ROBERT M`KILLIAM, son o Basil M`Killiam, was born at Aberdeen in 1837. His mother’s godly life and prayers had great influence over him, and he was converted at an early age. He studied for a doctor, and passed examinations at too early an age to engage in practice, taking, however, his M.D. degree at Aberdeen University at the age of 21, and subsequently his C. M. degree at the same University. He practiced as physician and surgeon at Old Meldrum, Forgue, and Huntly, leaving the last named in 1880.
The doctor engaged in active Christian work when quite a young man, and because of his outstanding Christian principles was made an elder of the Free Church of Scotland at a comparatively early age for such an office. His Biblical teaching, particularly that connected with the Second Coming of Christ, was, however, too pronounced for the Free Church, and owing to much persecution and opposition he left that body. Several left with him, and an undenominational Christian work was then commenced at Huntly, greatly blessed and owned of God in the conversion of many and in blessing to God’s people.
Dr. M’Kailliam longed for London as a sphere of labor, and in 1880 the way was made clear, so he succeeded to the practice of the late Dr. Tate, of Blackheath. In a short time an Assembly of believers was formed at Blackheath. The Alexandra Hall was taken, and up to the time of his last illness the doctor continued to preach the gospel and minister the Word there, and very many will have cause to thank God for his faithful ministry. His activities were not confined to Blackheath, as he traveled much all over the country and labored for the Lord most assiduously. He was Editor of The Morning Stay from its commencement in January, 1894, and continued so till the time of his death-thus covering just over 21 years. Through this paper, which was “a herald of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ,” his name was known and his teaching appreciated and blessed in many parts of the world.
The doctor’s favorite theme was the Personal and Pre-millennial Coming of the Lord Jesus. With his dying hand he penned these words for the readers of The Witness: “The ‘Blessed Hope’ cannot much longer be deferred. The full choir shall soon fill the heavens with music that even the Archangels shall delight to hear; and you and I, my brother, my sister, saved by His grace, however unworthy, shall add our little strain to the full acknowledgment of His worth. Mine shall still be: ‘I’m only a sinner saved by Grace.’ “
After two serious operations, which meant many months of intense suffering, the beloved physician was called to a well-earned Rest in the Heavenly Home on 7th February, 1915, at the advanced age of 78. W. W. H.