Tributes have been paid to the Armagh founder of what has been described as the “most famous small church in the world” who has sadly passed in his 100th year.
Pastor Eric Briggs not only founded Maranatha Church of God on Barrack Hill, Armagh but was an “ardent preacher of the Israel message”, taking his teachings across the world.
Speaking to Armagh I, fellow Pastor Tom Quinn – who served for 14 years with Eric up until recently at Maranatha Church – described Eric as “the greatest mind” he had ever met.
He added: “Eric was one of these men that you just thought was going to live forever. It was a shock to hear he had passed.
“Genuinely, his devotion to God was absolutely incredible. The standard he set was a standard you just don’t see today.”
Undoubtedly, Eric’s legacy – both through his church and his teachings – will live on.
It may be regarded as a small church for its stature, but Tom elucidates its far-reaching and profound impact best when he regards it as the “most famous small church in the world.”
For Tom, the church’s impact is inextricably linked to the man who founded it.
Said Tom: “It’s one of those churches that’s just always been here. I call it the most famous small church in the world and a lot of that is down to Eric Briggs.
“He was known all over the world. He was a great Bible teacher and went all over the world teaching the Bible.
“He had a gift that I believe has died with him. You’ll never see the likes of it in this lifetime and anyone who knew him will know that to be truth.”
By all accounts, Eric remained inspiringly active for a man of 99 years of age. Until very recently, he was still driving and still regularly attending church.
Tom says it was a “phenomenal ability to live” that kept the softly spoken, soft-natured man going.
“He never rushed in. He took time to ponder and think everything over,” said Tom. “He was a man of great wisdom and he exercised great wisdom. He carried both.
“He had this ability, he was just a soft gentleman. He will be greatly missed and Armagh doesn’t realise, but a legend has passed.”
Eric was husband to Faith – a woman he shared an unfathomable connection with. Of their marriage, Tom described them as “soulmates” who shared an “amazing bond”.
“My heart really goes to Mumma Faith,” he continued. “I know the pain. They had been together so long and I feel the pain for them because he was truly her soulmate.
“I hear people talk about soulmates but I really mean this, in Mr and Mrs Briggs, I got to see what a soulmate looks like.
“I would often be in church and look down and see her just doting on him.”
Eric was also a dearly loved father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather and only weeks ago he enjoyed a very special holiday in the company his entire extended family.
Tom expressed his joy for Eric and the family having received this precious time together, adding that he believed it to be “a wee gift from God to reward Eric and bless Eric for all the years he had given to the church, the community and the world.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced later but Tom explains that Pastor David Purce – who Eric mentored and who is now the lead Pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in Belfast – is expected to perform the ceremony.
In a final word for Eric, Tom said: “Our loss is his gain and I believe he has received his reward.
“There’s nowhere else he deserves to be more than where he is.
“The Bible says, “By their works you shall know them” and trust me, by Eric’s works everybody knows where he is.”
