A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. Jack Charleson is an Elder at Bridlewood Presbyterian Church, Agincourt Ontario.
As we pass through this life the Lord has given to us, on .many occasions we encounter individuals who have a significant impact on the way our Christian witness develops. The Rev. Basil Howell was such a man and there is little doubt his life and witness contributed to the spiritual growth of many individuals, as well as to the Presbyterian Church in Canada, in a significant way. On January 10, 1993, the Lord took Basil home. We are richer for times spent with Basil as he gave guidance in the development of our Christian walk, both by his example and his word.
Basil Howell was born in England on July 24, 1902 and his parents emigrated to Canada while Basil was a young boy. His early years were spent in Montreal and the death of his father, while Basil was still young, had a significant impact on his life. Basil loved to share the way he was led to the Lord and how he became involved in the work of Christian Endeavour in and around Montreal. His business life with the Bell Telephone Company of Canada was a reflection of his dedication to Christian standards and there is little doubt this contributed to the fact Basil reached the level of Assistant Comptroller. Early retirement on September 26,1961 was not seen as a time to “put his feet up” and so Basil was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament in The Presbyterian Church in Canada on the following day. After a short spell in pastoral charges, Basil was called to be Acting Comptroller, and subsequently Comptroller, of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
During his “second” career, Basil Howell had a major impact on the financial status of The Presbyterian Church in Canada by providing wise counsel as to the utilization of funds available. The position of Comptroller afforded him the opportunity to visit, and have contact with, many congregations throughout the country and there is little doubt the impact of his involvement will be in evidence for many years to come. On June 30, 1971 Basil retired for the second time, but again he continued in active ministry. He served for a time as Minister of visitation at Willowdale Presbyterian Church and also undertook an extensive preaching ministry which continued until he was almost 85 years of age!
Basil Howell was a man who developed considerable interest in various ministries and he loved to chat about various missions. In later years he served on the Missions committee at Bridlewood Presbyterian Church, Agincourt, where Basil and Connie worshipped after moving to Scarborough. Highlights for that congregation were the regular Missions reports prepared by Basil.
There was a keen interest in development of the Church. Basil, who came originally from a Methodist background and arrived in the Presbyterian Church after a time in the United Church, shared in a deep concern regarding the future of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. In the latter part of the 1970s Basil, along with individuals of a similar mind, developed an ad hoc committee which led eventually to formation of The Renewal Fellowship within The Presbyterian Church in Canada. In these formative years, Basil was deeply involved in, and committed to, the financial needs of the group. As he served with others he acted as Financial Advisor and provided motivation in many other areas as the work to develop a renewal movement in the denomination took place. It has been said that if it were not for Basil Howell it is unlikely The Renewal Fellowship would have been developed and formally constituted on May 8, 1982.
Basil served actively on the board of The Renewal Fellowship within The Presbyterian Church in Canada from 1982 – 1985 and subsequently acted as Honorary Advisor to the board. In May 1983, he was instrumental in developing the first Prayer Letter and this continues as a significant ministry of The Renewal Fellowship to this day. Basil served on the Membership Committee for several years and, from the outset of the Fellowship, was a proponent of the development of regional “chapters.” Clearly, Basil had a tremendous vision for renewal within the denomination and, as we move forward, renewed and revitalized, the significance of the role Basil Howell played in the development of the Church will be identifiable.
Following the death of his first wife, Florence, Basil Howell married Connie on December 12,1970. Their home became a haven for many people and, at the conclusion of visits we were reminded, always, of our common bond in Jesus Christ as we gathered around and sang “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.”
As we share in sorrow with Connie and her family, so, also, we celebrate the life of a great man of God whose path we have been given the privilege of sharing. Basil Howell was a faithful witness of the love he had for his Lord and Saviour. The words of Jesus to Paul, as included in Acts 26:16 could apply to the role Basil sought to fulfill:
“I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.”
Basil Howell has been a faithful servant and witness and now sits with the Lord to witness His glory. Thanks be to God!