The sudden death of this gracious and well-beloved elder in his home on November 17th, 1971, came as a great shock to all who knew him.
Born in Lingerbay, South Harris, 46 years ago, he followed the seafaring life. A first-class seaman, he was bosun of the Lighthouse ship “Fingal”, based in Oban, at the time of his call to the haven of everlasting rest prepared by the Saviour for His beloved people. The time and circumstances of his conversion are not known to us, but we do know that he was deeply exercised under the ministry of the late Rev. John Tallach, minister at Oban from 1949 to 1955.
John Morrison was received as a member in full communion at Oban on May 3rd, 1958, when 33 years of age. He was ordained as an Elder there on July 4th, 1962. In our opinion, the Lord had
fitted him for the duties of his office with a rich measure of the graces of the Holy Spirit, his wisdom, patience and gentleness being outstanding.
While we indeed mourn his loss, we would not sorrow even as others which have no hope. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him”. I Thessalonians 4: 14.
Although this visitation is sore to us, yet we have great cause for gratitude to the Lord for His kindness in leaving him with us even as an office-bearer for over 9 years. May the Lord bless this solemn dispensation to us! “Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life”. John 6: 18. He alone is able to heal the breaches in the walls of Zion. May his like-minded widow be comforted by the Lord and may He be a very present help to her and to her four young children. To them and to his father and mother, brother and sister in Harris, deepest sympathy is extended.
John Morrison’s heart desire was the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, the testimony of our Church being precious to him. He had his share of affliction. His constant cry was, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7: 24. Sin was his great burden, but for him there was but the one remedy, hope and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. A sweet leader of the praise of God in public, he is now, we believe where the praises of the Church are unbroken and everlasting.
“Then are they glad, because at rest
and quiet now they be:
So to the haven He them brings,
which they desired to see.” Psalms 107: 30.
M. MacS.