From the Synod Proceedings of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, 2014.  

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MR EDWARD MILLAR MORRISON

The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met in Glasgow on Thursday 22nd May 2014, sadly places on record its sense of loss at the passing away of Edward Millar Morrison, a member of this court from time .

Edward Morrison was born on 21st October 1929, in Kinlochbervie, Sutherland and, along with his two brothers and sister, was brought up by his parents who both belonged to the Free Presbyterian Church in that village.

In 1947 he was called to serve in the Royal Air Force and, on completion of his service went to Caithness where he trained as a chef. He spent the remainder of his working life in Kinlochbervie as the chef at the local hotel. He was also a crofter and reared cattle.

As he was rather reserved, not much is known of his spiritual experience but he was recognized and respected in his community as a God-fearing man. Although he worked as a chef he arranged his duties so as to not work on the Lord’s Day. In March 1978, he publicly professed faith in Christ and was accepted by the Kinlochbervie and Scourie Kirk Session as a member in full communion. Five years later he was elected to the eldership in the congregation and was ordained on 12th June 1983. He was representative elder for the congregation on the Northern Presbytery and Synod for four terms. It was very evident to those who knew him that his heart was in the cause of Christ.

When there was the sad division in the Free Presbyterian Church, following the 1989 meeting of Synod, and although his minister and former minister had both left the Church, he was encouraged to remain by hearing a godly woman quote the words, “What is that to thee? follow thou me” (John 21:22).

He was the Congregational Treasurer for many years, and also on occasions conducted the church service locally by reading a sermon. He also did much work behind the scenes in looking after the Kinlochbervie church building. He devotedly looked after his invalid mother for a long period of time. In his latter years he himself suffered from ill-health and was unable to attend church regularly. He passed away on 10th August 2013, we believe, “to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23).

Moved by Rev NM Ross, Seconded by Mr A. Maclean and agreed.