WE regret to record the death of Mr. Samuel Porter, a worthy elder of the Free Presbyterian Church in New South Wales, which took place on the 15th September last. Mr. Porter, who was in fellowship with the Rev. Walter Scott when he was in Australia—he has also corresponded since—was a loyal adherent of the old paths, and cherished a warm interest in the prosperity of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
He was accustomed to send an annual donation to our Foreign Mission Fund, and also an occasional one to the Free Presbyterian Magazine, which he read constantly with much appreciation. Mr. Porter was esteemed as a man of truth and uprightness by all who knew him, and his removal is a loss to the Church of God on earth.
He was pre-deceased by his wife, who died in February, 1912. We call the following brief extracts from the Maitland Daily Mercury of 16th September, sent us by the Rev. W. Scott:—”One by one the old pioneers of the district are gradually passing away, the latest death to be recorded being that of Mr. Samuel Porter, sen., a well-known and highly-respected resident of the district for 58 years, who died at his residence, Pitnacree, yesterday afternoon about half-past five o’clock, after a short illness. Death was due to heart failure, brought on by advanced age, the old gentleman having attained his 79th year in March last. The deceased was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, where he was born in the year 1833. He came to the State in 1854, his late wife (who died in February last) being a fellow passenger, and they were married three years later by the Rev. Mr. M’Intyre. He was a very hardworking and industrious man of a sturdy nature and kindly disposition, and was much esteemed by all who knew him. He was untiring at his work, which he followed up early and late, and never knew what a day’s illness was in his life. Although he took no part in public matters he was keenly interested in the welfare and advancement of East Maitland. He was a prominent member of the Free Presbyterian Church, of which he had been an elder for many years. In fact, whatever spare time he had was given to church matters. He led an active and industrious life almost up to the last, being present a few weeks ago at the funeral of the late Mr. A. G. Cullum, when he appeared to be in his usual good health, but he had not been well since, and died as stated from heart failure, though he was conscious up till the last. He leaves a family of six sons and two daughters.”
One of Mr. Porter’s sons is Mayor of East Maitland. There are 37 grandchildren and one great grandchild. We extend to them our deepest sympathy, and pray that the godly example of their esteemed relative may be attended with a blessing from on high to his descendants.
J. S. S.