Charles MacLeod, Edinburgh
Charles MacLeod, a native of the island of Raasay, was born on 25th May, 1900. His parents, John and Katherine MacLeod, taught him to know the Scriptures from his youth — a fact very manifest in his exceptionally high standard of Scriptural knowledge. His ability to quote Scripture with unusual accuracy as well as his understanding of divine doctrines clearly showed that he had the privilege of having a Christian upbringing which in its thoroughness surpassed that of many. Charles was a credit to his upbringing.
He was fifth in a family of nine. He left home at the age of twenty and spent a few years seafaring. In 1929 Mr MacLeod married Ann MacLennan also a native of Raasay. They had one daughter, Katherine, who with her mother is alive to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and father. After his short seafaring career Charles MacLeod joined the Edinburgh City Police which he faithfully served for thirty years. As one might expect, during that time he saw human behaviour in different situations, some sad, some frustrating. His relentless pursuit of evil doers sometimes ended in frustration when as a result of some freakish technical irregularity, he saw his efforts gone for nothing. However, his high regard for our legal system as the means of preserving law and order continued undiminished and in legal circles, where he was well known for his integrity as a police officer and latterly as an officer in the Court of Session, he was highly respected. A very handsome man, he made an impressive figure in his police uniform directing traffic on Princes Street when automation was less in vogue.
Although it was late in life before he made a public profession of his faith in Christ his whole demeanour for many years left his friends in no doubt about the certainty of a saving change having been wrought in Charles MacLeod. We understand that he got the liberty of the Gospel in 1943. The precipitating event was the tragic death of a young man, Dougal MacIver of the Edinburgh congregation. This young man was a member of the R.A.F. and was killed in the course of training. It was an event which profoundly affected Charles. The portion of God’s Word which brought peace into his soul was Romans 11:17, “And if some of the branches be broken off . . . take heed lest he also spare not thee.”
The Lord’s people who knew him received him as a brother in the Lord long before he submitted himself to the Kirk Session for examination having in view commemorating the death of Christ. When he did submit himself the court was only confirmed in what had already been the general concensus of opinion among the members. Mr MacLeod in giving a clear and convincing testimony of his interest in Jesus Christ showed that his was a saving one. For years after being received as a member in full communion he seemed to be enjoying a measure of that assurance he indicated to the Kirk Session. What ever were Mr MacLeod’s reasons for the delay in making in public profession of his faith in Christ, we feel his example in this respect should not be emulated. Gradually owing to an illness which eventually proved fatal, his hope of salvation came under a vicious attack by the tempter who came to “steal and destroy.” Charles in his own felt experience was robbed temporarily of that assurance which is essential to the full comfort and confidence of believers. It must be confessed that his illness had a profoundly warping effect on this good man’s very constitution. The Lord, in the exercise of his own sovereignty, permitted Satan to tempt and try our friend beyond what we would think he was able to endure. However, the One who permitted the temptation did not resign His office as Overseer of His people’s souls. Consequently Charles while passing through the depths, unaccompanied by man, continued his pilgrimage under the tender and watchful eye of Him who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” The trial of his faith was extremely severe but undoubtedly was ultimately to the praise and honour of God. As his physical strength ebbed under the ruthless strain of illness, his soul would seem to be gradually emerging from the depths until during his last days on earth a calmness and serenity, which we could only describe as heavenly, pervaded his very countenance. His response to the word quoted was very different from what happened months earlier when his hope was sick and forlorn. Now, little by little, Charles was sharing the gladness and rest of the haven, to which the Lord brings His wave tossed people. We have no doubt that the latter end of this good man was peace. Having regard to contacts with him during his trying illness, we felt reconciled to the loss of one on whose help we counted in the Lord’s work.
As a man Mr MacLeod was courteous and in trouble sympathetic. In his occupation as a police officer he made contact with all kinds and discharged his duties efficiently, but with compassion. He could not condone evil and was for that reason a terror to evil doers.
Charles MacLeod was by birth and conviction a Free Presbyterian and his adoration for its founders was deeply seated. In all the crises through which the Church passed during its history, Charles never wavered in his loyalty to its testimony. While he never considered the church perfect, he saw in it a blessing, for which reason it should be preserved. When circumstances premitted, his place in Gilmore Place Church, where he worshipped, was never empty.
The cause of Christ is much the poorer by the removal of this godly man, whose uncompromising allegiance to Christ never wavered.
To his sorrowing widow, daughter with her husband and children, we offer sincere sympathy in their great loss. May they also be found in the way which leads to everlasting life. Sympathy is also extended to his brothers and sisters in the loss of a devoted brother. “. . . Ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:28. D.C.