days in painting.
There are others with memories of the early days and it would be great if their recollections could be made known.
Under God we give thanks for May and the role she played so long ago.
A.B. (Bangor Branch)
AS. The Editorial Committee would appreciate your own recollections of the early days tor insertion in the "D.C.F.I. News."