The Mad Mechanic!
Whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.
So wrote Jonathan Swift (1667-1745).
Whilst the late Harry Ferguson may not have spent his entire lifegrowing grain or grass, he certainly made it easier for those who do, through his genius and determination. He may have been affectionately known as the mad mechanic
but in reality there was nothing mad about him, he certainly fitted Swift’s words to a T
. (The pun will become clear!)
The Meeting House of Cloughmills Reformed Presbyterian Church was filled to capacity on an October night with folk in from many arts and parts excited to hear the story of one of Ulster’s most famous sons. The visitors were greeted, not only by some of the men of the congregation but just as importantly, by a 1951 Ferguson TED 20 which adorned the foyer. This shining example of a much sought after model was on loan for the evening from local enthusiast, John Fleming. If the interest that it generated is anything to go by perhaps we ought to keep it there permanently!
The guest speaker for the evening was Mr George Conn—pictured here with David Loughridge (left) and Peter Jemphrey (right); he and his wife Andrea are Faith Mission workers based in Omagh. Over the years, George has developed an interest in vintage tractors and has done considerable research into the life and work of Harry Ferguson. That research led him to compile a talk and slide presentation on the famous engineer and has presented it in many locations in recent years. We were delighted to be able to host it in Cloughmills and use it as part of our Men’s Group outreach. Invitations were delivered to local farmers (with the odd Alsatian speeding up the process) and agricultural shops; and other extensive advertising ensured that the evening was well publicised.
George took the gathering on a journey in time, examining the life of Ferguson from an historical, farming, engineering and Christian perspective. He talked us through his years as a young man growing up in a strict Christian home in the townland of Growell near Annahilt, Co. Down—with undoubtedly many good home and church influences being brought to bear upon him. The young Ferguson decided, however, that he would make his own way in life and rebelled against many of those influences. George was able to point to several people who played an important part in the business life of Harry Ferguson, some of whom sought to exercise a Christian influence on him, sadly, we believe, to no avail.
Much of the story from the early 1900s centred on the pioneering and engineering genius of the man. His main claim to fame was the development of The Ferguson System
, a means of coupling a plough to a tractor in such a way that removed the inherent dangers to the operator, of previous arrangements. How amazing it is that this basic system designed by a wee man from Co. Down who died in 1960 is still employed in the huge modern tractors of today. George enthralled us so much with his knowledge of the operation of the system that we believe everyone, from ministers to schoolteachers, in the gathering will now be able to plough with a more informed mind!
He pointed them often to Jesus ChristThe story included incidents about designing tractors, flying aeroplanes, deals, business partners, manufacturing arrangements and lawsuits, but throughout, George returned frequently to the influences on Ferguson’s life and challenged his hearers regarding their spiritual walk. He pointed them often to Jesus Christ and exhorted them to accept him as their Saviour. We cannot tell the heart of man but it would appear that Harry Ferguson spent his life an atheist despite repeated attempts by his brother and others persuading him to look beyond the present. This was an exceptional story by any standards, how much more had there been a testimony to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Peter Jemphrey thanked George Conn for providing such an insight into the life of this great pioneer of agricultural engineering and for the challenges he brought to the people gathered. Tea was served to everyone in the hall by the men of the congregation. As the gathering eventually left the building and made their way past John Fleming’s T 20, many pausing to reflect on life on the tractor seat in days gone by, each was given an information pack containing Christian literature, an invitation to Christianity Explored Courses and an invitation to a guest service the following Sabbath night.
The preacher at that guest service on Sabbath 1st November was Rev. Eddie Kirk, minister of 1st Ahoghill Presbyterian Church. We didn’t really need a particular reason for inviting Mr Kirk because he has been such a good friend to us in Cloughmills, having ministered to us several times and having been greatly used of God in our Who may come? How may I come? When may I come? Will you come?Church. However, on this occasion, there was a connection; his grandfather, the late Joe Linton of Killagan, was a well-known Ferguson tractor dealer in the Cloughmills area. Eddie Kirk spent much of his childhood in his granda’s workshop so we felt that would be reason enough, if one were required, to have him speak to those assembled, with some of whom he perhaps attended the local primary school.
Unfortunately, many of those invited did not come; nonetheless, Mr Kirk spoke in a gracious and challenging way to the gathering on the theme, One way to God
. He asked four questions: Who may come? Everyone. How may I come? As I am. When may I come? Now. Will you come? We must answer for ourselves. As a group of God’s people it is our earnest desire that those who heard that call will come. We are confident that in the providence of God these two meetings have not been in vain and He will gather His people and build His church.
Lord, who shall stand, if thou, O Lord, should’st mark iniquity?
Psalm 130: 3.
David Loughridge