Obituary of Rev. Robert Bellingham

The Rev. Robert Bellingham

Pastor Emeritus for the Presbytery of Western New York

The Rev. Robert Bellingham, age 87 of Lewiston, died peacefully in his home on Friday July 21, 2017 under the loving care of his family.

Rev. Bellingham was born December 24, 1929 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the son of the late Joseph and Ellen (Spaxmon) Bellingham. Attending local schools, he continued his Music Education at the Hamilton Conservatory and Moody Bible Institute. He received his B.A. in Theology at Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, and his Masters in Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Rev. Bellingham continued his education at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where he received his interim pastoral training. On October 1, 1955 he married his beloved wife, Lena E. (Albright) Bellingham.

Rev. Bellingham served at the First Presbyterian Church in Plymouth, OH for 7 years before coming to the Presbytery of Western New York. He was Pastor of the Pierce Ave. Presbyterian Church for 22 years; the 3rd Avenue Presbyterian Church for 9 years; the Niagara Presbyterian Church for 4 years; and the First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston for 4 years. Retiring in 1996, Rev. Bellingham had served as an interim pastor at various congregations throughout the WNY Presbytery.

Rev. Bellingham loved people and enjoyed serving God in the church and community for over 50 years. He enjoyed reading, Opera and Classical music, and sports.

In addition to his beloved Lena, he is survived by his son, Gregory (Robin) Bellingham of Niagara Falls, NY; his daughter, Janice L. Bellingham of Tulsa, OK; his granddaughters, Alicia Bellingham and Suzanne (Matthew) Franklin; and a brother, John (Eileen) Bellingham of Hamilton, ON. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Bellingham.

Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Friday, July 28, from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 29, at 11:00 AM in the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, Lewiston, 505 Cayuga St., Lewiston with the Rev. Liz Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston or to Gideon Bibles, P.O. Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214.