Andrew H. Pottinger was born in Edinburgh on 27th May 1903 and died in the Deaconess Hospital, Edinburgh, on 1st November 1967. His parents were Shetlanders and, solicitous of their family’s welfare, endeavoured to give them an opportunity of acquiring a good education. Andrew was intended for a Banking career but chose instead a post in the clerical department of the L.M.S. Railway. Though a most competent member of the staff, his respect for the Lord’s Day unduly limited his chances of promotion. The Lord had better things for him and blessed him with spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. His first contact with the Free Presbyterian Church was in 1920, when the Edinburgh Congregation worshipped in the Reigo Street Hall. The congregation had no minister at the time and the services were conducted by visiting ministers, students, and laymen. Mr Pottinger often remarked how struck he was by the fact that all the preachers proclaimed, without variation, the same Gospel doctrines, a consistency, which was a new experience for him. At the time, the congregation was small but very loyal. One of that faithful group was Kate Macleod, a daughter of the late saintly Malcolm Macleod, Ness, Lewis. She, who afterwards became his wife, brought Andrew to the services and his interest in the Gospel steadily grew until in 1925, he was brought under its saving power.
In the meantime, the congregation had moved into the church at Gilmore Place, where Mr Pottinger regularly attended the means of grace, taking a prominent part in the witness of the congregation. Having received the liberty of Gospel through John, ch. 3, v. 16, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” he, in 1926, made a public profession of his faith in Christ and became a member in full communion with the Edinburgh congregation. In 1931, he was ordained to the Eldership and was the congregation’s Treasurer for many years. Until ill health prevented, he was Precentor and was later appointed Superintendent of the Sabbath School. In appreciation of his services, the congregation gave him a monetary presentation and when he retired as Superintendent, the pupils showed their respect in a tangible form. He derived great pleasure from his contact with the children and the young people have cherished memories of his instruction.
In the Free Presbyterian Church, Mr Pottinger was associated with men and women, who were noted for their piety. Captain K. K. Macleod, a native of Lewis, was one. He was a man of sterling qualities who lost his sight in action during World War I. With this “Prince in Israel” Andrew Pottinger enjoyed close fellowship. He regarded the Captain and his minister, Rev. Neil Macintyre, as his fathers in spiritual matters. Although his choice of church was not due to men’s influence, his intimate acquaintance with the men, referred to, must have greatly helped him to appreciate the distinctive position of the Denomination of his adoption.
As Mr Pottinger believed that the Gospel was the power of God unto salvation to everyone that received it, he prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on his native city and country. The changes he saw in the city of Edinburgh grieved him and unable to arrest the apostasy in Church and State, he, with others like-minded, “sighed and cried for the abominations done in the land.”
In his capacity as Elder, Andrew Pottinger served the congregation with increasing acceptance, especially in his maturer years, when his counsel was eagerly sought and greatly appreciated. His growth in grace became more evident as his physical health deteriorated and his interest in the work of the church at home and abroad daily grew. His visit to New Zealand and U.S.A. afforded him great pleasure, not only for the opportunity this gave Mrs Pottinger and himself of seeing their daughters, with their husbands and children but this also enabled them to meet church people in these distant lands. While in New Zealand, Mr and Mrs Pottinger made many friends and were delighted to resume fellowship with the Rev. William Maclean, a friend of the family and minister of Gisborne. There is compelling evidence that Andrew Pottinger won the affection and confidence of the church in New Zealand. The Elders there wished him to be associated with the Kirk Sessions at their meetings and his counsel was much appreciated.
He was absent from Edinburgh from October 1965 till August 1967 and during that time he was in regular communication with the minister and other members of his Kirk Session as his interest in the congregation continued unabated. In the communion news he had particular interest and greatly rejoiced when he heard of new members being received. For many years, Mr Pottinger’s occupation prevented his attending communion seasons in other congregations of the church but in his own hospitable home, he met many of the Lord’s people from different parts of the church. His friends have cherished memories of communions in Edinburgh, when they shared not only the generous hospitality of their hosts at 19 Montpelier, but also enjoyed Christian fellowship, to which Mr Pottinger himself always acceptably contributed. As a result of an operation, in 1952, he developed a chest condition, which seriously impaired his health but notwithstanding his active disposition, he bore his incapacity with commendable fortitude and resignation.
Ill health, however, necessitated a premature retirement, during which Mr Pottinger pursued intensive Bible studies and his notes show his profound understanding of the Word of God. As a keen reader of Scottish History, he had great admiration for the Covenants and often quoted Richard Cameron’s prayer, “Lord spare the green and take the ripe.” While in New Zealand, his health appreciably improved and on their return journey home via the U.S.A., Mr and Mrs Pottinger were able to spend time with their daughter, husband and children in Texas. During their American visit, they were able to contact friends as far south as Miami and after two months in America, they arrived in Edinburgh on 5th August 1967. “When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; he suffered no man to do them wrong . . .” Psalm 105, vs, 13-14. After some weeks at home, the deterioration in his health gave cause for concern and, though all available means were used, his condition steadily worsened. On Monday, 30th October, he was too weak to read and asked his wife to do so. After the reading of the 12th chapter of Isaiah, he revived, repeated the 34th Psalm to the end, and then slept. When he woke, he seemed very happy and quoted Matthew 25, v. 34, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” On Tuesday morning, he was taken to the hospital and on Wednesday, 1st November, he passed peacefully into the “Kingdom.” The end of the righteous is peace.
Andrew Pottinger is survived by his widow, son, and three daughters, with their families. To all of them, including his brother and sisters, at home and abroad, we offer our sincere sympathy, in their great loss. May his God be their God and his people be their people.
D. C.