Joshua Stevenson Hewitt : Co Armagh farmer, who died in tragic circumstances, was a man with a strong Christian faith dedicated to the Gospel

Sadly, Joshua died in tragic circumstances after a fire at his home, Kilnaharvey House, Richhill on November 20th 2020. He was 81 years old.

Joshua's parents, Sarah Jane (nee McCune) and William David Hewitt grew up in the Richhill area. They lived on adjoining farms in Ballyloughan House and Kilnaharvey House and they subsequently fell in love and got married.

Joshua was born on January 6, 1939 in Portadown, the third of five children with one older brother and sister. His older siblings are Robert and Margaret known as Gretta and his two younger sisters are Doris and Joyce.

The family lived at Ballyloughan Farm for a few years but his mother moved the family to Kilnaharvey House when Joshua was 7-years-old, after his father died.

His mother sadly became a widow in her late 20's and raised her five children alone. Joshua's mother baked every day and was very kind to her neighbours, workers and the many visitors to Kilnaharvey, serving them freshly prepared food and sharing what she had with them.

The house was frequently filled with the sound of laughter and singing as family and friends gathered around the piano. Joshua’s mother’s strong Christian faith in action served as a powerful witness to him and his siblings throughout their lives.

Joshua went to Richhill School and then to Portadown College where it was recognised that he was a bright pupil. He learned Greek and Hebrew in his spare time as well as educating himself about theology and deepening his knowledge of the Bible. This helped build the foundations for his future as a lay preacher.

Though an intelligent young man, Joshua decided not to go to university as his father had left him the farm at Kilnaharvey in his Will to be inherited at age 18. He started farming at this age but maintained his interest in theology and Christian doctrine. He farmed livestock and really cared for the animals he reared.

Joshua came to faith when he was a young man and he lived out his Christian faith daily in his actions. He remained a bachelor despite dating local ladies and having had the opportunity to get married. Until his death, he shared his hope in the Lord with others and spoke about Jesus at Gospel Halls and churches around the country. He also used his gifts as a musician (playing the piano, accordion and violin by ear) in his ministry. In later years he completed his Grade 8 formal music exams.

During his life he travelled in Europe and he especially enjoyed visiting family in Philadelphia.

Joshua was respected by his wider family as a man with a strong Christian faith who valued honesty and upright conduct. His love of languages, especially those that helped him have a deeper understanding of the Bible was influential in teaching members of his family, Greek.

Joshua died in tragic circumstances but his lifelong love for the Lord and desire for others to know Him is evidenced by the significant monetary contribution that he purposed in his Will for furthering the work of God's kingdom on Earth. Lisnadill Full Gospel Church are charged with ensuring Joshua's legacy lives on through his contribution to spreading the Good News about Jesus and glorifying his name.

"Joshua fervently believed in the truths found in Psalm 24:1 and Luke 1:37 'For with God nothing shall be impossible',” said a member of the family.

He is greatly missed by family and friends but the memory of his character, full of honesty and integrity and the impact of his steadfast faith, live on for those who knew and loved him.