OBITUARY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1378, 2 March 1912, Page 9

OBITUARY.

The ranks of the Free Church of Scotland have been greatly impoverished by tho loss of ' Eev. Murdo Macn.iieen, of Kiltearn, an ex-moderator and a champion of the Church. Mr. Macquoen, who was one of the most picturesque figures in tho Freo Church, was sixty-livo years of age, and his first charge was at Tarbert, on Loch Fyne. About 30 years ago, he entered upon the pastorate of tho church at Kiltearn, Ross-shire. From tho beginning of tho Union negotiations ho was the most uncompromising opponent, and never wavered in his determination that the case should bo carried to its extreme in tho House of Lords. It was undoubtedly due to his campaign all over the north that tho Highland following was so united. Among his characteristics wero excessive vigour of speech, evangelical fcrTour, a natural kindliness, and a senso of humour. Dr. W. H. Hutchings, who recently resigned the offices of canon residentiary and Chancellor of York Minister, died on Sunday. January 7, at his rectory, Kirby Misporlon. Dr. Hutchings, who was ordained in ISSS, was sub-warden of tiic House of Mercy nt Clever from ISGS to 1381, when ho became rector of Kirby Slisperton. He was appointed Canon residentiary in IMG. and Chancellor in Oho following year. He had written many volumes on devotional and doctrinal subjects.

IN BRIEF,

The Rev. Thomas Phillips, of Bloomsbury, has reached the ■conclusion that the Church can gain nothing by coddling or flattering working men. Speaking at his men's meeting, Mr. Phillips referred to the severe criticisms on Churches and ministers made from that platform in essays read by working men some weeks ago, and remarked that "the man in the street" has discovered himself, and believes that he can do everything better than anybody else. The parson is a convenient Aunt Sally, who does not; readily hit back. Yet Mr. Phillips finds that the much-abused parson is the first one that working men apply to when in difficulties.

The Bcv. John M'Neill will have his joke, even if it bo upon a solomn occasion and at his own expense. At the closing meeting of tho Metropolitan Tabernacle Conference on January i ho spoko from tlio lower rostrum, and tho near< ncss of the front pew reminded him of a storv at which the most sober, staid man in the audienco could not help laughing. Once, said Mr. M'Neill, he was addressing a meeting in his_ own noisv and energetic way, and was "in the midst of one of my paroxysms," when ho noticed a small boy looking rather frightened. "As I leaned over the rail and gesticulated," said Mr. M'Neil, "I heard him whisper in his mother's ear: 'Mother, mother! What will he do if he gets out?'"