Ordination and Induction in Aberdeen

On Friday, 29 July 2005, at 7 pm, the largest congregation since the division of 1989 assembled in the Free Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen to witness the ordination of Rev Douglas W B Somerset and his induction to the pastorate of the Aberdeen congregation. In the sovereign providence of the Most High, the congregation, which had been decimated as the result of the APC schism, had a pastor set over it by the Northern Presbytery. Ministers from each of the other home Presbyteries joined their brethren in this Presbytery to be associated with it and involved in the historic event.

Following the usual preliminaries, Rev N M Ross, Moderator pro tem, went to the pulpit and preached from 2 Corinthians 4:3,4 on the "glorious gospel". He then gave a narrative of the steps taken in order to fill the vacancy. Thereafter the questions required to be answered by ministers of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland at their ordination were put to Dr Somerset by the Moderator and answered in the affirmative. Having taken his solemn ordination vows, Dr Somerset subscribed the required formula, binding himself to preach, maintain and defend the Reformed doctrines, principles and practices as maintained in the Free Presbyterian Church.

Dr Somerset then knelt in the presence of God and the congregation, as the ministers present laid their hands upon him, while the Moderator by solemn prayer set him apart to the work of the holy ministry. Thereafter the Moderator, by the authority of the Divine Head of the Church and in the name of the Presbytery, formally inducted and admitted him as a member of the Northern Presbytery to the pastoral charge of the Aberdeen congregation. Each member of the Presbytery in turn gave the right hand of fellowship to Dr Somerset, wishing him the Lord's blessing upon his future ministry.

The newly-inducted minister was then addressed most appropriately by the Moderator, after which Rev G G Hutton, the retiring Interim Moderator of the Aberdeen Kirk Session, addressed the congregation. At the request of the Moderator, several of the ministers from outwith the Northern Presbytery spoke briefly. Thereafter the Clerk read letters of greetings from Rev Keith Watkins in Kenya and Rev Donald Macdonald, North Uist, who were unable to be present.

Following the formal proceedings, the public worship was brought to a conclusion with hearty praise and the benediction. The newly-inducted pastor proceeded to the door of the church to be greeted by the congregation.

The congregation, some of whom had travelled considerable distances to be present, then enjoyed a welcome meal as, young and old, they mingled together, sharing the joy of the occasion with their Aberdeen friends.

It is our desire and prayer that the new relationship formed between the pastor and the Aberdeen congregation will be cordial and spiritually-profitable. Aberdeen is a major centre of population in Scotland, standing greatly in need of a distinctive Reformed gospel witness. We have reason to believe that the opportunities for the newly-inducted minister in Aberdeen are numerous but we know the adversary is strong and the gospel is not popular with the multitudes in this generation. The minister will need grace, faith, courage, stamina and divine unction to exercise a faithful ministry in this needy city. May it please Him, who alone provides the Church with "able ministers", to make the minister in Aberdeen such a one!

(Rev) George G Hutton, Clerk of Presbytery