The memory of the just is blessed. Mr. Kenneth MacLean, though dead, has left a sweet and hallowed memory in the affections of all the Lord’s people who were privileged to know him. He was born in Breasclete, Lewis, in the year 1876. He had a godly upbringing under the blessing of the Lord, the influence of his mother especially appears to have left a deep and sanctified impression in his mind. To the end of his life he often referred to her in public and private; in terms which left no doubt of his affection and respect for her and of his gratitude to the Lord for providing him with such a mother. Apart from a few years spent in the not far distant village of Achmore all his life was spent in his native township, where for many years his light as a man of God shone brightly. No one at all acquainted with Kenneth was left in any doubt as to which side, in a spiritual sense he was on. If it had been his lot to live at the time of Israel’s Apostasy under Aaron in the matter of the golden calf, Kenneth would have been among the very first to answer the challenge of Moses, “Who is on the Lord’s side, let him come unto me.” Yet when questioned about the early beginnings of his piety he often confessed that unlike many, he had no particular date which he could call his spiritual birthday. In some cases of conversion the transition from darkness to light is so clear and marked as to be obvious to all. In others the work of grace is more of the order of: “First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.” Kenneth’s spiritual development was evidently of the latter kind. The godliness of this type of experience very often makes up in depth and fruitfulness what it may lack in outward display within the bounds of his place and position, there was certainly no lack of depth or fruitfulness in the godliness of Kenneth MacLean.
After having been exercised in spiritual matters for some time in a quiet and secret way an incident happened which was used by the Most High as the means of bringing Kenneth’s gifts and graces into more public usefulness. On a certain Thursday evening he left his house to attend the weekly prayer-meeting, at that time held in the school house. When he arrived he found the door shut because, it transpired, there was no man available who was prepared to conduct the meeting. By that incident the mind of Kenneth was made up for him, that as long as he was able and available never would the worship of God be neglected for the want of someone to open the door. When Mr. MacLean did begin to conduct public worship is was soon seen that he had gifts as a speaker of a superior order. Later he supplied the congregation of Achmore and Breasclete as their appointed missionary. His services in the exercises of prayer, lecturing and exhorting were most acceptable, arresting and edifying.
For many years he regularly attended the various communions of the Islands and his remarks on the “Men’s Day” were always listened to with rapt attention. In giving “Marks of grace” he had a happy way of using homely illustrations to give point to his remarks. If for any cause he was prevented from attending a Communion, or from attending the services on the Sabbath he always made it a practice to send his door collections with some one who was able to attend. Although when judged by earthly standards of wealth he was by no means rich his house was a most hospitable one. This spirit of christian hospitality and liberality was shared by him with his gracious sister Catriona, who lived with him. They were of one mind in grace—indeed it can be said of them both that, apart from the Word, Cause and People of God they had no interests. On any other subject Kenneth was like a fish out of water but on the truth he was always in his element. Spirituality of mind, humility and prayerfulness were marked features of his character.
Although he never set foot off the Island of Lewis his spiritual sympathies and interests were worldwide. He made it a practice to note the date of every Communion, as these were given in the Church Magazine, and he never failed to remember each one in prayer. The Mission in Africa had a specially warm place in his prayers, and it is remarkable that, within a day or two of his death he had a visit from the Rev. Petros Mzamo who happened to be on a visit to Lewis at that time. Though very weak in body Kenneth rejoiced to meet this living evidence of the grace of God from “Darkest Africa.”
The Song of Solomn was a favourite field in which both Kenneth and his sister did much gleaning, and the Lord in His mercy often let handfuls fall on purpose for their own souls and for the benefit of others. While by no means overlooking the sterner aspects of Revealed Truth; the Glory of Christ’s Person. His Redeeming love and work for the church were the themes on which he delighted to dwell. His godliness was of that rare type which commended Christ not only to the pious, but even to the ungodly and unbelieving. Yet in point of faithfulness to the truth, and faithfulness to the church holding the truth Kenneth MacLean was never found wanting; and during his long life there were many sifting occasions by which faithfulness was sincerely tried. Not all stood the test as well as Kenneth did. As an elder in the Breasclete congregation for many years, he carried out his duties in a way that endeared him to the hearts of all, and his removal has left a blank which shall not easily be filled. Yet we would not forget that the Lord who raised Kenneth MacLean and gave him grace to be the man he was, is able to do the same for and with others, both in Breasclete and in congregations elsewhere.
Our beloved friend fell asleep in Jesus, after a short illness, on the 13th day of May, 1957 being then 86 years of age. His mortal remains are interred in the graveyard at Dalmore where they await the resurrection trump of the Great Day. His worthy sister survived him but six months, having reached the age of 81 years. They were indeed lovely and pleasant in their lives and in death they were not long divided.
Considering the circumstances in which they were placed it is a marvel worthy of careful note how the Lord provided both, with willing and loving helpers during the time of their last illness. Such service the Lord doubtless accepts as done unto Himself. J.A.T.