The Rev. Hugh Mackay Mackenzie, Minister
II. - Civil History
Distinguished Families:
This parish is the birth-place, and was the residence of the most of the noble family of Reay. Some of these signalized themselves for prowess and skill in the military operations of their own times: among whom may be mentioned Donald first Lord Reay, who so distinguishes himself in the wars of Gustavus Adolphus. Tradition ascribes to him most singular superhuman powers of body. There were other members of this family who, though not distinguished as public characters, devoted their influence to the welfare of their people, by whom their memories were cherished for several generations, for intelligence, patriotism, and exemplary piety. A full account of them will be found in Mackay's History of the House and Clan of Mackay.
Ministers:
Though erected in 1724, this parish was not supplied with a minister till 1726, when Mr. George Mackay was appointed, who only lived two years. His successor was Mr. Walter Ross, a man of fine preaching talents, but whose reserved manners and secluded habits were not calculated to gain upon the rough, frank Highlander. He occupied the parish till 1763, when he resigned. After his resignation Mr. John Mackay was appointed, who, being of a weak and sickly constitution, was unable to labour efficiently in the parish, and only lived it the charge for six years. In 1769, he was succeeded by Mr William Mackenzie. As his incumbency forms an era in the history of this parish, his name deserves special notice in such an account as this. A native of Ross-shire, soon after his license, he came to officiate as missionary in the neighbouring parish of Farr; and though possessing highly popular talents, a liberal education, and prospects of advancement elsewhere through influential friends, yet, having formed a strong attachment his adopted country, he accepted a call to this parish when, vacant by the death of Mr Mackay. He found it in a deplorable state of religious ignorance. Scarce could one be found to repeat the Shorter Catechism, There was only one elder within the bounds, and it was impossible to fix on others, bearing the necessary religious character, who could be ordained to this office so as to constitute a session. The sanctity of the Lord's day was grossly violated by persons forming bargains, going and coming to the House of God. A general apathy to the means of grace was manifest; and several gross practices, the relics of a barbarous age, were common at funerals and festivals.
With these evils to contend against, he entered on his charge with zeal and energy, and an untiring devotedness to the interests of his flock. But, for three years, he seemed to labour in vain, and the feeling of his heart was, "Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech." At last, the time to visit this portion of Zion was come. One day he took occasion from the pulpit to remonstrate plainly and faithfully with the people, for their several sins; declared his own ardent hopes of being instrumental in reforming them, when he entered the parish; the bitterness of his feelings in his disappointment hitherto, and his prayer to God, that were this to continue He would remove him from amongst them. Overpowered by his feelings, he could proceed no longer. For the first time, the congregation were seen bathed in tears, and overwhelmed with a feeling of shame, and from that day there was the most marked change; a truly fruitful revival was the consequence. The people showed all docility in receiving the instructions of their pastor; the house of God was thronged by persons from the most distant corner of the parish; respect and attention were shown to the ordinances and duties of religion; barbarous usages were gradually laid aside; and under his affectionate, glowing, and faithful ministry, there sprang up a race of intelligent Christians, so that he was soon enabled to form a throng session of elders, who considering their station in society, were ornaments in the church. Likewise under his fostering care, several young men were reared for the ministry, all of whom, with scarce an exception, he had the pleasure of seeing the, instruments of extensive usefulness.
This honoured servant of the Lord laboured for sixty-five years among a devotedly attached people, being able to preach and administer the sacraments to the very last. He died in 1834, at the advanced age of ninety-six. His people commonly spoke of him as "the great minister," and testified their esteem and affection by erecting a handsome monument to his memory.
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