CROSSWAYS CHURCH IN MOURNING

Condolences have been pouring in for the Bircher family and Crossways Church after the death of founder and beloved Pastor Rob Bircher.

The Hilton community, family and friends said that they have lost a mentor, servant leader and friend. Bircher died on 28 December.

Bircher attended Hilton College from 1964-1969 and graduated with a BA degree from Rhodes University and a PGCE from London University.

He taught at Falcon College in the then Rhodesia and at Westering High in Port Elizabeth before becoming a pastor in GraaffReinet and finally in Hilton, spanning more than 30 years.

In 2013 he wrote Boys of Hilton, an anthology of 13 very different Hilton College stories spanning more than a century from 1872 to the present, of life on the Hilton Estate; introduced the authors and compiled some thought-provoking questions to go with each story.

Crossways Church, in tribute, said: ”Rob loved people and his heart felt their humanity and their need for a Saviour from their sin and a restorer of their souls.

“He was an incredibly loving husband to Pam, a deeply loved father (of many besides his own four special children: Heather, Ali Richard and James), adored grandfather of his 11 grandchildren, mentor, servant leader and friend.

“He is now enjoying his reward in heaven. “We shall miss him. “Our hearts and our prayers go out to Pam and to the family during this extremely painful time.”