By Rev. WILLIAM GRANT.
AS the Synod’s deputy to its Mission in Canada and U.S.A., I sailed from Southampton, by the S.S. “Aquitania,” on 26th April of last year. On 2nd May I arrived in New York, after a favourable voyage. There I was met by Mrs. MacIver (of Applecross) and Mrs. Smith (of Dumbarton), from both of whom I received much kindness.
The work of our deputies has so often been reported that only the main facts need now be stated. The Mission Stations visited were Detroit, Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon and Vancouver. Services were held in New York, Rodney and Toronto, also, for the first time, in Edmonton and Brock. Leaving New York on 7th May, I spent three hours at Schenectady (200 miles north) with Caithness and Sutherlandshire friends. Next day I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon in the home of Mrs. Macdonald, Buffalo. Some former deputies will remember Mrs. Macdonald as one of the Macraes of Kineardine.
DETROIT.—Detroit was reached on 9th May. To this station five Sabbaths were given, and week-day meetings were also held. It is only on the occasion of deputies visiting that services are held here. May the Lord open closed lips to speak to the people regularly! The material concerns of the Mission are heartily attended to by Mr. K. Mackenzie and others. The present
industrial depression is keenly felt in Detroit, with the result that many of our people have had to leave the city. We had attentive and encouraging congregations. In U.S.A., generally, one gets the impression that religion is sadly commercialised and modernised. The Evangelicals have much to contend with. What is needed there, as well as in this country and elsewhere, is that the Word of God would be accompanied by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Detroit is a city of cars. Over 50,000 lives were lost in America in eighteen months through car accidents. On returning from the West, I heard with sorrow that Miss Jessie Macdonald, Detroit (formerly of St. Jude’s congregation, Glasgow), had died as the result of a car accident. She had been present at Sabbath and week-night services. To her sorrowing parents and sisters sincere sympathy is extended. While in Detroit I was the guest of Mrs. R. S. Mackenzie and family, 474 East Grand Boulevard, to whom I was deeply indebted for their genuine hospitality. The interest taken in the Mission by the late worthy Mr. R. S. Mackenzie is continued by his widow, sisters and brother.
RODNEY.—At the request of our Canadian Committee, I gave one Sabbath to Rodney, which is 90 miles from Detroit. Dr. Holdom and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth MacLennan accompanied me. The congregations were not large, but I felt it was good to be there. The wish was expressed that future deputies will include Rodney in their programme. It was a pleasure to be in the home of Mr. and Mrs. MacLennan (Senior). The former has passed through a severe illness, but recent reports indicate that he is now in comparatively good health.
CHICAGO.—A day with friends in Toledo, Ohio, was followed by a short time in the great city of Chicago. It is a city of beautiful buildings and avenues; morally, it is ugly. The lawless boot-legging element, which is almost entirely alien, has brought this town an undesirable notoriety. Chicago needs the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Prohibition will not prove a substitute for this. I was able to pay a brief visit while here to the kind home of Mr. and Mrs. R. Fraser (Beauly). I understand that some Dutch people near Chicago have expressed a genuine interest in our church. They deserve sympathetic consideration in their felt isolation.
WINNIPEG.—After crossing the border into Canada on 5th June, I began to realise the force of the late Mr. George Forrest’s remark:—”Canada is a land of magnificent distances.” The “Prairie City” of Winnipeg was reached on 6th June. A company of friends were at the station on my arrival and brought me to Mrs. Allan’s, Home Street, with whom I resided. She and her household showed every consideration for my comfort. Seven Sabbaths were spent in Winnipeg. For two Sabbaths prior to my arrival, meetings were conducted by Mr. Lachlan Ross, in the absence of Mr. William Sinclair. The latter’s health necessitated his going to Western Canada for a rest. He returned much improved in health, and has been able to hold regular meetings since then. Mr. Ross is not in robust health. We hope the Lord will give him renewed strength. The services were well attended. This congregation has had many difficulties and discouragements. Its existence to-day is proof of its loyalty. Notwithstanding unprecedented industrial depression, the collections were larger than ever before, which was regarded as expressing an eager desire to keep a “well” open in Winnipeg. May the “well” be kept free from impurities! This congregation longs for a settled ministry. They should seek it in prayer, remembering that Christ said to His disciples:—”Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” I administered the sacrament of baptism here, and performed the marriage of Miss Ross (from Inverness) to Mr. Craig (Edinburgh). In the homes of all the people I had pleasure in meeting young and old, and met with the utmost kindness. It gives great encouragement to the congregation to have the prospect of the present deputy (Rev. D. J. Matheson, Lairg) remaining with them for a year (D.V.).
REGINA.—The journey from Winnipeg to Regina takes twelve hours. Arrangements were made for a week-night service in the commodious restaurant of Miss Carry Fraser (daughter of the late worthy Duncan Fraser, Missionary, Carrbridge). The people showed their appreciation and gave an attentive hearing. Future deputies, if able to break their journey here, will not, I believe, regret it.
CALGARY.—A further journey of fifteen hours across the Alberta prairie lands brought me to Calgary. There I resided
with Mr. and Mrs. A. Beaton. They and their family made my stay a pleasure. Two Sabbaths were spent here. Five week-night services were held in Mr. Beaton’s home at 301, 13th Avenue West. This station has the appearance of becoming an important centre in the development of our Canadian Mission. A committee formed there ask me to plead their case at the Synod. They wish Calgary to be considered as in the same position with Winnipeg and Vancouver. They also desire deputies to prolong their visits. Sabbath and weekly meetings are now held regularly by Mr. J. Campbell and Mr. R. Macdonald, assisted by Mr. Angus Mackay, Innisfail. Three children were baptized. An afternoon was spent visiting home country people in Simon Valley, about twenty miles distant. In Calgary one finds a great number of “freak” religions, such as Mormonism, Spiritualism, Christian Science, etc. To living souls these are mere husks. Some Mormons attended one of our services and came forward at the end to ask questions. They seemed unhappy, spiritually enslaved, and needing the liberty wherewith Christ makes His people free. I felt a strong desire to go among the Red Indians, with whom is associated the name of David Brainerd. Accompanied by friends, and driven by a kind Swedish acquaintance, I, in due course, reached the “Sarece Indian Reserve Camp.” The young Indians are taught English, and we were permitted to read the Word of God at the door of the Chief’s wigwam. The colour of their skin does not detract from the value of their souls. Roman Catholicism does its evil work in some of these Reserves, and there is great need of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has said:—”And I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me.” May He get the Red Indians for “His heritage,” as well as “the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession!”
Great and marvellous are the works of our Creator. The majestic “Rocky Mountains” are a witness to the truth of this. They were crossed on 10th July, and the following night was spent at Kamloops in order to visit people from the homeland who are in the Sanatorium there. They are well cared for in this beautifully situated hospital. May the good Physician heal them in soul and body!
VANCOUVER.—Another day’s travelling brought me to Vancouver, where I remained for eight weeks. I had a “home from home” during that time with Mr. and Mrs. F. Macrae, 10th Avenue East. We have reason to thank the Lord for the labours of our laymen in Canada (as in the case of Mr. Hugh Mackay, Vancouver and others). The number of Highland people in this city is estimated at 30,000. Alas! How sad that many of these should worship “the dollar,” and practice the creed of the fool who says in his heart, “there is no God.” We had substantial congregations, although the July attendance was adversely affected by the holiday season. The church building is comfortable, ideally situated, with room for expansion, and it is free of debt. A “labourer” is needed, and eagerly longed for. The providing of such must be looked for from the “Lord of the harvest.”
After due consideration, it was decided to dispense the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper on the last Sabbath of August. Five day services were held, as in Scotland. This being the first time the solemn event took place in our Vancouver congregation, I explained, for the benefit of the young, the purpose of each day’s gathering. We were favourably situated in having a reliable session—Mr. Angus Mackay, Innisfail, having travelled over 800 miles to be with us. This gave much encouragement to Mr. Hugh Mackay, and was appreciated by the congregation. Special care was exercised in admitting to membership. The same remark applies to the administering of baptism here and elsewhere. All who communicated did so for the first time, except Mr. Angus Mackay, and he had been unable to do so for twenty years previously. It was, I hope, a profitable season. The Lord did not withhold His presence, and we felt a happy solemnity. It is desired that future deputies will continue to dispense the Holy Ordinance here. The Congregational Committee discussed matters relating to supply, finance, organization, etc. Proposals in regard to these have been made to the Home Committee and apply to the various stations.
Before leaving the “far West,” I spent three nights at Seattle (200 miles distant) in the home of Mr. Donald MacPherson (Daviot), and two nights at Chilliwack (80 miles distant) with Mr. William MacNair (Dingwall). It was refreshing to find in
these homes an interest taken in the Cause of Christ, and an endeavour made to bring up their families in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” In Seattle I was pleased to meet the Macdonalds of our Oban congregation. One night was spent in Victoria, in the kind home of Mr. Miller of Thurso.
I left Vancouver on the homeward Journey on 4th September, and had a feeling of sorrow in parting with the people. After two days’ travelling, in the genial company of Mr. Angus Mackay, a brief stay was made at Innisfail. I wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Mackay for their hospitality, also those who travelled from Red-Deer to Innisfail to meet us, for their kindness in doing so.
EDMONTON.—A week-night service was held in Edmonton at the home, in 72nd Street, of Mr. Roderick MacLennan (a native of Diabaig, Ross-shire). He and Mrs. MacLennan received me very kindly. This was the first visit of a deputy to Edmonton, and the congregation was small. Friends present offered to provide a hall for any future services that may be arranged. With the development of the “Peace River” area, this is likely to become a town of increasing importance. It is a few hundred miles north of Calgary, and has a considerable Highland population.
SASKATOON.—After the Edmonton service, I travelled overnight to Saskatoon. The previous deputy (Rev. F. Macleod) gave an encouraging report of his visit to this place. The situation continues to be encouraging. Sabbath services were held in the Public Library and week-night services in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Macaskill (Stoer), whose hospitality I enjoyed while here. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Macdonald and family from Brock were with us for the week-end. Three brothers of the late Mr. M. McEwen, Missionary, Tain, came from Laird (50 miles north). Two of Mr. Macdonald’s children were baptized. The attendances were good, and the people appeared to listen with close attention. A special interest is being taken in this station by Mr. Donald Morrison and Mr. Thomas Macdonald. I believe there are souls here seeking the way to Zion, and there is evidence of the same at other stations.
I would suggest to the Synod that some of our office-bearers in Canada be given the status of “missionaries.” This would tend
to strengthen the Cause there and would be an encouragement to any who may be called as ministers to that field.
BROCK.—Leaving Saskatoon in the morning of 15th September in a car driven by Mr. Thomas Macdonald, we proceeded to Brock (100 miles distant). This journey over prairie roads yielded some unusual experiences. An evening service was held in Brock School House, where a little company met. Brock is a fertile farming area, r’ch in wheat but, spiritually, it appears to be a wilderness. Feeling it to be so, some there pray that “the wilderness may rejoice and blossom as the rose.” After two restful nights in Mr. Macdonald’s home, we returned to Saskatoon, where another evening service was held. Next night was spent in Bradwell (30 miles South), and thereafter the home-ward journey was continued, revisiting Winnipeg and Detroit.
TORONTO.—My twenty-fifth Sabbath in Canada was spent in Toronto. A few hours’ break at Woodstock, Ontario, brought me into touch with a colony of people who came originally from Sutherlandshire. As on former occasions, the Toronto services were held in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Bloor Street. This is an interesting and appreciative congregation. A number of home people were present. One of them, I regret to learn, has since been removed by death, in the person of Miss Johan Miller (Thurso), a sister of Mrs. Macrae, Vancouver. We sympathise with the bereaved. I stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Campbell (of Inverness), and spent a night with Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Campbell, Oshawa. I take this opportunity of thanking them and other friends in U.S.A. and Canada for many acts of kindness shewn. The homes of nearly all our people at the various Mission Stations were visited, as well as some others, of practically no church connection.
I would express the opinion that there is real danger of education, in Canada, coming under the control of the Roman Catholic Church. At any rate, there is a subtle and far-reaching movement in that direction. In the late Canadian Government there were 77 Roman Catholics and 42 non-Roman Catholics. The heads of various departments—Education, Post Office, Immigration, etc.—were Roman Catholics. The present Government has only 29 Roman Catholics, this is a change in the right direction. Protestants need to be vigilant. Further, they need
to beware of amendments to the Lord’s Day Act of Canada, and should seek to hold fast to their Sabbaths. Last summer a Scottish team played football matches in U.S.A. on Sabbath. This is likely to be repeated, to the disgrace of Scotland. Let Canada say:—”We will not have it.”
It is disappointing to learn from the Annual Report of the National Bible Society of Scotland that only four copies of the Gaelic Bible were sold last year to Canada (excluding Nova Scotia), and few, I understand, were sold through other agencies. I was disappointed, also, in the Canadian Bible Society not doing more to encourage the sale of Psalms in Metre. Hymn-books, at best, are a poor substitute for the precious Psalms. I hope the National Bible Society of Scotland will get more encouragement in this matter. It is the only Society in the world publishing the Scriptures in Gaelic and the Metrical Psalms.
NEW YORK.—On 28th October I arrived back in New York. That day a young man, Mr. Mackay, from one of our Lewis congregations, had been buried there. To his two sorrowing brothers in New York, and other relatives on this side, we extend our sympathy. In the evening a service was held in the Church of the Puritans. I was indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mrs. MacIver, who had the assistance of Mr. Donald Macleod (Borve, Skye), in arranging this. The Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York, kindly offer the use of hall or church to deputies, at any time, for week-night services. Psalm books are available here.
Deputies experience a willingness on the part of Gaelic Societies, in some places, to arrange services for them, but caution is necessary as concerts and dances are arranged with equal enthusiasm. “Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.”
On 29th October I embarked on the S.S. “Berengaria.” The ocean voyage was restful. It was made particularly interesting by discussions with a learned young Hindu and his wife on their way to India. They have abandoned Hinduism but know not the “truth which maketh free.” “Can I not make amends for my sins?” he asked, thus revealing the religion of the natural heart. The necessity for the Atonement having been discussed, he expressed difficulty in believing that the Lord Jesus Christ was God. “If He was God, then He must have known what
sufferings awaited Him, and why did He allow Himself to suffer?” he remarked. This led us to consider the wonder of redeeming love, “the unspeakable gift of God,” “the willing sacrifice,” to “God’s having so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” The Hindu handed me his address. We parted in London with the heartfelt desire that he may yet appear as a witness for Christ in dark India. The Holy Spirit alone can give needed light.
In due course I reached my congregation and relatives, feeling conscious of sins of omission and of commission in all my travels, but deeply constrained to render thanks to the Giver of all good things for His wonderful loving kindness. “His tender mercies are over all His other works.”
My expenses were met by the various stations in equal share. I enjoyed good health, and, were it not for the pressure of home duties, might have prolonged my stay for the winter. May the seed sown in weakness, take deep root in the hearts of young and old in the various places visited, so that fruit may be found even after many days. May the promise be fulfilled:—”A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in His time.”