An exceptional Christian passed our way
Pastor Eric completes his service at Brookfield Baptist
It was Sunday, Sept. 29 that Pastor Eric Mackinnon brought his final message to the congregation at Brookfield Baptist Church. Leading the morning worship service, his message was titled Parting Words and New Beginnings.
Pastor Eric, as he is known, had served at the small Brookfield church for the past 10 years and five months. As I kind of had a front row seat during that time, a few memories and reflections come to mind.
My first recollection of hearing of Pastor Eric was in 2009 when a friend, Art Sears, told me about this young Baptist minister. I was a regular attending Brookfield Baptist when Art, an outstanding pillar in the church, told me I would like this young Rev. Mackinnon.
Art had met Pastor Eric and had heard him speak previously.
Although I cannot recall the exact words used by Art, he described a man deep into scripture, a man who loved the Lord and a man who he felt would be good for the local church.
On Jan. 25, 2009, a business meeting was held following the Sunday morning worship service at Brookfield. Art, a member of the pulpit committee, presented the name of Rev. Eric Mackinnon to the congregation. Later, Art would make a motion that the church extend a call to Rev. Eric Mackinnon to become the pastor. The motion was seconded by Glenna Murphy.
Pastor Eric began his ministry in Brookfield on May 1, 2009. In first meeting this man, I recall that as a senior, Pastor Eric, in his early 40s, as having spirit and a personality that was almost contagious. His presence was encouraging, and he appeared genuinely concerned for my spiritual well-being. Art had been right; I would like this man.
A Glace Bay native, Mackinnon, was exactly as Art had described – deep into scripture and noticeably knowledgeable regarding life’s rule book, the Holy Bible. In the years ahead, on occasion when certain subjects came up, I would hear Pastor Eric say, “Let’s see how it stands up according to God’s word as found in scripture.”
His messages Sunday after Sunday contained inspiring content and depth. He would encourage the congregation to
follow along in their Bibles; some chose to make notes pertaining to his message and scripture, for research later.
Pastor Eric was gifted as a teacher; he presented God’s word in a way that was interesting and stimulating.
Outside the church, Pastor Eric also had a presence. Twice each month he conducted Sunday afternoon worship services for the shut-ins at Elk Court. With community involvement that was praiseworthy, he continuously took part each year in leading Remembrance Day services working alongside Rev. Larry Harrison and later Rev. Michael Henderson of Brookfield Knox United Church.
Each summer, Pastor Eric and the Knox minister would take part in the closing worship service for Coming Home To Brookfield Days. Pastor Eric was also Chaplain for the Brookfield Fire Brigade and he was a member of the board of directors with the Colchester Christian Academy in Truro, where his wife Pauline was a teacher.
Within the church, small group studies, Bible studies, prayer meetings and evangelistic outreach highlighted a long list of commitments. His leadership encouraged a number of us to get involved with the KD Lunch Program, a meal served to South Colchester Academy students. For those involved, it was truly a blessing.
In May of this year, the same night Deacon Robert Vaughan held an adult Bible Study, Pastor Eric held a youth Bible study.
Robert’s adult study had 13 in attendance while eight young people attended Pastor Eric’s Bible study. With 21 people attending a Bible study the same day, it was possibly some kind of a record.
As a Christian family, Pastor Eric, his wife Pauline and daughters Angela, Leanne and Heather, walked the walk. Their sincere love for God, their Christian commitment, could be seen on their faces.
For many of us, because of our close association with the Mackinnon family, this may possibly remain as one of the highlights in our Christian journeys.
When complimented over the years, Pastor Eric would come back with “God is good.”
He told me many times, “It’s all about Jesus.”
In summation, an exceptional Christian passed our way.