17/05/2026
It is with sadness that we share news of the death of the Reverend Dr Ross Mackenzie, the original Minister of St. Andrew’s Church Clermiston.
John Anderson Ross Mackenzie was born in Edinburgh on 26th August 1927, the son of Donald & Edith Mackenzie. In 1951, he married Flora Duncan, & having 3 children together. Ross & Flora were married for over 60 years, until Flora’s death in 2013.
Rev. Mackenzie was ordained as a Minister on 14th May 1953, serving as Assistant Minister of St. Giles’ Church. He led worship here at St. Andrew’s Church Clermiston in September 1954, being inducted formally on 29th October 1954. Services were initially held in the Church Hut, currently known as our Buttercup Hall, before moving to our current building in April 1957. During this period, Rev. Mackenzie would hold christenings in parishioner’s houses, as one member remembers. Another member reminisces about him travelling around Clermiston on a scooter to visit his parishioners. He remained with the Parish of Clermiston until 31st March 1959, which has been described as a sad day for St. Andrew’s Church Clermiston & the Parish.
The Mackenzies’ emigrated to the United States in 1959, where he became Minister of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia for the next 5 years. Dr. Mackenzie then served Union as Associate Professor of Church History from 1963–67 and as John Q. Dickinson Professor of Church History from 1968–81. He returned to Ministry as a Senior Minister at 1st Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Florida until 1989.
Rev. Mackenzie became a Director of Religion & History with the Chautauqua Institute from 1989 until 1999, before preaching as an Associate Rector at St Luke’s Episcopal Church, Jamestown, New Jersey from 2000 until 2006.
Rev. Mackenzie returned to St. Andrew’s Church Clermiston in September 2014 as part of 60th Anniversary celebrations. He is remembered fondly by those original members of our Congregation.
Rev. Mackenzie passed away on 24th April 2026, aged 98 years. Our thoughts & prayers are with his 3 children, & numerous grandchildren & great-grandchildren at this time.
“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; & whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: 25-26
