“Man goeth to his long home,” are words of truth ever being fulfilled among us.
The past year saw the homecoming of several of the Lord’s dear people from our midst. Among these were the following who attained an average age of over four score years:—
The late Mr. SINCLAIR POLSON, Elder, Halkirk.
Following in the footsteps of his worthy father (Donald Polson, who died in 1904) the subject of this notice faithfully discharged the duties of Deacon, and for about thirty years as Elder, in Halkirk Congregation. He also rendered long and acceptable service as Precentor. Born at Clayock, Bower, he removed to Kirkhill Farm about twenty years ago. While diligent in business he was ever attentive to matters pertaining to the Cause of Christ. He had a deep attachment to the truth, having in his own soul experienced the awakening and enlightening power of it. This work began under the preaching of the Gospel early in life, and where the Lord begins He carries on to the end. The loss of a son in the 1914/18 war, and the death of his worthy wife (a true helpmeet) in 1935 was deeply felt but submissively borne.
The growing disregard of God’s law in the County was a grief to him and to others likeminded. He genuinely appreciated the continued witness for the whole counsel of God by our Church, and the much needed, and distinctive testimony raised in 1893. This he proved in practice by an unwavering adherence to it.
The eminent Sandy Gair remarked, “The Lord brought His people out of Egypt in one night but He took forty years to drive Egypt out of them.” Sinclair Polson was weary of Egypt within but that is now forever left behind and the heavenly Canaan reached. The expected end came at Kirkhill, on the tenth of May last at the age of seventy-eight.
To the bereaved family, of one son and three daughters, we express sympathy. May the prayers of their late parents on their behalf be answered.
The Late Mr. BENJAMIN SWANSON, Thurso.
The death of Benjamin Swanson, of Sinclair Street, Thurso, at the age of eighty-one, in December, 1943, meant the removal of one who was indeed a lover of “the old paths.” He was for many years an Elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. The R.P.s, and the O.S. Church had congregations in Thurso for a long period, but they ceased to exist over twenty years ago. The former built a church there in 1856, in which the late Dr. Kennedy of Dingwall, at Communion seasons, preached in Gaelic, while English services were held in the Church of Dr. Taylor. The R.P. building was bought in 1927 by the Free Presbyterian Congregation, and Benjamin Swanson, who had previously associated himself with them, took a lively and prayerful interest in the services there until the end of his day. In prayer he frequently alluded to Scotland’s Covenanters and Covenants, but his hope for eternity was in the Covenant of Grace.
His integrity of life, and devotion to truth, commanded the respect of his fellow citizens. During his last illness it was evident that the Word was his great comfort.
To his sorrowful widow prayerful sympathy is extended.
The Late Mrs. DAVID MACKAY, Halkirk.
By the death of Mrs. Mackay a notable link with the past has been broken. She was one of the very few remaining members in our Church, who had been a Communicant in the Old Free Church.
She clearly manifested in her life and conversation that her desire was towards the Lord, and the remembrance of His name. It has been said that, “Never was a babe born in Bethlehem but there was a Herod in pursuit of it.” She was not ignorant if this pursuing enemy; and more than once told of a sweet deliverance experienced, quoting Psalm 18, verse 16:
“And from above the Lord sent down,
and took me from below;
From many waters he me drew,
which would me overflow.”
Before the Halkirk F.P. Church was built in 1896, the small, but loyal, company who separated in 1893 from the Declaratory Act Church, met in the house and workshop of Mrs. Mackay and late husband. To the warmth of these gatherings she often referred, and told many interesting notes of the excellent of bygone years. On eighth July last she passed into eternity at the age of eighty-four looking unto Jesus.
The surviving members of her family (in Dunfermline and U.S.A.) have been bereaved of a praying mother. Much will be required of them—may they realise it and by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be prepared to meet the Judge of all.
With those who mourn we sympathise.
W. G.