Mr Duncan Mackay, Flashadder
Duncan Mackay was born in Broadford, in the parish of Strath in May 1909. There was no Free Presbyterian church in Broadford at that time, but the Church of Scotland was given them when supply was available, until the congregation built their own church.
From the age of nine years Duncan attended these services on his own, as those who brought him up were of the Church of Scotland, and seldom went to church at all. He, however, felt more and more drawn to the Free Presbyterian cause, which attachment deepened into a life long relationship. He became a member at the age of 17 years. His conversion appeared to be a gradual drawing, and who can tell how? This was a great concern to him, but near the end of his pilgrimage he got full assurance. The text given was Psalm 50: 5, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
Duncan attended Skerries College in Glasgow for a time, and after that was appointed as missionary to Laide in 1933. He was there until 1941, after which he was sent to Breasclete, Lewis, and in 1945 was transferred to Glendale, to act in the same capacity. He was ordained an elder in 1948.
In 1936 Duncan was married to Jessie Munro, daughter of John Munro Ullapool, an eminent elder in that congregation. They were together for thirty years, until she died in 1966. He later married Christina Stewart, Flashadder, where he kept services until March 1993. He was widowed for a second time in 1974.
Duncan was in failing health for some time; but refused to go into hospital until 1993 when it was discovered that he had an internal cancerous growth, but he refused surgical treatment, as he maintained that the end was drawing near, and he wanted to die at home. This wish was granted on 4th October 1993. The Saturday before he died he told the writer that he was going home. His condition gradually deteriorated, and he was unable to speak much, although he remained conscious almost to the end. Shortly before the end he said to his niece at his bedside, ‘the door is open’, meaning heaven. Shortly after he lapsed into unconsciousness, and ten minutes later he passed away to be with his Lord and Master.
Our friend was blessed with a very clear voice, and he excelled in prayer. His petitions were impressive and earnest, and remembered by the audience. His preaching was interspersed with interesting anecdotes of the godly men and women he was privileged to know in his earlier days.
“Help Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men” Psalm 12: 1.
(I am deeply indebted to a friend for the above details.) — F.M