Mrs. MacKinnon, was born in Falkirk on January 15th, 1880, but her parents removed to Skye shortly afterwards, where they eventually settled in Vatten House, near Dunvegan. Her maiden name was Porteous. Both her parents feared the Lord, and their family of four sons and three daughters had the example of godliness before their eyes in their house. They were also soundly taught in the Scriptures.
She attended school first at Vatten, and later at Dunvegan. Afterwards she took up nursing and trained in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. In September, 1906, she married Mr. Duncan MacKinnon, who was for many years the esteemed missionary of our church in Bracadale. There was a family of five sons and three daughters, who were brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
We are unable to say when the Lord was pleased to reveal to her her lost and ruined condition as a sinner, and the glory of Christ in His all sufficiency and suitableness, as her Saviour. However, from remarks made by herself from time to time, one could gather that the Lord had begun to strive with her in early life. As far as can be ascertained, the word preached by the late Rev. Donald Graham, Shieldaig, during a communion season at Vatten, over forty-five years ago, was blessed to her. Trouble came to her in 1927, and early in that year she underwent a major operation. Very probably this solemn providence constrained her to witness publicly on the side of Christ. As far as is known, she was received as a member in full communion at Bracadale in 1928. After the operation referred to, her health was never the same. The death of her worthy husband in 1931 took its own toll of her strength, but she was quite active, and seldom absent from the public means of grace for over twenty years after that. Her health then rapidly deteriorated until she breathed her last on the 21st day of February, 1958.
Scripture portions specially precious to her were Luke 12:32:—”Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom”: and Genesis 15:1—”Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” When on her death-bed she asked that Isaiah, Chapter 41, be read to her, quoting the words—”Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will keep thee saith the Lord and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Also, she often asked that John, Chapter 14, be read to her, along with the 51st and 23rd Psalms. Portions of God’s precious word that had helped her and fed her soul for many years in the wilderness of this world were often on her lips during her last fortnight on this earth. Although latterly it became difficult to understand much of what she said, yet she testified to her family that she was happy, and that she was going home.
Her last words were, “… Nach fàg ‘s nach treig,” which expression is the substance of Heb. 13:5, last clause, and showed she had the presence of Him who would never leave nor forsake her. Mrs. MacKinnon was one who truly loved the Lord and His cause. Our distinctive testimony as a church was very dear to her, and she often spoke in glowing terms of the stand made by the late Rev. D. MacFarlane, Raasay, in 1893. She was deeply attached to the late Rev. Neil Cameron. She faithfully witnessed to the saving power of the truth in her life, walk, and conversation to the very end of her days. Her voice was sweet in singing the praises of the Lord. She was a woman of constant prayer, like gracious Hannah of old. Many an earnest prayer she put up for the cause of Christ, and for her own family particularly, and by name. She used to encourage herself in the truth when she was very low, and that was quite often in her experience. She was not ignorant of Satan’s devices, nor of her own helplessness to deliver herself from the guilt and power of sin. Yet she would glorify the Redeemer over against all her sins, doubts and fears. Her soul was strengthened from day to day by the merit of the precious blood of Christ. Now, we believe, she is with Him where He is, where there is no sin, and where sorrow, doubts, and fears are unknown. She had a warm heart for the Lord’s people. When any of them were taken away she would say, “Zion mourns.”
She was lovingly nursed and attended upon by members of her devoted family.
May the grace that made their father and mother new creatures and a blessing in the land be given their children, that they too may, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.
To each member of her family and to all her relatives we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their sorrow and loss. “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10. M. MacS.