Baptists have been encouraged to uphold a church and a family which saw three of its members tragically die in a farming accident over the weekend in their prayers.

Noel Spence and his sons Graham and Nevin died in a slurry tank accident at their farm on the Drumlough Road in Hillsborough, Co Down on Saturday night.

Emma, Noel's daughter, was taken to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment for the inhalation of the fumes, and has since been released. Noel leaves a wife, Esme, and another daughter, Laura. Graham was married to Andrea, and had two children.

The family worshipped at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, which is now preparing for the funerals which will take place at the church at 2pm on Wednesday afternoon.

There is likely to be much media interest on Wednesday. Nevin was an up and coming rugby player who represented Ulster, and the tragedy has been widely reported.

Church secretary Paul Gilmore said, 'We would really appreciate prayer from our brothers and sisters.

'Our main concerns are with the family. People are rallying around and supporting them, but they are in shock.

'As a church we have lots to organise for Wednesday. We're not sure how many people will come.
'Please also pray for Nevin's teammates. A number of Ulster's players are Christians, and they will be having to answer some difficult questions.

'They were well known farmers, humble, quiet guys with a strong personal faith.

'Please pray that God will somehow be glorified in this tragic loss.'

On Sunday the Revd Rodney Stout, senior pastor at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, released a statement on behalf of the family:

'The families of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence are trying very hard to come to terms with their tragic loss.

'The three men were very close to each other in life, and that love was expressed in their final moments trying to help one another.

'The family is being supported and comforted by other family members, friends and neighbours.'

Mr Stout said the three men were all 'incredibly gentle, decent, hard working, with a deep sense of family loyalty'.

He added their deaths would have a huge effect on a very tight-knit community.