Alexander Kidd was born at Woodford Leigh, Clarence River, in the year 1871. He was the sixth of a large family and remained at his native place for the first 15 years of his life. He was favoured in that he had a godly father and mother whose lives and conversation made an abiding impression upon his mind. His father was one who never forgot the vows that he had taken when admitted to membership, and also when he received baptism for his children. When visitors were at the home who had no relish for family worship Alexander’s father would remind them that the “vows of God” were upon him, and at no time did he neglect his duty. There was at that time a settled minister in the district and regular services were held in the Church, which was not far from the home. Alexander told the writer that at that early period of his life he was not without concern about his state as a sinner, but it proved to be as the “morning cloud and early dew” that soon passed away.
At the age of 15 years the family removed to the Richmond River district, where Church services were held once a fortnight only. Removing later to another part of the district, only occasional services from their own ministers could be obtained. All these years the subject of this notice was walking “according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air,” and was by nature “a child of wrath” even as others. But rich mercy and great love began to manifest themselves and the hand of God could also be seen operating in Providence. About the same time a brother and sister were brought “out of darkness into light and from the power of Satan unto God.” This event exercised a restraint upon Alexander. The operation of God’s hand in Providence removed the changed brother from where he then was and settled him again at the Clarence, where he enjoyed the ministry of the late Rev. W. Scott. Not long after that brother’s return to Grafton there was a communion season, and he for the first time confessed Christ before men. Alexander also attended this service. What he saw, together with the Word read and preached, made such an impression on his mind and heart that it continued till the day of his death. The word which most affected him was I Peter ii. 9: “But ye are a chosen generation,” etc. He felt that he was outside the circle of that happy company who were that day showing forth the praises of Him who had called them out of darkness into His marvellous light. He returned home resolved to seek the Lord more earnestly than ever.
It was about this time also that a brother and sister agreed together to plead a promise on his behalf. The promise is that contained in Matthew xviii. 19. Faith and patience were tried, and for a time they were like Elijah looking in vain for a cloud. But the answer came at last. Grace was given and in goodly measure so that none who knew him could doubt that it was a work of God. Shortly after this God, by the operation of His hand in providence, made it possible for Mr. Kidd to return to the Clarence, and for a time he was settled at Grafton. While residing there he used his influence to start prayer meetings where there was none. Before Rev. W. Scott left Australia there was an election of elders, and Mr. A. Kidd was chosen as one of the two returned. The remnant of the congregation, finding themselves without ministerial supply, sought a connection with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. This was granted and supply promised. The Church’s first deputy, Rev. Duncan McKenzie, then of Gairloch, arrived in Australia in the year 1914 and received a hearty welcome from our departed one. Before leaving Australia, Mr. McKenzie advised us “to go further afield.” Shortly after this Mr. A. Kidd went to Ballina, Richmond River, where there was a number who were willing to cast in their lot with the F.P. Church. The services were at first intermittent, but after a time regular services were started and continued for four years, when the services were taken over by another elder. Mr. A. Kidd continued to reside at Ballina but came regularly to Grafton to assist at communion seasons in his capacity as an elder of the congregation.—J. Kidd.
The foregoing narrative of the late Alexander Kidd was written, at my request, by his brother, Mr. James Kidd.
It was to attend the communion services at Grafton that Alexander left his home at Ballina on Tuesday, the 18th day of January this year. He engaged in prayer the following evening at the prayer meeting. Although he was not strong, we did not anticipate that we were hearing him for the last time pleading with the Lord for a blessing in connection with solemn communion services.
He attended services on the Thursday and Friday, but owing to the weakness of the heart he had to keep his bed on the Saturday, and the Sabbath. He was much exercised as to the Lord’s dealings with him, but he acknowledged the Lord’s loving kindness towards him all his days. Death did not find him unprepared for he was resting upon the finished work of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The doctor advised that hospital treatment was necessary, and he was taken there on the Sabbath evening.
All that medical skill could do on his behalf was done, but the time of his departure had come. He passed away on the Wednesday afternoon, we believe, to be forever with his Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He is greatly missed in this part of the Vineyard, and the prayer is heard among us—
“Help, Lord, because the godly man
Doth daily fade away;
And from among the sons of men
The faithful do decay” (Psalm xii.).
His remains were laid to rest in the Presbyterian section of the Grafton Cemetery. “Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.”
We extend our sympathy to his widow and to his brothers and sisters, and all relatives who mourn their loss, which is his great gain.
He was greatly attached to the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland because he found in her the gospel by which sinners are saved. He earnestly prayed for better days on behalf of Sion, even the time promised when God shall arise and have mercy on Sion.—
Rev. F. MacLeod.