BY THE REV. D. M. MACDONALD, SYNOD DEPUTY.
THE following Report was read by the Convener of the Canadian Mission Committee at the recent Meeting of Synod:—
MODERATOR AND BRETHREN,—Having had the honour of being asked by the Canadian Mission Committee to act as Church Deputy to our stations in Canada, for one year, I at first felt disinclined to go, for various reasons, but at length concluded that it was my duty to accede to the request of the Committee. After I had completed necessary arrangements I embarked at Glasgow, on the 9th of May, on the T.S.S. “Cassandra,” for Montreal. Through the influence of Mr. M’Coll, one of our esteemed elders in Glasgow, I got a large stateroom reserved for myself alone during the voyage, and was treated with the utmost consideration by all on board. The voyage was uneventful. On the whole the weather was fine, with the exception of one or two days when the sea was fairly rough. Among the impressions that the wide, rolling Atlantic gives one, the most vivid is the weakness of man and the mighty power of the deep. Nowhere does one feel so helpless in the power of the elements as on the ocean. The infinite power of God is brought vividly home to the mind by the vastness of the ocean and its endless succession of waves.
On the second Sabbath at sea I conducted a short Gaelic service, in the forecastle, for the benefit of the sailors, most of whom were Highlanders, and also distributed some tracts among them, which they seemed to appreciate. Services were conducted in the music room for the passengers, of whom there were possibly up to four hundred on board, by a lay missionary. The purser asked me to conduct the services, but knowing that our form of conducting public worship would not appeal to the passengers, I asked him to excuse me.
Near the Banks of Newfoundland we encountered many icebergs and a huge icefield. One instinctively felt that the ice was near, although at first invisible, owing to the coldness of the air. The S.S. “Hesperian” passed us on the voyage, and got caught in an icefield far ahead of us. Our captain, being warned, changed his course, with the result that we cleared the icefield nicely. Soon after this we met with heavy fog, which kept us almost a day behind in reaching Montreal. The sail up the St. Lawrence, which is a magnificent river, was most enjoyable. About a week after we passed over it, one of the most tragic disasters on record took place below Quebec. The “Empress of Ireland” was rammed by the collier “Storstadt,” and sunk with a loss of over one thousand lives. Most distressing scenes were witnessed when the vessel began to sink. Some of those on board were killed by falling spars; many were in their berths at the moment of collision
and had no chance of escape; husbands were separated from their wives, and parents from their children, never to meet again in time. Like the loss of the “Titanic” this dreadful event created a profound impression amongst all classes of people. The lamentable occurrence enforces in the most solemn manner the lesson taught by the Lord Jesus in these words, “Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.”
Quebec was reached on Tuesday the 19th of May. It is a quaint, old-fashioned town. The religion of the citizens could be at once recognised by the careful observer as being Roman Catholic, through the number of priests and nuns walking about. We arrived in Montreal the following day, and I entrained in the evening for Toronto, which I reached on Thursday morning, and was met by Mr. Roderick Campbell, whose guest I was during my brief stay in this fine city. My thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell for their kind hospitality.
East Williams.—On Friday the 22nd of May, I arrived at Ailsa Craig, where I was met by some of our kind friends from East Williams—Messrs. M’Kay, Leslie, and Ross. Mr. Leslie conveyed me to my destination. On Sabbath the 24th of May, I began my work in Ontario by preaching to the congregation of East Williams. I officiated here for two Sabbaths. The weather was favourable and the attendances were fairly good. It was with sorrow that I learned, very soon after my arrival, that Mrs. C. Henderson, a worthy member of this congregation, had died, and expressed the hope before she departed that if I should not see her in life I would manage to be present so as to conduct the funeral service. Her wish in this respect was realised. Mrs. Henderson was very much attached to the Church and to its testimony. The large and representative gathering at the funeral testified to the general esteem in which she was held in the community. Since coming to Winnipeg I have been informed that two other highly-respected persons belonging to the Williams congregation have been removed by death—Mrs. Leslie and Mr. Menzies of Ailsa Craig. We extend our deepest sympathy to the surviving relatives of all these.
Brucefield.—From Williams I proceeded to Brucefield, where I conducted services for one Sabbath. During my stay I enjoyed the hospitality of Mrs. Mustard and her daughters, and had the pleasure of having daily fellowship with Mrs. Forrest, who now resides with Mrs. Mustard. I met here, Mr. Clark, our worthy elder and his wife. They came down to the services from Egmondville, which is a short distance from Brucefield. I am glad to say that Mr. Clark was sufficiently strong to be present at most of the stations with me.
Lochalsh.—Leaving Brucefield, for the time being, I journeyed to Lochalsh, and remained four Sabbaths. The attendances at the different services were, on the whole, good, strangers being
present at nearly all of them. There being some in this district who liked Gaelic, I conducted, for their benefit, a short Gaelic service every Sabbath. The Communion services were conducted during the last week of June, and were well attended throughout. On the Sabbath morning there was a very large congregation, many belonging to other churches in the district being present. This being my first Communion service as a minister I had fears to contend with, but might say with Paul, who on one memorable occasion had no one to stand with him and was deserted by all, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . . and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” The attention and orderliness of all present were commendable, and I felt myself sustained in body and soul throughout the services. Unfortunately the weather broke on Sabbath forenoon, and this interfered with the evening attendance. I have reason to believe that to some, at least, this Communion season was a time of quickening and encouragement.
Kincardine.—My next station was Kincardine, where I preached two Sabbaths. The services were conducted in a hall in the town and were well attended, many of the Lochalsh friends being present each Sabbath. While here, I visited some who take an interest in our cause. To Mr. and Mrs. Hugh M’Kenzie and family I have to express my indebtedness for their great kindness to me during my stay with them. In the presence of congenial company the time passed by quickly in Kincardine, and as I had to preach two more Sabbaths in Lochalsh I returned thither and conducted services on the last Sabbath of July and the first Sabbath of August. Part of my time was devoted to visiting the people of our congregation, and, I think, I managed to visit all of them before I left, as well as some who did not belong to our charge. My visits were received with the greatest cordiality. Mr. Murdoch Matheson, in his usual obliging and kindly manner, drove me on my visiting rounds. While in this district I was most hospitably entertained by Mrs. and Miss Matheson, who spared no pains to make me as comfortable as possible. I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Matheson has had a severe attack of illness since the New Year, but I trust she is now feeling stronger, and hope she will long be spared to welcome future Deputies to Lochalsh.
The services here, each Lord’s day, are, in the meantime, being conducted by Mr. D. Macdonald, who is studying with a view to the ministry of the Church.
Newton.—Taking farewell of the kind friends in Lochalsh, in the first week of August I proceeded to Newton, and preached here on the 9th and on the 16th of August. Our people here are very few, and one could not expect large congregations. There were, however, fair attendances, and at the last service conducted there was a large gathering of people, taking into consideration that the population here is not very numerous. I conducted two week-night services in the house of Mr. Phineas Macdonald, whose guest I
was, and visited those in this district who are sympathetic with our cause. To Mr. Macdonald and his family circle of son and daughter I have to express my thanks for their very kind hospitality.
Chesley.—Our elders having decided that some help should be given to the Rev. Mr. Scott, Chesley, arranged that I should preach one Sabbath there. I am sorry to say that Mr. Scott, owing to severe illness, could not assist me at the various Communions. He is now, I am pleased to say, much stronger. I found Chesley to be a charming town, finely situated on the banks of the Chesley river. It may be reckoned one of the prettiest towns in Canada. I preached twice during the Lord’s day that I officiated here, and enjoyed the freedom of the Spirit in addressing this congregation. Accompanied by Mr. Scott I visited most of the people, and was kindly received by them. In the kind companionship of Mr. and Mrs. Scott, and the latter’s sister, Miss Macdonald, who did all in their power for my comfort, my short stay in Chesley soon came to an end, and I then returned to Brucefield to complete my programme for this station.
Brucefield.—I resumed my labours in Brucefield on the last Sabbath of August, and as the Communion services had been arranged for the first Sabbath of September, I began these services on Thursday the 3rd of September. There was a goodly gathering of friends from different parts of Ontario and some from the States. All were kindly accommodated by Mrs. Mustard and Mrs. Forrest. As at Lochalsh the burden on me here was a heavy one, but I was comfortably sustained throughout the services. I daresay there were more of the Lord’s people present at this Communion service than at either of the others. This is chiefly accounted for by the fact that Brucefield is in a central place, and travelling facilities to and from it are very convenient. I venture to hope that this was a season of fellowship and edification. Our elders, Mr. Clark of Egmondville and Mr. Scott of Lobo, were able to be present and rendered me no little help. Owing to the removal of Mrs. Forrest and Mrs. Mustard to Chesley, Brucefield is a station that will, I am afraid, have to be dropped out of future programmes in so far as Communion services are concerned. There are now only two or three persons in this district connected with our Church. Brucefield was much honoured at one time in having as its minister such an outstanding and faithful man of God as the late Rev. John Ross, who was strongly opposed to departures in doctrine and practice from the standards of the Church as embodied in the Confession of Faith and relative documents; and it is to be regretted that in a place where such a strong testimony was raised for the truth there should now be so few to follow the consistent example of the late Mr. Ross. It will rest with the local committee to decide whether services are to be held here in the future or not. Mr. Baird, our precentor in this district, will be able to offer good practical advice as to what can be done. During my stay here Mrs. Mustard and her daughters were most
attentive to all my wants and made me feel quite at home. I am much indebted to them for their kindness.
East Williams.—My engagement in Brucefield having now terminated, I turned my face once more towards East Williams, my first station, and resumed my work on Sabbath the 13th day of September. I continued preaching here for four Sabbaths, and conducted Communion services from the 24th to the 28th of September. The weather was favourable throughout, and the attendances at the various services were fairly good. Death has within recent years removed not a few from this congregation. Some from the other stations were present during the Communion season. I think I can say that I spoke with a measure of freedom throughout the services. For the benefit of Mrs. Leslie, to whom reference has been made, and who by reason of the infirmities of old age could not come to church, a service was held in her house during one of the evenings of the Communion season. I daresay this was the last service in which Mrs. Leslie took part as a worshipper. While here I had the pleasure of being the guest, for a short time, of Mr. M’Leish and family, and also of Mr. Scott, Lobo, both of whom are the only two elders in this congregation. Mr. M’Leish, although over fourscore years, is, I am glad to say, able to attend church in favourable weather and conduct services, notwithstanding that he has to drive nine or ten miles to do so. I visited nearly all of our people in this district and received a kind welcome from them. To Messrs. Leslie and Ross I have to express my thanks for kindly driving me long distance journeys. While in Williams I stayed with Mr. and Mrs. D. M’Millan, who, along with Mr. M’Millan’s mother, considerately attended to all my wants.
Wardsville.—My next station was Wardsville. I preached here one Sabbath, and was kindly entertained during my short stay by Mr. and Mrs. R. MacLennan, both of whom are very loyal to the Church. I am glad to say that the services were remarkably well attended, the school-house, where they were held, being packed at night. In none of the other places, with the exception of the Communion Sabbath in Lochalsh, did I see so many strangers present at our services as I witnessed in Wardsville. May the Lord raise up amongst them witnesses for himself! It is to be hoped that on future occasions the people of this district will show the same willingness to hear the Word as they did at this time. Before leaving I managed to call on Mr. and Mrs. Maciver, in whose home the Rev. J. R. Mackay conducted a service last season. Wardsville was my last station in Ontario, and I had now to prepare for my journey to the greatest republic in the world. For a short time I should have to reside in a country whose flag, laws, and government are different to those of Canada. Taking leave of my good friends, Mr. MacLennan and his family, I proceeded to Detroit, and, after a three or four hours’ run in the train, arrived there on Tuesday the 13th of October.
Detroit.—Detroit has an interesting history. It was at one time in the hands of the French. It then passed to the British, and finally became the possession of the United States. Finely situated on the Detroit river, it ranks with Washington as one of the most beautiful cities on the American continent. I was met on my arrival here by Mr. and Mrs. R. S. M’Kenzie, and after the usual examination by Customs’ officials, who, I daresay, were somewhat more particular since the outbreak of war, was conveyed by them to their home on the East Grand Boulevard, and under their hospitable roof I remained as their guest during my stay in this city. Mr. M’Kenzie’s devotion to the cause is well known to former Deputies, and he made satisfactory arrangements for the services, which were well attended. I officiated for two Sabbaths in Detroit, and conducted a week-night meeting in the house of Mr. M’Nally, who is firmly attached to our cause. I am led to understand from Mr. M’Kenzie’s observations that the attendances at the various services were the best sustained that we have had as yet in this place. I was pleased to see present some from my own native parish, among whom were Messrs. N. and M. M’Kay, whose aged father is a member of our congregation in Stornoway and resides in Holm. By a capable missionary the congregation here, although small, might be considerably developed. Besides visiting the families belonging to our own charge I managed to visit some others who attended the services, and received a kind welcome from all. To Mrs. M’Kenzie I am much indebted for conveying me in her own automobile on my visiting rounds. In this manner long distances were got over very quickly. It is interesting to know that the sympathy of the great majority of the American people is with our country in the tremendous conflict in which it is engaged at present. Such was the opinion of an American doctor with whom I had a conversation here.
Winnipeg.—Winnipeg—my final destination as Deputy—lies over one thousand miles from Detroit, and having finished my duties in the latter city I parted with my kind host and hostess on Wednesday the 28th of October, and taking train for Sarnia arrived there in the afternoon. A few hours later I embarked on the S.S. “Huronie,” and sailed via the Great Lakes for Port Arthur. Although late in the season the weather was fine and the sail enjoyable. The Lakes are magnificent sheets of fresh water, and are one of the best material gifts lavished on Canada by the Giver of all good. We arrived at Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday, and after a short wait sailed through the fine canal here into Lake Superior. This canal is wide and deep enough to permit very large steamers to pass through. Its importance is apparent when one realizes that vast quantities of grain are transported through it to many different countries. The careful manner in which it was guarded indicated that Canada, like the mother country, was at war. Sentries, in the now well-known khaki uniform, were posted all over it. Such precautions were rendered necessary, with regard
to the many important bridges and canals throughout the Dominion, owing to the close proximity in the States of large numbers of Germans hostile to Britain.
The waters of Lake Superior were a little rough, reminding one of the Minch in a stiff breeze. As evening advanced I saw one of the most magnificent sunsets that one could see. Just as the sun sank below the horizon, the sky changed from a golden to a fiery red colour, and presented almost an awe-inspiring sight, reminding one of the final dissolution of all created things, “when the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
On Friday morning we arrived at Port Arthur, a beautiful town, ideally situated on the shores of Lake Superior. Fort-William is practically a continuation of Port Arthur, but neither so clean nor so pretty as the latter place. Huge grain elevators, capable of holding 7,000,000 bushels, have been erected here for the purpose of storing grain until it is exported. Leaving Port Arthur early in the morning by the Canadian Pacific express, I arrived in Winnipeg at about 8 o’clock in the evening, and was met by Messrs. William and Alexander Sinclair. During my sojourn in the city I lodged with Mr. and Mrs. William Sinclair, both of whom did all in their power to make me comfortable.
Winnipeg is a city that has grown with extraordinary rapidity. Thirty years ago it was a small town. To-day it is a large city, with fine streets, magnificent buildings, and a population of 150,000 inhabitants. In the future it may become the Chicago of Canada. On the first Sabbath of November I began my labours in the great city of the prairies. The congregations in the morning and afternoon were fair, but at night there was a large attendance. Many of our young people are homesteading during the winter and come back to the city late in the spring. This causes the attendances to be less from November to March than they would be if our young men were always residing in the city. On the whole, the attendances at the services throughout the winter have been well sustained. Winnipeg has been a training centre for Canadian soldiers since the autumn, and many soldiers have come into the city from other towns and villages of the west, among them being many from different parts of Scotland. It is with pleasure I record that some of the Highlanders in the army here have been attending the services for some time back. Like their brave and gallant ancestors and their brethren at home, many of the Highlanders in Canada have rallied to the colours in order to defend the homes and hearths of the motherland from the ruthless barbarity of our “cultured” German foes. A short time ago 7,000 soldiers were reviewed here by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, before proceeding to the front, and while it was a thrilling spectacle, witnessed by thousands upon thousands of people, to anybody having the highest interests of the soldiers at heart, it was sufficient to cause tense emotion and to bring tears to the eyes to think that not a few of these brave and stalwart fellows, in the very prime of manhood,
would, in a short time, be struck down mercilessly to death by the shell and the bullet on the fields of France and Belgium. I ask the soldier or sailor who may read this, “You have entered into the service of your earthly King, have you entered into the service of the King of Kings? If not, why not? Christ invites you to enter into His service, and promises you the victory over sin and death, and eternal glory in the world to come. Seek then, my dear friend, to become acquainted with the Lord Jesus, and to enter His service while you have the day of opportunity. Not to do so, is to perish. To do so, is to be eternally saved.”
The vital need in Winnipeg is a church. Once the congregation is in possession of a suitable church to worship in I have no doubt but that, with the blessing of God, it will prosper. There are many Highlanders residing in the city, and in the course of time those of them not connected with other Churches may be gathered into our congregation. People at home willing to help in the extension of the Free Presbyterian Church could do so handsomely by contributing to the Building Fund of our congregation here. Mr. William Sinclair, 400 Victor Street, Winnipeg, is the Treasurer, and he will acknowledge any donations sent to him.
The house owned by the congregation in MacGee Street is an old building, and the tenants have decided to leave it. In view of this, and because it is impossible to get old houses let, the Congregational Committee have resolved to alter the ground floor into a temporary mission hall. This can be done at comparatively small cost. The hall, however, will be rather small, and must be regarded as a temporary expedient to accommodate the people until a church is built. We expect to occupy the hall by the middle of April.
The prospects of the Church here are sufficient to cause the utmost satisfaction to our people at home. It is interesting to know that although the congregation has been the parent of two or three others, its strength has not been diminished to any great extent. While here, I performed the marriage ceremony of Mr. John G. Nicolson and Miss Annie Toll. Mr. Nicolson, I understand, belongs to the island of Skye. Our Communion services have been arranged for the last Sabbath of April, and by the time this report is submitted to the Synod they will be over. I expect to baptize several children before I leave, and, if I am spared to send in another report, I shall, God willing, give details concerning these baptisms and our Communion services here.
Throughout the winter part of my time was taken up in pastoral visitation, and I have to thank the friends in Winnipeg for their kindness to me on my visiting rounds. The weather was at times intensely cold, the mercury going down occasionally to 30 degrees below zero. In the damp climate of Scotland, such a temperature would kill people, but here one does not feel the cold so much as one might feel it in a damper climate of the same temperature. I am thankful to say that I stood the extreme heat of summer and the severe cold of winter very well.
It is encouraging to know that there are several promising young men connected with our congregation here. Messrs. Donald Macleod and Lachlan A. Ross, our elders, are keeping well. The latter now resides in Moosehorn, a district not far from Winnipeg, and conducts services there every Sabbath. I have not seen Mr. Ross yet, but hope to do so shortly. Mr. Malcolm Gillies, who was student-in-charge before I arrived, will, in all likelihood, resume his labours here when I depart. He is at present engaged as a teacher in one of the outlying districts of the province of Manitoba.
In conclusion, I must express my deepest gratitude to our people in Ontario and Detroit for their unexampled hospitality and generosity to me whilst labouring amongst them. May the Lord bless them with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus! Through the goodness of God I have been preserved in health and strength up to the present.
It will be a pleasure to meet our people in the Ontario stations again, as I expect to do, if, by the will of God, I am able to begin anew my labours among them this summer.
ADDENDUM TO REPORT.
As foreshadowed in my report, our new mission hall at Winnipeg was opened on Friday the 16th of April. A short service was conducted at 8.30 p.m., and there was a fair attendance. If we had advertised there might have been more present. Credit is due to Messrs. R. & D. Fraser, who are adherents of our congregation, for the quickness with which they altered the building into a suitable mission hall. It will accommodate comfortably the average congregation and, in addition, up to fifty or sixty more. I managed myself to procure the seating accommodation for the usual numbers present at our services, entirely free, and in this connection I have to express the indebtedness of the congregation first of all to the T. Eaton Company, possessors of the largest stores in Canada, where one can purchase almost anything except intoxicating drinks and tobacco, and whose stores are perhaps the best conducted in America. From the manager of this Company I procured thirty-nine chairs free and a few extra at cost price, to be used in emergencies. Through Miss Wallace, a highly-respected member of the congregation, I got from the Wilson Furniture Company twenty chairs free, and from Robinson & Company I procured twelve free. In these gifts we cannot but see the Lord’s favour towards us, and feel encouraged with regard to our mission here. In the course of time, should the congregation manage to build a church, the chairs at present used in the hall can be used in the basement or hall of the church.
D. M. M.
I VERILY think that they have very much cause to question the truth of their assurance, who know not what it is to have their assurance assaulted strongly by Satan.—Brooks.
Notes of Alexander Gair and Other Worthies.
(Continued from page 29.)
ALEXANDER GAIR.
This eminent man was among the poor as to the things of this present life, though rich toward God. His circumstances sometimes put his faith to a severe trial. One stormy night he was going home with a horse and cart, bearing some corn that friends had given him, when he was led thus to address the Most High: “Lord, there is no scarcity with Thee. It was easy for Thee to have given me a living in a more comfortable way than this.” No sooner did he utter the words than he heard a voice behind him, saying, “It was easy for me to have sent you to hell, though I have not done so.”
He lived for many years of his life in Dunbeath (Caithness), where he died, but at one time he was in Achow, a place some miles further north, though in the same parish of Latheron. Here he was on one occasion much pressed for the necessaries of life. His wife gave the children at supper-time all that was in the house, except a little she kept for the benefit of the youngest children in the morning. Breakfast time drawing near, she said to Sandy, “I wonder you are not looking out for something, as you know there’s nothing in the house for breakfast.” “Put you on a fire,” he replied, “and we shall see.” A few minutes later a lady of means (Mrs. Gordon, Swiney House), came with a cart and a bag of meal. When she came up, she told Sandy that she had a good deal of difficulty in getting the horse and cart in the morning, as her man-servant was busy working with them, and thus unwilling to give them, but she would not take a refusal. “Oh,” said Sandy, “he was unable to keep them back.”
(To be continued.)
Mission to Fishermen’s Reports.
REV. NEIL MACINTYRE, Convener of the Mission to Fishermen’s Committee, read the following reports at Synod from the Deputies (Messrs. Malcolm Macleod and Angus Mackinnon, missionaries,) to Fraserburgh and Peterhead, respectively, during the fishing season in the summer of 1914.
MR. M. MACLEOD’S REPORT RE FRASERBURGH MISSION.
SWAINBOST,
NESS, 2nd November, 1914.
As a Deputy to one of the fishing stations, I left Stornoway, on Wednesday night, 10th June, and arrived the following evening at Fraserburgh. The best part of Friday was spent looking for
lodgings, which I secured with the same lady as Rev. Mr. Matheson had the previous year.
On the first Sabbath the morning service began at 11 a.m. and the evening service at 6 p.m. The hall, which we had engaged, proved to be too small. When the hallkeeper was consulted he refused the large hall, but promised to supply us with seats and chairs. After all, the people were turning away for want of room, some of them, it is to be feared, taking occasion to sleep in their beds, others probably to profane the Sabbath in walking. It is plain the fortifications of prayer are not to any marked extent round Fraserburgh. Satan’s seat is there. On Monday, I held a service in one of the fisherwomen’s rooms, but still this arrangement was not convenient on account of the number that gathered. I also held worship in their rooms mostly every night. I could not possibly attend to all the appeals made to me in this respect. It was encouraging to see how attentively they listened. One would think that, as in Ezekiel’s vision, bone came to his bone, that sinews and flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them, but still, to all appearance, there was no breath in them. May the Lord breathe upon these slain that they may live!
Our men and women from Stoer and other places in Sutherlandshire, as also from Knock, Melbost, North Tolsta, and Ness, Lewis, and others from different places, were very liberal to the cause. To give an instance of their liberality, when it was seen that the door collection was not sufficient to meet the expenses of the hall and deputy, they collected privately among themselves enough to meet all expenses.
I gave an account of the Income and Expenditure to the Rev. Neil Macintyre, Stornoway.
May the Lord bless to poor perishing sinners these humble efforts!—Yours truly,
—MALCOLM MACLEOD.
MR. A. MACKINNON’S REPORT RE PETERHEAD MISSION.
LAIDE, AULTBEA, 9th April, 1915.
Rev. NEIL MACINTYRE,
Free Presbyterian Manse, Stornoway.
REV. AND DEAR SIR,—I would like to draw your attention to a very brief report of our situation as a Church in Peterhead, where I was sent as a deputy during the months of June and July, 1914. Our meetings were held in the Rescue Hall, Prince Street, both on Sabbaths and week-days. Our Church people were not very numerous in Peterhead last summer—only sixty in number—but at the same time our hall was always crowded with people from other denominations. I found it very pleasant to be labouring among the fisher people. I have to confess that it was the happiest time that I have experienced since twenty years. I fully believe that it was a time of refreshing to the souls of those that
hunger and thirst after righteousness. One would feel as if the breath of the Spirit were breathing among the people when they would gather in hundreds to the place of worship. One could not but rejoice in his soul in seeing various persons who left their homes without God and without hope in the world, of whom it was true, from their own confession, that in Peterhead they heard the voice of Him who is mighty to save, and who can alone quicken the “dead in trespasses and sins.” I could see them in the meetings and while visiting them during the week at their lodgings, like Ephraim, bemoaning himself for the sins of his youth. And although the fishing was a great failure to everyone, I fully believe that there were many persons who could cherish the hope that it was the happiest and the most prosperous season ever they had for their souls.
“And it of Sion shall be said,
This man and that man there
Was born; and he that is Most High,
Himself shall establish her.
When God the people writes, he’ll count
That this man born was there.
There be that sing and play; and all
My well-springs in thee are.”
We had eight weeks of sweet fellowship with one another, but little did we think that in regard to some, it would be the last on earth. We could really utter the words, “It is good for us to be here.” But on the Sabbath morning, the 26th July, we were suddenly roused up, as the Saviour said to His followers while on earth, “Arise, let us go hence.” I personally parted, on the 27th July, at Peterhead station, with many friends and also with my oldest brother, never to meet again until the Great Day. But if we were clothed with the best robe and the ring on our hand and shoes on our feet, we would be gathered yet, by the voice of our Beloved, among the outcasts of Israel and the dispersed of Judah, in the kingdom above, never to depart any more, where the Lord Jehovah will wipe all tears from the eyes of His people.
Regarding income and expenditure, the people paid all our expenses for the season. We had also two special collections—one to meet the expenses of sending home to Lewis the corpse of the lad who was drowned in Peterhead Harbour; and the second, in order to help Mr. Kenneth Paterson, from the parish of Barvas, Lewis, who was in the Hospital at Stornoway in ill-health, and had a large family in poor circumstances in the world.
Trusting you and your family are in your usual health, I am thankful to say that we are all well as a family.—I am, Rev. Sir,
yours, etc.,
ANGUS MACKINNON.
WICK MISSION TO THE FISHERMEN.
In the absence of the Rev. Norman Matheson, Halkirk, the Rev. D. Beaton reported, in regard to the Wick Mission, that Mr.
Matheson had been appointed to supply Gaelic services during the fishing season at this port. There were good attendances at the services, and at the very time when the War broke out, there was promise of a very prosperous fishing, and the men were looking forward with hope to the successful prosecution of their calling, little realising how near the great catastrophe was which was to shake the civilised world. The thought that so many of the men who were at Wick are now on battleships, confronted with an unscrupulous enemy, and that some of them have already found graves in the great deep, is a solemnising memory to all who remember the early days in August when our brave seamen received orders to join their ships. Our prayers go with them, and may that God who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, be their shield and defence, and turn their thoughts to Himself in every time of need. In regard to the financial side of the Mission, it was gratifying to be able to report that the expenses were less this year, and that, had it not been for the War, the Mission would have easily paid its way. As it was, 15/- were required from the Organisation Fund to meet the deficit.