Dr Robert Mckilliam

Early Life

Dr. Robert McKilliam was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1837, the son of Basil McKilliam. From earliest years he was deeply influenced by the quiet godliness and faithful prayers of his mother. Through her example and instruction, he came to personal faith in Christ at a young age—an early beginning that shaped the whole direction of his life.

Academic and Medical Career

Exceptionally gifted intellectually, McKilliam pursued medical studies at Aberdeen University, passing examinations so early that he was initially too young to begin medical practice. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at just 21 years of age, later adding the C.M. (Chirurgiae Magister) qualification.

He practised as a physician and surgeon in several Scottish towns, including Old Meldrum, Forgue, and Huntly, remaining in the latter until 1880. Throughout his medical career, he combined professional excellence with a deep sense of Christian responsibility, viewing his work not merely as a vocation but as a sphere for service to God and humanity.

Early Christian Service and Separation from Denominationalism

From early adulthood, Dr. McKilliam was active in Christian ministry. His spiritual maturity and integrity led to his appointment as an elder in the Free Church of Scotland at an unusually young age. However, his clear and consistent teaching—especially regarding the personal and premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ—brought him into increasing conflict with church leadership.

Opposition and persecution followed. Eventually, he became convinced that remaining within the Free Church would compromise obedience to Scripture. With quiet courage, he withdrew, and several believers left with him. Together they began an undenominational Christian work in Huntly, which God richly blessed, both in the conversion of sinners and in the edification of believers.

Move to London and Expansion of Ministry

Dr. McKilliam long felt drawn toward London as a wider field for ministry. In 1880, the way opened when he succeeded Dr. Tate in medical practice at Blackheath. His arrival quickly bore spiritual fruit. A gathering of believers soon formed, and meetings were held in Alexandra Hall, where he preached the Gospel and taught the Word faithfully until his final illness.

His influence was far from local. He travelled extensively throughout Britain, labouring tirelessly in preaching, teaching, and pastoral encouragement. Many across the country—and beyond—would later testify that his ministry helped shape their understanding of Scripture and strengthened their hope in Christ.

Editor and Teacher of Prophetic Truth

One of Dr. McKilliam’s most enduring contributions came through the printed page. In January 1894, he became the founding editor of The Morning Star, a periodical devoted especially to proclaiming the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He remained editor for over twenty-one years, until his death.

Through this paper, his teaching reached readers across the world. The Morning Star became known as “a herald of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ,” and McKilliam’s name became closely associated with clear, sober, and Scripture-based prophetic teaching.

Among his favourite and most frequently addressed themes were:

• The personal return of Christ

• The premillennial hope

• The judgment-seat of Christ (the Bema)

• The Church as a called-out people, separated to God

• Faith’s triumph amid present trial

Character and Spiritual Emphasis

Dr. McKilliam was marked by humility, gentleness, and moral courage. Despite his learning and influence, he never lost sight of grace. His oft-repeated confession—“I’m only a sinner saved by grace”—was not rhetoric, but the settled conviction of his heart.

His Bible teaching was practical, Christ-centred, and hope-filled. While he was deeply prophetic in outlook, his teaching never drifted into speculation. Scripture, carefully handled, remained his authority.

Final Suffering and Home-Call

In his later years, Dr. McKilliam endured intense physical suffering, undergoing two serious operations that left him weakened and in pain for many months. Yet throughout this trial, his faith never faltered.

With what proved to be his dying hand, he wrote words that captured the essence of his lifelong hope:

“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.’”

On 7 February 1915, at the age of 78, Dr. Robert McKilliam passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord he had loved, preached, and awaited.

Legacy

Dr. McKilliam’s legacy lives on through:

• His faithful medical service

• His clear Bible teaching

• His editorial work in The Morning Star

• His unwavering proclamation of the Blessed Hope

He stands among those whose lives quietly but powerfully testified that truth matters, grace saves, and Christ is coming again.