We regret to record the death of Mrs. D. G. Mackenzie, Matheson Road, Stornoway. Mrs. Mackenzie was well-known in the town of Stornoway and to many of our people on the mainland. Her death will be mourned by many who held her in high esteem as a consistent Christian.
Being 73 years old at the time of her death she was 9 years old when the Free Presbyterian Church was called into existence as a separate body. Her memory held a retentive and intelligent grasp of the principles, people and events belonging to these early days in the history of the Stornoway Congregation; and in her death one feels that a valued link with the past has been broken.
The father of Mrs. Mackenzie was Mr. George Macleod well-known over many years as the Governor of the prison in Stornoway. He was a native of Lochbroom and as a young man crossed the Minch to take up his appointment. Previous to his coming to Stornoway and while acting as assistant warden in Dingwall prison he enjoyed the privilege of sitting under the ministry of Dr. Kennedy, whose preaching was evidently blessed to the young hearer. It appears that the religious impressions then made upon Mr. MacLeod never left him.
One of the greatest of privileges a young child can be blessed with is the example and instruction in Godliness in the home. This great blessing Mrs. Mackenzie had been born into, and by the blessings of God, it left its mark upon her all her days. In Stornoway her father took a leading part in the affairs of the Free Presbyterian congregation there from the time of its formation. The church was built under his supervision and it is a creditable memorial to his skill and interest. As long as he was able, he acted as precentor and treasurer. It is not be wondered at that the daughter of such a father was from her earliest years a thorough-going Free Presbyterian. The greater maturity of later years strengthened and established her attachment to her church, and she was never at a loss to discuss church issues with calm and convincing intelligence. In the month of October, 1912, Miss Macleod was united in marriage to Mr. D. G. Mackenzie, the ceremony being performed in Glasgow by the Rev. N. Cameron. Mr. Mackenzie was a native of Scorraig, Ullapool. He crossed over to Stornoway in his youth and built up a business there; there he also became acquainted with his future partner in life. For several years he served as an elder in the Stornoway congregation. We understand that it was on the evening of a Communion Sabbath while the late Rev. E. Macqueen was preaching that Mrs. Mackenzie came under the saving power of the Truth. She was later received into full membership in the congregation. We are unable to give any details of her spiritual experiences other than the above, but the every day life, walk and conversation of Mrs. Mackenzie over many years was an abiding testimony to the power of Godliness.
As we would expect those professing the name of Christ, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie in Matheson Road was a most hospitable one, where the Lord’s people always found a ready welcome and generous entertainment.
In the month of November, 1953, whilst attending the communion services in Uig, Lewis, Mr. Mackenzie suddenly took ill and died in the Stornoway hospital that evening.
Mrs. Mackenzie, while feeling the blow keenly bowed with gracious submission to the Lord’s will. Indeed, during the remaining years of her life a quiet uncomplaining spirit of humble resignation was manifestly characteristic of her.
Mrs. Mackenzie loved the courts of the Lords House and was most exemplary in her attendance on Sabbath Days and at the weekly prayer meetings. Although her health showed signs of failing towards the middle of 1956, as long as she possibly could, her seat in the church was occupied.
On the 7th of January she expressed a strong presentiment that her end was not far off. Later in that day she was visited in her bedroom by a friend who engaged in prayer for which she expressed great appreciation. At her request a cup of tea was prepared for her visitor and for a few minutes she was left alone. When her daughter who had faithfully and affectionately nursed her returned, the spirit had departed from the frail tabernacle of clay, to be, we, believe, for ever with the Lord.
We desire to express our sincere sympathy with each member of the family. We pray that the God of the parents will be the God of their children.—J. A. T.