Biography
Charles Mackie was born 21st January 1916, the only child of Emily and Charles Mackie. They all lived together in the Dingle area of Liverpool, Longford Street to be precise. Charles attended Matthew Arnold Primary School.
The family attended Toxteth Tabernacle Church in Liverpool faithfully for many years. The whole family were very involved in the life of the church. Charles (Jr) was heavily involved in a lot of church activities as a child and young person. It was at Toxteth Tabernacle that Charles met a young Ruby Hessey, who Charles eventually married in September of 1946.
Charles and Ruby had their only child - a daughter named Margaret - in July of 1949.
The family worshipped together at Belvidere Road Church from 1949, with all three family members being heavily involved in the life and work of the church for many years.
Charles worked as a clerk in various firms, he had a very methodical mind, being incredibly organised and conscientious in all his professions. This diligence continued in his studies as he prepared to preach his sermons. He was renowned as the best time keeper ever - he was always early for whatever appointment he had! Charles never drove, always utilising public transport. Family members remember with fondness very many occasions Charles setting off to catch the bus in order to get to evening preaching appointments. His departure from home to get to churches was often way before 4pm!
Charles loved music from a very early age, showing an aptitude for the piano. He passed every exam for the piano put before him, playing music with a distinctive style and grace. Charles became an Associate of the London College of Music (ALCM), excelling at both playing and teaching the piano. He taught many piano teachers, such was his skill set. Charles absolutely loved listening to music, but only ever classical music!
Charles loved reading and had a great passion for the English language. This is clearly brought out in many of his sermons, available in the Sermons section of this website. His eloquent possession of the spoken word captivated and enthralled many, educating, entertaining and challenging hearers in equal measure.
His greatest passion was preaching the gospel; Charles was a lay preacher, preaching in many churches and missions around Liverpool and surrounding areas. For a year of his life, he was the full time pastor of Cottenham Street Baptist Church, Kensington, Liverpool.
Charles and Ruby's daughter (Margaret) got married to William Griffiths in April 1972. Charles was the proud, beaming father giving his daughter away.
Recreationally, Charles loved to be entertained by watching cricket, a sport which he adored. He spent countless Saturday afternoons at Sefton Cricket Club, watching and enjoying many teams travel from far and wide to play at his local park. Additionally, Charles enjoyed both watching and playing crown green bowls, regularly frequenting the bowling greens at the Mystery Park in Wavertree.
Charles had two grandsons whom he loved dearly. He often took Jonathan and Ian (Griffiths) to the local park, instilling in them a similar love for the recreational passions he pursued.
Charles passed away quite suddenly in 1988. He was survived by his ever faithful and dutiful wife, Ruby. She continued to live in the family home (which Charles' parents Charles and Emily had rented long before Charles and Ruby bought the same house for the princely sum of £350) for 14 more years until her passing.