THE Lord said of His people, “Ye are the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” and this may be said of Donald Ross in his teaching, conversation, and walk in this wilderness, also in his standing for the truth as it is in Jesus. In 1893 when the Free Church tore the banner of the Word of God by the Declaratory Act, and, Rev. D. MacFarlane and Rev. D. Macdonald with others stood for Christ’s cause and truth, Donald Ross cast his lot joyfully with them and was loyal in this stand till the end of his days.
He was born in the island of Bernera, Harris, in the year 1839. When Donald was six years of age his parents and family came to live at Valique, North Uist, and after that removed to Malaglate, Sollas. When a young man Donald went south and worked in Govan for some time. He then came back to Malaglate and married a godly woman who was a great helpmeet to him. She predeceased him many years ago. We cannot give an account of how he was converted or brought under the power of the truth but it was quite clear that he was under the power of the Spirit of God and the truth.
The Free Presbyterian Church appointed him a Missionary at Sollas many years ago. In this calling, he was faithful in his preaching and advice which was always precious to his hearers. In the district both old and young were so attached to him that at communion seasons it would be a pleasant sight to see the people gathering round him at Bayhead and Tarbert, Harris, showing their respect for him as a Christian. It is difficult to realize that one so full of Christian vitality and, so earnest in the Master’s cause here on earth, has now gone to serve Him beyond the range of our earthly vision and has entered on the enjoyment of the love that surpasses knowledge.
He was a fine example of a faithful and earnest churchman, a wise counsellor, a simple true-hearted Christian adoring the doctrine of his Lord and Saviour in all things. Now he has entered into his rest and left behind him in the hearts of his friends the memory of a richly gifted personality, a man who ever cherishes the highest ideals of his work, and, who never gave to his people less than his best.
Donald Ross died at Malaglate on the 7th November, 1934, at the age of ninety-five years. His remains were laid to rest in Clachan Sand Cemetery where many of God’s people lie till the Great Day.
To those nearest and dearest to him we offer our heartfelt and most affectionate sympathy.
Ach eumhn’ is iomradh math a chaoidh bidh air an fhùirean chòir.
(The righteous man’s memorial shall everlasting prove)—Metrical Psalm, exii. 6.—J. MacD.