DURING the last two years the Wick congregation has lost several members by death; and it is with sincere sorrow that now the removal of a worthy elder, Robert Sinclair, remains to be recorded. Death is leaving many vacant places in our midst, the Lord’s cause being thus left poorer and weaker in these perilous times.
Inspector Sinclair was born on 3rd February, 1866, at Bruan, on the east coast of Caithness. His fathers’ name was George Sinclair. He doubtless received a Christian training and example when young, under the roof of his parents, his mother being known as a God-fearing woman.
When twenty-four years of age, he joined the Caithness Constabulary; and in 1908 he was promoted to Wick as Sergeant and served with that rank until 1916, when he was made Inspector at Thurso. On his retiral from police service in 1922, it was said of him, “a more efficient and conscientious officer was not to be found in the Constabulary.”
It seems that the spiritual change wrought in him took place during his police service in Wick. Our information is, that when he came to the town he was a regular attender at the means of grace; but not till after the death of a young child in his family was he observed to be seriously impressed with eternal realities. About this time he related to his minister, that he was formerly full of ambition, anxious to get on and have a place in the world, when all of a sudden the Most High by one stroke of His hand gave him to see the vanity of all worldly honours under the sun.
Discussing his return to Wick from Halkirk (where he had been resident since his retiral until four years ago) he remarked to one of the elders regarding Wick Church — “So well might I have a love to this Church, for I could go to the very spot where I was brought to see the vanity of the world.”
He became a member of Wick congregation in October, 1911. After some persuasion he consented to accept the office of the eldership in October, 1915.
In his walk and conversation, it was clear that he bore the marks of one taught of the Holy Spirit and who truly believed upon the Lord Jesus. He loved the Gospel, which meant to him the preaching of the whole counsel of God, and did not hide his appreciation of the same. In his relationships with others, he was dignified yet kindly to young and old; and was a most kind and affectionate father. In a letter to his grandson in Manchester, written a day or so before he took ill, the following occurs — “Hope you are always saying your prayers night and morning and don’t forget to read your Bible.” He was guarded in his speech, few being more careful than he to put a watch upon his mouth and to keep of his lips the door.
The testimony bound up with the Free Presbyterian Church was near his heart and to it he adhered faithfully to the end. Many enjoyed the hearty manner in which he lead the singing in God’s house. It became increasingly evident in his exercises that sin was his burden and God’s mercy his only hope.
The Lord in His all wise providence saw fit to allow sore trials to come his way, especially during the latter years of his life; and he himself began to show indications of ill-health, although he may have appeared robust to casual observers; yet he did not complain unduly, however, or cause his troubles to be burdensome to others. It was while visiting a sick relative in the country that he was struck down by the trouble which in a few days took him away. He passed away at the age of 67 years, on the Sabbath evening of 15th October, 1933, to enjoy an eternal Sabbath with his Lord and Saviour.
The Wick Congregation and the Church have sustained a great loss. May the Lord Jesus Christ, as Head of His own Church, heal the breaches being made, in raising others by His grace to be witnesses for Himself. We would commend the sorrowing son and daughter, and other mourning relatives, to the God of all Comfort and to the Word of His Grace.—Robert R. Sinclair.