IT is with the deepest regret we have to record the removal of John Macdonald, elder, Lionel, Ness, from the ranks of the church militant to the church triumphant. The loss to the cause has left a blank not easily filled. Nothing, of course, is impossible to Him who can call into being the things that are not, and there is much need. May He hasten the day!
He can bring the showers upon the reaped fields of Ness, of which
Many years ago—long before the advent of the Free Presbyterian Church—Mr. Macdonald realised that here he had no continuing city, and from that time he was a consistent man of prayer, seeking the city that hath foundations. So that the call, “Arise, let us go hence,” although sudden, found him on the watch tower—“What I say unto you I say unto all men, Watch.” Physically, he was healthy and robust, and lived an active life. But since the premature death of his very excellent son, an engineer to trade, fast rising to eminence in his profession, he was perceptibly failing, and more especially was this observed after the death of his amiable and exemplary Christian wife, who died seven years ago. But, notwithstanding his loss of vigour and activity, he was not thought to be more frail than would be expected of a person of his years (74). And although he was obliged to take to his bed a week or two before the end, no one felt that his trouble was anything more serious than a passing cold. Indeed, the household had concluded he was much better, and would soon be up and about as usual, when, without the slightest warning, while his very devoted daughter-in-law was in attendance, he passed away on the morning of the 19th of December to, we believe, his eternal rest. The startling suddenness cast a very deep gloom over the whole district, and the funeral, notwithstanding the very inclement weather, was the largest seen in recent times at Ness, several friends from Stornoway being present, with Rev. N. Macintyre, who conducted the funeral service at the deceased’s house.
Mr. Macdonald was a native of Lionel, where he conducted a business as general merchant, and was intimately well known, earning the respect and fullest confidence of all who dealt with him.
He never allowed his name to be put forward as candidate for a seat on any of the public bodies, but his counsel and guidance were esteemed highly by the people of the parish.
In the church he was equally backward. He several times declined office after elections to the eldership. On the last occasion, however, he accepted the office. He explained he had made up his mind to do what another man elected to the same office would do, when the passage, “What is that to thee? follow thou me” appealed to him so strongly that he accepted the office independent of what others would do.
His reticent disposition, however, even before he took office, never prevented him from doing his duty when, from any cause, the highly-respected missionary of the congregation could not be present. And the services rendered were always appreciated. With much pressure he would occasionally be prevailed upon to rise on the Friday, when he would speak appropriately and to the point, but never too long.
He acted as the precentor in the congregation since its origin in a very efficient manner, and several times, before failing in health, held singing classes, and thus kept the singing in the congregation above the general average. In this sphere alone it will be difficult to fill his place. His melodious voice will be much missed in leading the praise at Ness.
He was ever mindful of his duty to the sick and bereaved, and was a most welcome visitor to those houses visited by sickness or bereavement. Since he first embraced the testimony of 1893 he did not for a single hour waver in his allegiance and support of the Church, notwithstanding the several testing trials permitted to come over her. He attended the first Communion held on the island in connection with the Free Presbyterian Church. This was at Stornoway in February, 1894, when the congregation experienced the greatest difficulty in getting a place to hold the service in. The Drill Hall, it was found at the last moment, was not available, although the services were intimated in the hope of getting it, and it looked like that the services would have to be cancelled. On the Monday, however, the late Mr. R. D. Mackenzie, Cromwell Street, was approached for his large yard on Kenneth Street, which he readily granted. This yard was but partially closed in, and the inclement state of the weather, several inches of snow being on the ground at the time, did not make it an inviting place for such a purpose. But our respected townsman, ex-Provost Mackenzie, and his late kind brother, came to the rescue, and supplied, free of charge, the loan of the material required to close it temporarily, and a willing gang of workers had the place transformed into a church in time for the service to begin on Thursday. It was seated for 500, and it was fully occupied all the time in comfort. The officiating clergymen were Mr. Macfarlane, Dingwall, and the late Mr. MacDonald, Shieldaig. Mr. MacDonald carried away deep and lasting impressions and experiences of the occasion, of which he often spoke afterwards. We have but very few left now of the number who witnessed then for Christ at the first Free Presbyterian communion in Lewis. The very substantial building in which the Ness congregation worship now at Lionel was opened several years ago, practically free of debt, and this was largely due to the deceased’s keen and unfailing interest in the Building Fund, of which he was in charge.
He leaves two sons, both married, to mourn his loss. The eldest holds the honourable position of H.M. Inspector of Schools at Glasgow, while the other, who is an engineer to trade, succeeds to the holding and business, where he now resides. While we know the young occupants of the home will welcome friends of the cause, as they have seen their worthy parents do, still we must say there will be something wanting when Mr. John Macdonald and his very kind wife are not there to receive them.
May the Lord grant them His loving kindness and comfort in their bereavement, and make them His own in Christ Jesus. “Be ye also ready.”
A. M’K.