AT Gartmore, Helmsdale, early in January, 1932, there passed away Miss Betsy Sutherland, a loyal and worthy member of our Helmsdale congregation. “Betty” (as she was familiarly called), was eighty-eight years of age, and lived all her days at Gartmore. In her early days she came under the powerful gospel ministry of the Revs. A. Finlayson and J. Macdonald, Helmsdale. Many souls heard the glad tidings from these servants of Christ. From her youth she manifested a lively interest in divine things and could say, “I am companion to all those who fear, and Thee obey.” The fruits of the Holy Spirit’s work in regenerating her soul were evident. She was thirsty for the water of life. With such beloved friends as the late Mrs. Johnstone, Portgower, and Miss Betty Murray, she joyed in going up to the house of God. Her place there was never vacant, except when illness prevented. For about seventy years she was a regular attendant at the various communion gatherings in the three Northern Counties. Prominent features in her character were, modesty and humility, with love to the Lord, His Word, people and cause, together with a deep sense of the plague of her own heart.
Betty saw many changes in the religious life of the community during her long pilgrimage and she grieved because of the sad apostasy from truth. In 1893 she followed those who stood for truth at the passing of the infamous Declaratory Act—an Act that has proved to be the opening of a flood-gate for unscriptural teaching and practice in Scotland.
The writer and two friends visited her during the last communion season, prior to her death. The infirmities of old age had overtaken her. Memory was gone (for the things of the world) and she could hardly recognise former acquaintances. The 17th chapter of John was read. Her memory did not fail there, for she went before the reader, audibly repeating every word. The 23rd Psalm was sung and she heartily joined in this. As the friends were leaving her little cottage, she came to the door, and, having bidden them farewell she lifted up her hands, saying—
“One thing I of the Lord desired,
And will seek to obtain,
That all days of my life I may
Within God’s house remain:
That I the beauty of the Lord
Behold may and admire,
And that I in his holy place
May reverently enquire.
For He in His pavilion shall
Me hide in evil days;
In secret of His tent me hide
And on a rock me raise,”—
adding “O, may we all get in there” (to His pavilion).
Ripe in age and ripe in grace she ended her journey here. Those who speak to our congregations feel the loss of the presence, prayers, and sympathy of such. May a witnessing generation arise. “Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”—W. G.