Kenneth F.T. Matrunola
Deborah Topping
Hardback
481 pages
K.F.T. Matrunola (1937-1994) was the faithful pastor of Salem Chapel, Portsmouth, from 1971-1994. Born in Glasgow, at the age of 16 he wrote an account of his 'religion' in which he stated, "I would believe that there was a God, but I could see no need for Christ or the church!" Plucked, however, as a brand from the burning, he was ever of the opinion that God had wrought in his case in a most sovereign manner. There was no feeling of creature power, therefore he was always of Calvinistic convictions.

His first three pastorates in Scotland were of Baptist Union churches. But increasingly experimental religion warmed his heart, as he read the autobiographies of men like Philpot, Warburton and Kershaw and he longed to know if there were any, in these days, who knew the felt religion of these men. In 1969, therefore, he resigned his pastorate and moved to England. Unashamedly a Strict and Particular Baptist, it was his conviction that they have a biblical heritage. His fine mind enabled him to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Shortly before he died he said, "I rejoiced when God brought me to see the doctrines of grace, gradually bringing down every barrier of opposition that was in my heart against them, and I cannot say that I have found anything wanting in them. I love these truths with all my heart!"