This worthy man was born at Ardineaskan, Lochcarron, on December 13th, 1866, and departed this life at Staffin on Sabbath, December 13th, 1953.
With regard to his early history we know but little. According to his own testimony, he spent many years without soul concern while following the occupation of a fisherman. The Lord, however, remembered him in His great mercy, and from time to time, under the preaching of the everlasting Gospel, his conscience began to trouble him with regard to his sins.
When, in 1893, a testimony was raised in Scotland by the late Rev. Donald MacFarlane, Dingwall, on behalf of God’s word, Mr. Mackay followed that testimony as a seeker after salvation through Jesus Christ.
He received the liberty of the Gospel under a sermon preached during a communion season at Gairloch by the late Rev. J. R. Mackay, M.A., from Hebrews, chapter ix., verses 27, 28: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many: and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
He was very soon afterwards furiously attacked by Satan, the adversary of the people of God, with regard to his saving interest in Christ, but he could say, “Except the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth, Thy mercy, O Lord, held me up” (Psalm xciii., verses 17, 18). Shortly afterwards he was received as a member in full communion at Applecross.
In 1906 he married a Miss Flora MacKinnon, but this union was soon broken by the death of his wife in 1907, at the age of 38 years. She was an eminently godly person and an obituary of her appears in the Free Presbyterian Magazine, Vol. xii., p. 335.
This sad event left him very broken. He began to take public services first in Beauly, and later as missionary at Luib, Elgol and Raasay.
In 1910 he was settled at Staffin, Skye, where he laboured faithfully as missionary and elder till his retirement in December, 1947.
After that he held a few services till finally confined to the house through failing health.
He thus laboured in Staffin for the long period of 43 years, and for the greater part of that time—38 years—he resided at the home of the late parents of Mr. Neil Mackay, and with him in the same home after their decease.
From this family and from Mrs. Neil Mackay he received unfailing kindness. Dr. Allan Macdonald, Uig; Nurse Macdonald, Staffin, and Mrs. Donald MacLennan, Glasgow, are cordially thanked for unremitting care and kindness during his last illness.
Mr. Mackay lived to see the Free Presbyterian congregation of Staffin with a comfortable church, in connection with which he spared nothing. Towards the end of his course he saw the congregation raised to the status of a sanctioned charge and the start of a new manse. He devoted all his energies to the prosperity of the cause of Christ. He was unsparing in his rebukes for sin, and faithfully declared the whole counsel of God to the people. He used to say, “Alas, how sinners reject Christ, as if that were no sin!”
He was indeed a staunch witness for the Word of God, the observance of the Lord’s Day, and for the noble testimony raised by the Free Presbyterian Church. What he declared to the people he practised in his life and conversation. Mr. Mackay was a well-known figure at communion seasons throughout the Church. His knowledge of the Scriptures was exceptional. The Bible was his constant companion. He regarded himself as a poor and needy sinner, standing in constant need of the blood and spirit of Christ. To the late Rev. Neil Cameron, Glasgow, he was deeply attached.
Shortly before he died Mr. D. M. MacLeod, divinity student, while visiting him, quoted Isaiah, chapter ix., verse 6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” “Yes,” said Mr. Mackay, “but He has another special name.” After a pause he said, “For God is love.”
He was very evidently drawing out of that infinite fountain of all blessedness. When the student asked him if he had any message for the congregation, he replied, “Tell them that ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life'” (John, chap. iii., verse 16). He earnestly and constantly prayed for the prosperity of our South African Mission. To Miss Jean Mackay, M.A., in whose home he stayed at Staffin, we extend our sincere sympathy. We know she will feel his loss very keenly.
The end came peacefully on the day already stated, at 2.30 a.m., when his soul entered into that rest that remaineth for the people of God. “Mark the perfect man and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace” (Psalm xxxvii., verse 37).
His body lies buried in Lochcarron Churchyard, beside that of his wife, awaiting a glorious resurrection. We would commit the Staffin congregation, which he so faithfully served for many years, to the Lord of the vineyard. May the good seed sown bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness in their souls.
To his niece at Lochcarron and other friends we take this opportunity of expressing our deep sympathy with them in their loss. May his God be their God.—M. McS.