THE subject of this obituary notice was for many years a devoted servant of the Free Presbyterian Church. He came of people who were outstanding for godliness, his father and his uncle being well-known as pillars in the Harris congregation. Of his uncle, it could be said that he was one of the veteran pioneers, who used to walk every mile in all weathers, before the days of mechanical vehicles, receiving very little financial reward, as the Church was by no means rich in those days. John MacLeod was imperturbable, and was respected as having genuine Christianity. His nephew surpassed his father and uncle in utterance and ability, shining especially at Communion times on the Friday, when called to speak to the Question. His prayers were also edifying, and as a leader of the praises of the Sanctuary he will be much missed. We believe he is now singing on Mount Zion above. When the assembly was largest, his leading of the praise of God was most acceptable. His strong voice was one of his many talents, which were consecrated to a sacred use. Although like the rest of Adam’s lost race by nature, “foolish, disobedient, deceived,” he made profession of a saving change in his life, and gladdened the heart of his father by going forward to the Lord’s Table.
As he had been a commercial traveller and Parish Councillor, he was not lacking in business acumen and was most orderly in Church matters. Having been ordained to the Eldership, he was at once appointed Session Clerk, and for many years faithfully carried out his duties, some of which had been done previously by the minister, such as drawing up a detailed statement of the congregation’s finances.
Some time ago, he was elected Presbytery Elder, after refusing to accept the office on many occasions, in deference to an older Elder. He took an intelligent interest in all the proceedings of the Court, and was an asset.
When the late Donald Macsween died, it was he who broke the news to the writer, and said “he died in harness, as it would be good for us all to die.” It is a strange coincidence that he himself died in similar circumstances. He appeared to be as well as usual when he came to a recent Presbytery. When the question of supply for S. Harris came up, I was surprised he was not more spirited in voicing the needs of the congregation. He suddenly took ill before the brethren had finished their deliberations, and in less than a fortnight he was dead. We believe he is now with the Lord, which is far better. We would express our deepest sympathy with his widow and family.—D. J. Macaskill.