AFTER two days’ illness, the death, on 15th January 1921, aged 36 years, of Margaret Maciver, wife of Mr John Mackenzie, merchant, Aird, cast a gloom over the whole district, and much sympathy was extended to her sorrowing husband and child. She was a native of North Tolsta, Lewis. In 1916 she was married to Mr John Mackenzie.
About the age of 17, under a sermon preached by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Inverness, she was convinced of her lost state. Deliverance came some time thereafter, and ultimately she became a communicant. The portion of the Truth that brought relief to her soul, in her 18th year, was Psalm lxi. 5-7. These verses she sang with great power before she died, and added that they were, by God, blessed to her to the saving of her soul. After she had sung these verses, she enjoined upon all who were in the room to prepare for the eternity upon which she was about to enter. She also remarked that, like Paul, she was about to finish her course, and that she had kept the faith. She was conscious to the last.
She expressed her disapproval of the use of strong drink at funerals, and gave very strict orders that no alcohol should be given at her funeral. This was strictly carried out by her husband. There were, in that district, three funerals about the same time, at which no whisky was given. It is to be hoped that the prevalent practice of alcohol at funerals will cease throughout the whole parish.
The deceased’s mortal body was interred in Gairloch Church-Yard, beside her two infant children. The funeral was very largely attended.
Very appreciative references were, at the time, made in various newspapers to the death of Mrs Mackenzie, and the esteem in which she was held in the locality. There also it was stated that the minister of the Gairloch Free Presbyterian congregation pathetically referred, on the Sabbath after her death, to the very solemn event, and expressed the sorrow of the congregation with the husband and young son.
To the husband and child, and the other relatives, we extend our sympathy. May the Most High be their portion, and their stay and strength. D. M’K.