On Wednesday 27 August 2003 Mr John Beaton, an elder of the Raasay congregation, died aged 81, and entered fully into the rest that remains for the people of God. Jackie, as he was generally known, was born in Skye and was a fighter pilot in the RAF during the War. He later became a manager in a steel-making firm in Glasgow and retired to Raasay in 1988. While in Glasgow he was under the ministry of the Word for many years but it was not until November 2000, in Raasay, that he professed the Lord Jesus Christ publicly. In October 2001 he was ordained an elder. Jackie was conscientious and able in the discharge of his duties and was an excellent leader of the praise in public worship. He had an intelligent grasp of, and a high regard for, the truth as it is held among us, and his exercises in public prayer gave evidence of a God-fearing spirit. The Cause of Christ is low in Raasay and, though it is well with Jackie and shall be well, our hands are weakened with his passing. “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work.”
Jackie’s wife Catherine died in 1998, and her death was felt in the home, the community and the church. To the four children and five grandchildren – all of whom had a very affectionate regard for Jackie and were very attentive on him – we extend our sympathy. And we say, “Whose faith follow”.
“They shall be brought with gladness great,
And mirth on every side,
Into the palace of the king
And there they shall abide.”
(Rev) J R Tallach
Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – November 2003