OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 61, 12 March 1915, Page 6

OBITUARY.

REV. R. F. MACNICOL. Intimation has been received by cable that the Rev. R. F. Macnicol died at Sydney fyeetcHday. He was born in Glasgow in 1838, and in that city he received his preliminary training for the ministry. After passing through the curriculum of study prescribed for its students by the Church of Scotland, Mr. Macnicol was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of lorn, in 18011. lie was then appointed assistant to the minister of St. Luke's parish, Glasgow. In 1865 the Presbytery of Auckland sent Home for a minister to, take charge of the congregation of New Plymouth. Mr Macnicol was appointed to that sphere, and, with hie wife, arrived in Auckland on November 23rd, 1865. For over four yeare he laboured there in the midst of many difficulties and discouragements.' St. James , congregation, Auckland, 'becoming vacant by the translation of Rev. James Hill to the Thames, Mr. M&cnkol was called to succeed him, and on February 3rd, 1869 he was inducted to that charge, and,remained senior minister of it till 'his death, although for many years unable to perform any of the functions of the ministry.

While on his way to Wanganui to attend the annual meeting of the General Assembly, Mr. Macnicol was seized with a paralytic stroke, on board the steamer between Manukau and New Plymouth, and was consequently incapacitated for ministerial duty for a time. 'He recovered 90 far as to be able to occupy ihe , pulpit occasionally, but the strain was too great for him, and he resigned the active duties of the pastorate. He re-' tired from the manse, and took up his' residence at Epsom, where he conducted services regularly in that young charge, while, his strength permit led. and he wag the means of laying a good foundation for the prosperity that 'has since been enjoyed by that congregation. That position he resigned after a short time because of failing strength, and afterwards moved down to Wellington to be with Wβ only daughter. Afterward* He moved to Sydney, where for about two years he has lived in retirement with" his daughter. Mr. Macnicol wag greatly beloved by all the 'people of his congregation; and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He leaves a eon and daughter in Sydney, and another son in CSromandel.