tended over sixty-five years, and neither age nor infirmity abated his interest in that important institution. To him the words of the apostle are applicable—'Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.'"
Dr Stuart being desirous of showing in a permanent form his affectionate regard for the memory of his departed counsellors and friends who were first associated with him in the eldership of Knox Church, obtained permission from the Deacons' Court in 1884 to place a memorial tablet in the church for this purpose. It is a gracefully-designed marble slab, let into the wall at the left-hand side of the pulpit platform, inscribed with the words:—
ERECTED
BY
THE FIRST MINISTER OF THIS CHURCH,
IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF
WILLIAM CARGILL
ROBERT HOOD
JOHN GILLIES
JAMES WILKIE
GEORGE HEPBURN
Who as Friends were Wise and Sympathetic, and
as the first Elders of the Congregation,
able in Counsel and Unwearied in
Works of Faith and Labours
of Love.
"BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE
IN THE LORD."
A.D. 1884.
Mr Robert Gillies, another well-known and useful citizen, and a member and former deacon of Knox Church, passed quietly away to his rest on June 15, 1886, at the comparatively early age of fifty years, leaving a widow and eight children to mourn his loss. His early death (from aneurism of the heart) for which he was long prepared, was deeply regretted by a large circle of friends, who knew his generous nature and his many good qualities.
