BY THE REV. NEIL MACINTYRE, STORNOWAY, CHURCH DEPUTY.
LAST year, when asked by the Canadian Mission Committee to go to Canada as the Church’s Deputy, I did not feel inclined to comply, being conscious of my unfitness for the work, and when my own congregation objected to my absence for eighteen Sabbaths, I took this as an excuse for refusing. The Lord, whose way is in the sea and whose path is in the great waters, laid His hand upon me so severely that I was absent from my own pulpit for eighteen Sabbaths—the exact number I would have been away in Canada. With this warning I purposed, if again asked, I would consent. When, therefore, I was appealed to this year by the Committee, I at once agreed, and immediately began to prepare for the journey.
On Saturday the 6th day of May, I sailed from Greenock, on board the S.S. “Columbia,” one of the “Anchor” Liners, in beautiful weather. We had on board, “all told”—using a nautical phrase—about 1,200 souls. Witnessing the parting of friends and relatives, many of whom would never meet again until the great day, combined with the three weird blasts from the “Columbia’s” whistle, which are the signal for departure—responded to by the returning tender which had embarked her passengers, and re-echoed from the surrounding hills—all this gave a very sad aspect to our leaving.
After leaving Moville in Ireland, Mr. Tulloch, the purser—whom, by the way, I wish to thank publicly for his kindness—wished me to conduct a service on Sabbath. Having submitted my conditions—that no instrumental music or hymns be used—and these being agreed to, I consented. On Sabbath, however, a stiff breeze was blowing—the only storm we had on the outward passage—and mostly all my fellow-passengers being sea-sick and made to reel and stagger like men drunk, we had to forgo the service.
There was one other incident to which I may refer. On Friday night the usual concert was held on board, and the following day I was approached by an Irish gentleman who, among other things in conversation, expressed his surprise at how the people were leaving the Churches; to which I answered that it was no surprise to me, because ministers in general, instead of preaching the Gospel to poor sinners, gave them essays and lectures on politics, poetry, history, and such things, and also mixed with the people in all their frivolities, but that for my part I never countenanced such things as concerts, etc. He then wished me to excuse him when he told me that he and about twenty others went purposely to the concert the previous night to watch whether I would attend or not; that he was very pleased to see I didn’t; and when he saw me retiring to my room, that he followed my example. I thought there was a lesson in this how careful one ought to walk before strangers.
As we approached the Banks of Newfoundland we encountered dense fog and intense cold, and the opinion of the sailors was that we were near, not land, but icebergs; we, however, missed seeing any. Sabbath morning found us sailing up the Hudson river, and, judging from the number of vessels up and down this waterway, the American and British shipowners have entirely forgotten their obligations to the God of the Sabbath.
New York, which we reached about eight a.m., is a very imposing city. It might be described at one and the same time as the best and the worst city in the world. Its wealth seems boundless, while its poverty and misery seem hopeless. Its high buildings are very striking at first sight, especially the “Metropolitan Tower,” forty-eight storeys high, which is supposed to be the highest building in the world. On landing, I was met by Messrs. Donald and Allan Mackenzie, already referred to by former delegates, whose kindness I much appreciated. I stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mackenzie and was hospitably entertained by them.
On Monday evening I left for Seaforth, Ontario, by the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and arrived safely at my destination next day about one p.m., and immediately found myself under the hospitable and homely roof of Mr. and Mrs. Clark. Mr. Clark had just recovered from a severe illness, but was able to accompany me to all the stations in Ontario, and his genial company was a great strength to me. On Friday I went on to Brucefield, where I was met by Mrs. Mustard and her daughters. With them I made my headquarters while in Canada, and everything that attention and kindness could do was done to make me comfortable. I was sorry to find Mr. Forrest in bed, totally blind, and his legs having completely given way, so that he was unable to move but as he was carried. He, however, suffered no pain and his mental faculties are as vigorous as ever. I was pleased to see before I left for home that he had improved and was able to move about with a little help. Since coming home I had notice of the death of Mrs. Fraser, one of our members at Brucefield. She was a native of the Black Isle and her husband was from Glen Urquhart. Her simple, genuine piety was very beautiful. She will be very much missed, and we extend to her sorrowing family our sincere sympathy.
My first Sabbath in Canada was at Brucefield. We met in the Methodist Church, the use of which was kindly granted to our people. Brucefield numerically is the smallest of all the stations. Death and old age have been diminishing the number here as elsewhere. The friends meet regularly every Sabbath in Mr. Forrest’s house; and Mr. Baird usually reads a sermon. After a few days I left for East Williams accompanied by Mr. Clark. During our stay here, we were hospitably entertained by Mr. H. D. Ross and his sister, who spared no pains in making us comfortable. On Sabbath we met in the Lochaber Church, a neat little building capable of holding about 200 people. This congregation has advantages over the other stations in that they have several elders to hold regular meetings. You would have seen from our magazine that one of these elders, Mr. David M’Kenzie, was removed by death. This was a severe blow to the congregation, for apart from being a respected, intelligent elder, he stayed near the church and could thus attend to the interests of the congregation. Mr. M’Leish, who is over 80 years, and Mr. Hugh Scott, who is a comparatively young man, the other two elders, are both about ten miles from the church. We are pleased to understand that Mr. M’Leish is arranging to remove nearer the church so as to be able to attend to the meetings on Sabbath. I am sorry to have also to record the death of Miss Bisset, who was a loyal supporter of our cause, and we extend our deep sympathies to her sorrowing relatives.
The Kirk-Session, which met on Thursday prior to the Communion, considered that it would be advisable to hold the Communions as early as possible, so that the harvest work would not interfere with the attendance. It was arranged to have the Communions on the first Sabbath of June at East Williams, on the second at Brucefield, and on the fourth at Lochalsh. The congregations during the Communion at East Williams were rather encouraging, especially on Sabbath. Friends were present from some of the other stations, and I have reason to believe that it was a time of refreshing to at least some of the Lord’s people. On Monday we had a congregational meeting for the purpose of moderating in a call to one of our ministers. Mr. David M’Kenzie, who a few days after was called away to eternity, moved that the name of Rev. Donald Beaton, Wick, be inserted in the call. This was unanimously agreed to and all present signed it. The call was also presented at all the other stations, and altogether 32 members and 73 adherents signed, making a total of 105.
After visiting a number of the families connected with the congregation, and spending a night with Mr. Hugh Scott at Lobo, we returned to Brucefield, where the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was to be dispensed next Sabbath. The congregations both on week days and Sabbaths were very small, but I believe a good sprinkling of the salt of the earth was among them. We trust that the seed which was faithfully sown by the late Rev. John Ross may yet show itself in this congregation. “The word of the Lord shall not return unto him void, but it shall accomplish that which he pleaseth, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto he sent it.”
Having finished our labours at Brucefield we then directed our course to Lochalsh, where we were warmly received by Mrs. Matheson and family. We were sorry to find Mrs. Matheson confined to bed on our arrival, but before we left she was very much improved, and able to move about a little, and I am pleased to understand the improvement has continued.
It was while here the news of the late Mr. David M’Kenzie’s death reached us, and Mr. Clark and I immediately returned to East Williams to attend the funeral. Lochalsh is the largest station we have in Canada. On Sabbath we had large gatherings, many coming from Ripley, a distance of eight miles. Here we had to conduct Gaelic services, the first since our arrival in Ontario. The second Sabbath we were there the Communion was dispensed, and the church was well filled with an appreciative and attentive congregation. It was, indeed, encouraging to see the people travelling such long distances to the means, and may the Word preached fall in good soil, bringing forth fruit to life eternal. I baptised several children for Mr. D. Finlayson, and also had the pleasure of uniting in marriage Mr. Alick Finlayson, the Store, and Miss Cameron. During the week I visited all the families connected with the congregation and found them well, except old people, who through the infirmities of old age were quite prostrate on account of the great heat.
We then left for Kincardine. It was here we experienced the great heat wave which passed over the greater part of Canada and the States, and which included the three hottest days ever recorded in Montreal. Indeed, we experienced that when the Canadian sun did shine, there was some power in its rays. It was, however, a cause of much thankfulness to me and others, that though in a continual pool of perspiration, and meeting in a hall (Temperance Hall) which is not well ventilated and which was crowded to overflowing both Sabbaths. The Lord gave me strength to perform all the services with a measure of comfort when other ministers had to stop. During our stay here, we were kindly received by Mr. and Mrs. Hugh M’Kenzie.
As you would have seen from Mr. Donald M’Leod’s report the congregation no longer meets in the church at the North-Line. To do so would be dangerous. I visited the church and found the upper part of it in fairly good condition, but the wooden pillars on which it rests have given way, and unless it is speedily repaired, it will soon collapse. During the week we visited Mr. John Morrison, elder, who is called after the famous John M’Intosh of Sutherlandshire. We enjoyed our short stay with him very much. Mr. Morrison’s speech is very much after the order of Scripture, “alway with grace, seasoned with salt.” Old age is leaving its marks upon him, but though totally blind, and frail, he is able to move about and attended all our services. We also visited Mr. John Cameron at the North-Line. with whom the former deputies stayed. The death of his dear wife a few years ago was keenly felt by him, and he is now confined to the house and takes little or no interest in affairs.
Having finished our labour here we retraced our steps to Brucefield, and on Friday, 14th July, I started for Detroit, accompanied by Miss Mary Mustard and Mr. Murdo Matheson, Lochalsh. On our way out we visited Wardsville, and kept a meeting on Friday night in Mr. MacLennan’s house, when a good number of people gathered. On Saturday we continued our journey to Detroit, accompanied by Mr. MacLennan. As Detroit is in the United States, it would be desirable that future Deputies should carry a certificate of license, as there is no end of the questions asked by government officials of passengers passing from Canada into the States, and they particularly press for a certificate of licence (registration, as they call it), and I had some difficulty in getting through without it. We were met at the station by Messrs. R. S. and Kenneth M’Kenzie. We stayed with Mr. and Mrs. R. S. M’Kenzie, who showed us much kindness.
On Sabbath we met in the Jubilee Hall, where we had three services—two English and one Gaelic. The congregations in the forenoon and afternoon were not large, but in the evening a goodly number gathered. In the evening I baptised the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. M’Kenzie. Owing to Detroit being in the United States, and consequently under different laws, the Kirk-Session of Ontario thought it would be very inconvenient to have it forming part of the Ontario congregation. It was therefore necessary that it should be recognised in some form or other, and I invited the male members of the congregation to meet on Monday in Mr. M’Kenzie’s house to discuss this matter. I advised them to form themselves into a Committee, and said that I would advise the Synod to acknowledge them as a separate Mission. Of this they approved; and Messrs. R. S. M’Kenzie, Kenneth MacKenzie, and James M’Nelly were appointed—Mr. R. S. M’Kenzie to be Convener, Secretary, and Treasurer. I trust the Synod will confirm my action in this matter. Our people here are most enthusiastic, and anxious that the cause should prosper. They feel their isolated position keenly, and I greatly sympathise with them, and trust the Church will do all in its power to help them, for I would fain hope that this little one would yet become a thousand. On our return journey we visited Mr. M’Leish, elder, East Williams, where we stayed two nights. The genuine piety and kindness in this family make one feel very much at home.
After resting one night at Brucefield we proceeded to Newton, where we were kindly received by Mr. Phineas M’Donald and family. I had arranged to give the Sabbath before going to and the one after coming back from Winnipeg, to Newton. On Sabbath we had very encouraging congregations. There was a requisition waiting me at Newton from the congregation at Chesley, adhering to the Associate Synod of North America, and with which our Synod has had friendly correspondence, wishing me to conduct a service for them. As I could not give a Sabbath I arranged to visit them on Monday, on my way to Owen Sound. We met in their own church, which is a beautiful building, where a large and appreciative congregation assembled. Several of the office-bearers had a consultation with me anent joining our Church. They wished to know if, in the event of their joining our body, could we supply them with a minister or student. I explained that I had no authority to give any promise, but that I was positive the Church at home would do all in her power to help them in their trying circumstances. Whether they join or not, I am sure they have our deepest sympathies, for they are contending, like ourselves, with many difficulties in a backsliding generation.
On Tuesday I started for Winnipeg by Owen Sound and the Great Lakes. The sail up these lakes is through unsurpassed scenery, and reminds one of some parts of the Highlands of Scotland. We arrived at Fort William, Thursday morning. The run up between Fort William and Winnipeg is very bleak and monotonous, passing through large tracts of forest all day. We reached Winnipeg about 10.30 p.m. on Thursday, and was met at the station by a host of friends by whom I was warmly received. During my stay in this large city I enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. William Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair is a native of Wick, and Mrs. Sinclair is from Braeval, Daviot. Winnipeg, as a city, is growing by leaps and bounds, and is destined to become one of the largest on the American Continent. It is situated about half-way between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. I spent three Sabbaths in Manitoba—two in Winnipeg and one in Carman. My first Sabbath was in Winnipeg. We met in the Scott Memorial Hall, where large congregations assembled, both English and Gaelic. A most promising feature of this congregation is the splendid attendance of old and young at the weekly prayer meetings. The congregation is in a flourishing condition, and under the indefatigable labours of Mr. William Matheson, student, is steadily growing. The Church is indebted to Mr. Matheson for the interest he has taken in this important Mission, and I trust the Committee will provide some suitable person by next year to take his place so that he may be able to come to Scotland to finish his studies. Our meetings seem to be a house of refuge for many in that city, for no less than ten or eleven denominations are represented in the congregation. A large number of Dutch people, and several Baptists from England, are worshipping regularly with us, and are a great help to the congregation. The want of a Gaelic service is keenly felt by the Highlanders, and it would, no doubt, be a great advantage in many ways if such a service was kept. I got Mr. Lachlan Ross, elder, to promise to hold a Gaelic prayer meeting each Sabbath in future.
On my first Sabbath in Winnipeg, I intimated (D.v.) the Communion would be dispensed a fortnight hence, and that the usual preparatory week-day services would be held. I also requested those who were formerly members of the Free Presbyterian Church to give in their names, so that a Communion roll be properly made up and kept; also, that those desiring the privilege of communicating with us would meet with us at the close of any of the week-day services. I explained that, though the Free Presbyterian Church did not hold by close communion, yet we did not grant this privilege indiscriminately, and that on account of the general denial in our day of the principal doctrines of grace, I thought it necessary to draw up a series of questions regarding these doctrines, which all who desired the privilege would have to answer. I considered this step necessary and trust the Church will approve of my action.
The following Sabbath I went to Carman, which is about 60 miles west of Winnipeg. I stayed with Mrs. Taylor. She and her sister, Mrs. MacIntyre, and their sister-in-law, Mrs. Campbell, are our principal followers there, and are very anxious that our ministers should visit them, and though our following there at present is small, they hope that like the vine which was brought from Egypt, the Free Presbyterian Church may take root and grow. I have no doubt the Church will do all in her power to help them to realise their laudable object. On Sabbath we met in a small school in the afternoon, which was crowded, and in the evening, a few met in Mr. Campbell’s house. Mr. Campbell is a brother of Mrs. Taylor, natives of Knapdale, Argyllshire. He is one of the largest farmers in Manitoba, and though not professedly with us, he has kindly opened his house on several occasions for our meetings, for which we are greatly obliged to him.
On Tuesday I returned to Winnipeg to begin the services on Thursday preparatory to the Communion. It was a pleasure to see the young men leaving off their work to attend the services during the week days. On Sabbath a large congregation assembled. About thirty sat at the Lord’s table. Of these, three had come forward for the first time, and a few wished to have the privilege. I was led to understand afterwards that this was a profitable season, at least to some.
On Monday a congregational meeting was held in the evening after the service for the purpose of appointing a Managing Committee. Five were elected to act on this Committee, and it was agreed that power be given them that in the event of a church being built or bought, to appoint a certain number of themselves to act as trustees of the property. This finished my labours in Manitoba and I immediately left by train, sorry to part with dear friends there.
Winnipeg, which is known as “the door to the Far West,” is a most interesting and important station, and I would earnestly impress upon the Synod to attend to the interests of the congregation. With a congregation established at Winnipeg, the interests of the Far West, to which thousands of our fellow countrymen are emigrating annually, might be attended to from this centre. Before leaving Winnipeg a requisition was sent me from Fort-William wishing me to preach there, but as this came too late, I was sorry I could not comply.
My return journey was made in beautiful weather, and I arrived safely at Newton on Thursday evening. On Sabbath, which was my last Sabbath in Canada, our congregation was even larger than on the former occasion.
In taking a general survey of the Ontario congregation, I would be sorry to say one word which in the least would discourage our people, who are faithfully and steadfastly adhering to their principles, yet I cannot say that the prospects are very bright. For one thing, all our elders except one are well beyond the allotted span, and will soon be called away to their rest, and unless others are raised up in their place, the cause is bound to suffer. But this is no reason why our people should be discouraged, for He who raised up the present elders “is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” As you noticed, they are presenting a call to Mr. Beaton, and they are hopeful he may accept it.
In the present state of Canada—particularly in view of the proposed Union which is likely to take place soon between the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, and which, like all other Unions, is not likely to be accepted by all parties—it would be very desirable that we should have a minister settled there. I hope to see the day when we shall have not one only but several in this great Dominion.
My labours, which were many and varied in the Mission, were now at an end, and I could not help being pleased at the idea of soon returning home to my family and congregation. After visiting the friends at Brucefield and Egmondville, I started on Wednesday for Toronto. Mr. Clark and a few others accompanied me to the station at Seaforth, and I confess I felt pained at parting with my dear friends, whom I hope never to forget. I spent Wednesday night in Toronto, and stayed with Mr. and Mrs. John M’Leod, both natives of Stornoway, by whom I was kindly entertained. There are some in Toronto who are anxious that our Deputy should give them a Sabbath, and I expect a requisition to this effect will be sent to the Church by next year. On Thursday, accompanied by Mr. Roderick Campbell, a son of Mr. James Campbell, builder, Inverness, I visited the Falls of Niagara, which is a most wonderful sight. On Thursday night I left for Quebec, where I arrived on Friday afternoon, and sailed that evening on board the “Empress of Ireland” for Liverpool, which place we reached safely the following Friday. We had a strong gale all the way across the Atlantic, which no doubt made our passage rather unpleasant.
Before closing I ought to humbly acknowledge the manifold goodness of the Lord in His care over me. As you know, my health was in rather a precarious state before leaving, but under His good hand, my trip across the ocean restored me to my wonted health. I was very much struck on opening the daily paper at Quebec to find that a serious railway accident, involving the death of several people, had happened a few miles from the track which I had just travelled, yet here I was, and not a hair of my head injured.
It now remains for me to give an account of my expenses. From Ontario I received $400, from Detroit $60, from Winnipeg $85, and from Carman $16, making a total of $561, or in English money about £114. After paying for travelling expenses and pulpit supply during my absence, there was a balance of £10 2s., which I have handed to Mr. Clunas to be applied to the Sustentation Fund. I also received several sums for various schemes of the Church, which have been already acknowledged in the Magazine.