HAROLD EDWARD STOUGH:1912-2004
An Appreciation by Mr. Roger Edmonds
Harold was born on May 19th, 1912 in Wheaton, Illinois. His father Henry W. Stough was a noted evangelist of his day in America. It was Henry who introduced Harold to the ‘Identity’ ministry; and in 1932 Harold decided he had to go to the heart of this teaching, which was in London, England. The British Israel World Federation had its headquarters at 6 Buckingham Gate, which was right opposite the Palace. The Federation also had the well-known Bible College at Harrow Weald in Middlesex. He was sent there to study under great theologians such as David Davidson and Dr Pascoe Goard. Another pupil who later became well known in the teaching and also became a great friend, was Tom Price. Both became members in 1934 of Orange Street Congregational Church in Leicester Square. They both preached there over the years. Harold’s first job with the BIWF was in the office producing the youth magazine; in fact it did so well that he was transferred to the well-known senior magazine ‘The National Message’. In the mid to late nineteen thirties, he met and married a young lady, Miss Phyllis Dorsett. Their residence was a charming flat in Holland Park, where they lived for the next 60 years. After the Second World War, in approximately 1946, he was approached by the Chairman on behalf of the Board of Directors and asked if he would become the secretary of the BIWF. Although this was not a position he sought, he was very much touched that they had even considered him, being quite junior to a number of gentlemen around at that time. He accepted the offer, and for the next 30 odd years until he was retired, he occupied this position, and he did it well! Many a person called in to ‘Number six’ to ask Harold, “where does it say…” or “what does it mean…” or “can you tell me”. He even had telephone calls from overseas. They were the good years with Harold at the helm.
On his retirement he was asked by the members of Orange Street Congregational Church to become their Pastor, which post he held until his death.
Harold will be remembered as a very well educated gentleman, polite, kind, never saying a bad word against anyone, a great lecturer and a wise counsellor, and best of all, a great theologian whose foundation was solidly based on the Bible. His theology was thoroughly logical and practical. I will also remember him as a great friend who had a lovely sense of humour.
Harold’s decline started in 1999 with the death of his dear wife. Within the year he had a severe stroke, which virtually destroyed his memory and vast biblical knowledge. Sadly, this meant that he had to be cared for in a nursing home.
Harold passed away on the morning of Saturday, January 17th 2004. We who knew him can rejoice that he is now reunited with Phyllis and with the Lord.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – (II Corinthians 5:17)
