The subject of this sketch was born at Luib, Isle of Skye, on the 1st day of June, 1864. Her maiden name was Mary Finlayson. Her husband was Lachlan MacLean, a native of Luib also, who died in January, 1937. He was a sea-faring man who spent most of his days on yachts. He was often in Greenock and well-known to our Church people there at that time. Mrs. MacLean herself, passed away on 4th June, 1957, having attained to the good age of 93 years.
Six boys and one girl were born to Mr. and Mrs. MacLean. Of this family, only two sons were still spared at the time of her death. One of these, John, is resident at Breakish and it was there his mother passed away. The other is resident in New Zealand. Mrs. MacLean had thus her own share of her sorrows in this life in seeing the hand of death removing members of her family from time to eternity. Her sorrow was alleviated at least with regard to two of these, since they gave every sign before they were taken away that Christ had been made precious to them.
Donald was only 32 years of age when he died in Glasgow in 1929. A short obituary of him appears in the Free Presbyterian Magazine for December, 1929. Of him, it was said then, “He knew much of the wiles of Satan and the deceitfulness of his own heart which caused him much grief and kept him in much dependence upon grace. He was naturally of a cheerful disposition, but since he was savagely changed his conversation could truly be said to be seasoned with salt.” He became a member in full communion just a month before he entered the eternal communion in the Father’s House. Lachlan was the name of the other son about whom good hopes were entertained. He, too, was but young in years when he was taken away. He appears to have been a spiritually-minded young man and, in his last illness especially, showed this very clearly.
We have been unable to obtain any details of how the great change came over Mrs. MacLean, herself. She was very reticent with regard to her personal experience of the power and effect of the Word of God upon her soul. Her evident concern at the plague of sin felt within and her attachment to Christ as the only sure hope for a sinner in view of death, judgment and eternity, however, marked her out as one who was taught from above. The promise is “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” (Is. 54. 13). She became a member in full communion about 1930 and her love to Christ was manifest in her love to the Cause which is His own. Her interest in the Free Presbyterian Congregation in Broadford was deep and true. She greatly rejoiced at the prospect of a Church being built there and although she did not live to see it being opened for public worship yet she was spared long enough to entertain the hope that such a building would be erected in the good providence of the Lord. For the past few years, the ministers assisting at the communion stayed at her home. As she was not able to go out to the services, she greatly rejoiced in thus meeting the Lord’s servants and people. “Thy people shall be my people and thy God my God” (Ruth 1. 16) was the language of her heart.
Although she had been frail for some years, the end came rather suddenly. She was just in bed for a week when she took a turn for the worse. In previous illnesses she had complained much of her low spiritual condition but, on this occasion, she appeared to be granted a measure of peace and contentment in her soul. Her memory greatly revived and II. Tim. 4. 7-8, which she was heard to repeat often, seemed to be a portion which was made very precious to her, especially the first and last phrases, “I have fought a good fight . . .” and “unto all them also that love His appearing.” While her mind was evidently set upon things above, Mrs. MacLean did not forget the Cause on earth and the evening before she died, she asked if the post had brought any contribution for the new Church of which her son is treasurer. She is greatly missed by all who knew her but we believe that our loss is her everlasting gain.
To her son in New Zealand and to her son, his wife and family in Breakish, who so lovingly attended to Mrs. MacLean’s every need, we extend our sincere sympathy and pray that they may become followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
—Donald MacLean.