With deep sadness, we announce Pastor Melvyn Ellis's passing on Tuesday, 14 January 2025.
Born in Danbury, Middlesex, on 17 May 1947, Pastor Ellis was a devoted servant of the Lord, deeply committed to his faith and the well-being of his community. He attended Sandon Secondary Modern in Chelmsford and continued his education at Middlesex Technical Colleges and Newbold College.
During his time at Newbold College, he met his future wife, Eija, with whom he shared many years of life. They married on 27 May 1984 and had two children, Hannah and Matthew. They remained united in their love and faith with their two children.
Pastor Ellis entered denominational service in June 1983, and his passion for spreading the gospel and helping others grew throughout his career. He was ordained on 18 September 1993 and interned at the Camp Hill, Birmingham district. Later, he served in various churches, including the Scarborough, Hull, and York churches, dedicating his life to pastoral work.
Pastor Ellis was a dedicated and compassionate leader who served his community with unwavering faith and commitment. After nearly three decades of ministry, he retired in June 2012, leaving a legacy of service and compassion that touched countless lives.
His contributions to our Church and the lives he touched will be remembered fondly. He is survived by his former wife, Eija, their adult children, Hannah and Matthew, extended family, and friends who miss him dearly.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and are comforted by the promise of Christ’s return. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we look forward with Pastor Ellis’s family and friends to that glorious resurrection day when we reunite with our loved ones.
Please remember them in your prayers. A private family service was held on 12 February 2025 at Mansfield Crematorium, followed by a funeral service and wake at Mansfield Woodhouse Seventh-day Adventist church.
Jacquelyn Johnson, BUC Secretariat
(The Millenium by Pastor Melvyn Ellis, 2 September 2017)