Many friends in Harris and further afield were saddened to hear today that the Rev John Murdo Smith of Clachan North Uist passed away peacefully at the age of 95. Mr Smith ministered faithfully in the Presbytery of Uist for over 60 years, firstly at Howmore South Uist and then in Lochmaddy and Truimsgarry, North Uist, and for many years in preaching to and providing pastoral support in retirement too. We all remember him with deep affection as a gentle, serene, Spirit-filled pastor of the people of God who leaves an enduring legacy to his family and all who knew him. We prayerfully remember Mrs Margaret Smith and all the family in their loss.

Rev John Murdo was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s birthday honours in June 2016 and in token of which a presentation was made to Rev Mr Smith at the Presbytery’s meeting in Leverburgh Church.
The first photo below shows Rev Murdo Smith, Moderator of the Presbytery, making Presbytery’s presentation to Rev John Murdo Smith.

The second photo below shows the Rev John Murdo and Mrs Margaret Smith, along with
the Rev William and Mrs Margaret Macleod and Rev Alasdair and Mrs Mary Macdonald, at a special service in 2007 at St Columba’s Stornoway marking fifty years of ministry of Rev’s Macdonald and Macleod.

The funeral service will be held at 11 am tomorrow (Thursday, December 15) at Clachan Church of Scotland.
There will be a collection in aid of Clachan Church Funds and Tagsa Uibhist.