THE first service of the Free Presbyterian Church in Helmsdale, was held in 1893. The preacher was the late Rev. J. S. Sinclair, Glasgow, and the precentor was the late John Davidson, the subject of this brief obituary notice. John was a native of Ardersier, Inverness-shire. From the time of his marriage, over 60 years ago, he resided in Portgower. While the time of his call to grace we do not know, information leads us to conclude that in early manhood he was the subject of the effectual working of the Holy Spirit in his soul. From his devotional exercises it was evident that eternity was often in his thoughts. We seldom heard him pray without his quoting the solemn question: “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” He often times spoke of better days in Portgower and Helmsdale, when the fishermen would be seen going to the rocks to pray. Before going to sea they sought the blessing and protection of the Most High in this their lawful calling, and they did not ask in vain. He mourned the apostasy and God-dishonouring teachings and practices which are so prevalent in our land to-day.
In 1920, he was elected to the office of elder, but he did not feel led to accept it. As a precentor he was particularly gifted, singing, we believe, with understanding and with grace. He put off the earthly tabernacle in the eighty-third year of his age, on 2nd November last.
Our Helmsdale congregation will hear his voice no more. May the Lord in sovereign mercy, heal the breaches made among them by his death. With his aged widow (now over 90 years of age), two sons, and relatives, we sympathise in their great loss.—W. G.