MURDO MORRISON was born in the village of Lionel, Ness, Lewis. His father’s name was Donald Morrison, and his mother Jane Macdonald. Murdo was one who was highly respected since he was a young man, as a certificate written by his school teacher and found among his papers, shows. The certificate referred to was written on the 15th of October, 1898, probably before he left for South Africa. His teacher, a John Meldrum, M.A., who was at the time headmaster of Lionel School, judged him as being possessed of “good natural abilities, a young man of excellent moral character, always found most straight-forward and trustworthy in all conditions.” Such a testimonial we believe to be in every respect worthy of the man. Dr. Wylie says of Wycliffe that “the grace of a rare humility and modesty appeared to have characterised him and that these qualities were blended with a fine dignity, which he wore easily as those nobly born do the insignia of their rank.” While Murdo Morrison did not possess the talents and gifts of John Wycliffe, neither was called upon to play a role anything like that of the latter in the Church of Christ, he did possess the grace of a rare humility and modesty, and these were blended in him with a fine dignity.
He, like many of his fellow islanders, had a great desire to go abroad, and when he was yet a young man he emigrated to South Africa, where he continued for years. While there he worked as a drill sharpener in the gold mines. He knew Southern Rhodesia quite well and was very interested in our Mission there. As one who had a comparatively intimate knowledge of the moral and spiritual condition of the African natives, he realised the urgent need of such a Mission and deemed it of much greater value to the Africans than the gold of their country. He returned home from Africa in 1915 and settled down in his native island in a village in the parish of Stornoway, not far from the town. Soon after coming home from Africa, he was bereaved of his first wife, and left with a young family. This very sore dispensation of Divine providence was patiently borne by him, and it would seem that it contained a blessing for him also, for although he was morally upright and circumspect, he, like all men, was a sinner, needing the washing of regeneration. “Ye must be born again.” Murdo was convinced of a greater loss than the loss of a wife, however painful that was. The loss of his soul became a reality to him. That loss God alone could make up, and he was enabled to seek of God that redemption which is precious. We cannot say when he first experienced the liberty of the gospel, but according to the minutes of the Kirk Session at which he was received into full membership, his knowledge and experience in all particulars were satisfying to the court. He became a member in 1930, and ever since, he adorned his profession by a life and conversation becoming the gospel. He was admitted to the office of Deaconship in 1934, and to the office of the Eldership in 1937. He was a most dutiful office-bearer, highly respected and loved by his brethren. He was also a man of sound judgment, not easily led by others. He was of a quiet disposition and did not possess the gift of a ready speaker: a disadvantage which prevented his taking services. He, nevertheless, devoted what talents he had to the service of the Master. We believe that his discernment was his greatest gift. This made him a most useful member of the Session, especially when difficult questions arose. At the superior courts, he chose to keep silence because of his respect for others whom he deemed his superiors, and because nothing was decided which would meet his disapproval. As a man he was loving and affectionate. As a friend he was most dependable, and we miss his friendship, short though it was.
The illness that proved fatal in his case rendered him indisposed for some time. He was twice in hospital, and had two operations. After the first one he was so ill that his end was expected any day. He, however, got better and was able to attend the Church services again, much to the joy of his friends. When he was thought sufficiently strong, he was admitted to hospital for the second operation, but contrary to all expectations, even those of his surgeon, he passed away ten days after the operation. He was making excellent progress and was quite bright until within half-an-hour of the end. His time had come, his work was finished; and the One who said of His people, “Father, I will that they whom thou hast given me be with me where I am,” took our friend, leaving those who loved him in the world to mourn their loss, which was his gain.
Mr. Morrison was married a second time, to Catherine Morrison, a daughter of one of the first to form the F.P. congregation of Ness, and he left her and a daughter, along with his first wife’s family, to mourn after him. He had a family of three daughters and a son of his first wife, and one daughter of his second. To his widow and her daughter, who nursed him in his last illness, we first extend our sympathy. We also sympathise with the rest of the family. May the widow have the Lord as her stay, and the fatherless as a Father. They have lost the prayers of a husband and father, but the intercession of the Great High Priest, Christ Jesus, is still presented on behalf of sinners. May they have a place in that intercession.—D. C.