Meeting of Synod

FIRST SEDERUNT.

AT Inverness, and within the Free Presbyterian Church there, on the 17th day of May, 1921, and at 6.30 p.m., the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland met.

Sederunt.—From the Western Presbytery—Revs. D. Graham, Shieldaig, D. Mackenzie, Gairloch, M. Morrison, Lochinver, and D. M. Macdonald, Portree, ministers; with Messrs. John Macdonald, Gairloch, John Macleman, Shieldaig, and Donald Mackenzie, Lochinver, elders. From the Northern Presbytery—Revs. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall (Moderator), D. Beaton, Wick, E. Macqueen, Inverness, and D. A. Macfarlane, Lairg, ministers; with Messrs. M. Urquhart, Dingwall, and Charles Maclean, Inverness, elders. From the Southern Presbytery—Revs. Neil Cameron, St. Jude’s, Glasgow, J. S. Sinclair, John Knox’s, Glasgow (Clerk), and Alex. Mackay, Oban, ministers; with Mr. Neil MacSwan, St. Jude’s, elder.

The retiring Moderator (Rev. D. Macfarlane) conducted public worship, and preached from Hebrews xiii. 5. After public worship was ended, the Moderator constituted the Synod with prayer.

The roll was then called, and the Clerk intimated an apology for absence from Rev. D. N. Macleod, Tarbert, Harris. Mr. John Grant was appointed officer of court, and agreed to undertake the duties.

The minutes of the last two sederunts of the previous Synod were read and approved of.

At this stage, the Moderator (Rev. D. Macfarlane) intimated that his term of office had expired, thanked the Synod for their kindness to him, and said that it now lay with them to appoint another Moderator. Rev. E. Macqueen rose and moved that the Rev. Neil Cameron, St. Jude’s, Glasgow, be appointed Moderator. He said he was sure that they were all glad to see Mr. Cameron back in safety and health from South Africa, and that they would consider it appropriate that after having done this piece of work for the Church, he should be called to the Moderator’s Chair.

Rev. D. Beaton seconded the motion, and endorsed what Mr. Macqueen had said in reference to Mr. Cameron. The motion was unanimously agreed to. Rev. N. Cameron rose and said that he had no expectation of receiving any such honour at this time, but if it were the Synod’s mind that he should occupy the Chair, he would not refuse. He expressed the hope that the Lord would give him grace to fulfil the duties of the office.

It was moved by the Rev. E. Macqueen, seconded by the Rev. D. Graham, and unanimously agreed to, that the Rev. D. Macfarlane be asked to send his sermon for publication in the Magazine. Mr. Macfarlane expressed his willingness to comply with the request.

Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the Revs. D. Beaton, D. M. Macdonald, and the Clerk, be appointed as a Committee to draw up a Loyal Address to the King. The motion was agreed to.

The Clerk moved that the members of Synod meet as a Committee on Bills and Overtures, at the Manse, at 10 o’clock next morning. The motion was agreed to.

It was further agreed that the Synod hold two sederunts next day at 2 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.

The Synod adjourned to meet again (God willing) on Wednesday, 18th instant, at 2 p.m.

The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

SECOND SEDERUNT.

The Synod resumed its sitting, in terms of adjournment, on Wednesday, 18th May, at 2 p.m. The meeting was opened with devotional exercises, conducted by the Moderator, Rev. N. Cameron, Glasgow.

The roll was called, and there were present: From the Southern Presbytery—Revs. Neil Cameron, St. Jude’s, Glasgow (Moderator), J. S. Sinclair, John Knox’s, Glasgow (Clerk), and A. Mackay, Oban, ministers; and Mr. Neil MacSwan, St. Jude’s, Glasgow, elder. From the Western Presbytery—Revs. D. Graham, D. Mackenzie, M. Morrison, and D. M. Macdonald, ministers; with Messrs. John Macdonald, Gairloch, Donald Mackenzie, Lochinver, and John MacLennan, Shieldaig, elders. From the Northern Presbytery—Revs. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall, D. Beaton, Wick, D. A. Macfarlane, Lairg, and E. Macqueen, Inverness, ministers; and Mr. Charles Maclean, Inverness, elder.

The minutes of the first sederunt were read and approved of.

(1) REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BILLS AND OVERTURES.

The Clerk read the report of this Committee as to order of business. The order recommended was adopted.

(2) REPORTS OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY LAST SYNOD.

1. It was reported that the Committee on Church documents had not taken any steps since last Synod. It was decided to

reappoint the Committee, consisting of Revs. N. Cameron, D. Beaton, and the Clerk, with Mr. Cameron, convener. In course of a brief discussion, it was pointed out that the high cost of printing was a contributory cause to the Committee’s inactivity. It was suggested that the Committee proceed with the work and get the material ready, so that if printing prices fell the Church documents could be placed in the printer’s hands.

1. Legacy Committee.—The Rev. James S. Sinclair reported that he had received £10 9/ interest on the California legacy.

2. Committee in connection with Church of Scotland Enabling Bill.—The Rev. James S. Sinclair gave in the report of the Committee and read the Memorandum submitted to His Majesty’s Government by the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland in connection with the Church of Scotland Enabling Bill, which had recently been published in the Free Presbyterian Magazine.

(3) REPORTS OF EXAMINERS OF PRESBYTERY RECORDS.

The Examiners of the Records of the Northern and Western Presbyteries gave in favourable reports. Mr. Macqueen reported that the minute book of the Southern Presbytery was not forward.

(4) THEOLOGICAL COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

Rev. E. Macqueen, convener, reported that Rev. A. Mackay had set a paper in Theology to Mr. Roderick Macinnes, divinity student, as part of the final examination, and that he had answered the questions so as to obtain 90 per cent. marks. The papers sent by Mr. Macinnes to Rev. D. A. Macfarlane, the examiner in Hebrew, had not reached Mr. Macfarlane, having evidently gone amissing.

Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane send another examination paper in Hebrew to Mr. Macinnes along the lines of the one he had already sent. This was seconded by the Rev. E. Macqueen, and unanimously adopted.

The Committee recommend that the Synod strongly advise students studying for the ministry of this Church to take the classes of Junior Hebrew and Helenistic Greek (as well as Classical) in their Arts course.

Rev. M. Morrison moved that the Synod expect students studying for this Church should, in their Arts course, take the classes of Junior Hebrew and Helenistic Greek (as well as Classical) before proceeding to their studies in divinity. This was seconded by Rev. E. Macqueen, and unanimously adopted.

(5) THEOLOGICAL TUTOR’S REPORT.

During session 1920-21 there were two students studying Theology—Messrs. John Maclachlan and Roderick Mackenzie, M.A. The subjects dealt with in New Testament Greek were the I. and II. Epistles of Corinthians—translation, exegesis, etc. In Church History, King Hewison’s Covenanters, covering the period

of Scottish Church history from 1560 to 1691, was used as the text book, and the greater part of this period was passed in review. In continuation of this period, lectures were delivered covering the period from 1690 to 1733. Two written examinations were held in New Testament Greek and Church history subjects respectively, and the marks gained by the students were endorsed on their class certificates. I take this opportunity of publicly thanking the students for their unfailing readiness to assist me in the occasional supply of my pulpit.

The Rev. E. Macqueen moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by the Rev. D. Macfarlane and unanimously adopted.

(6) REMITS FROM PRESBYTERIES.

There were two remits from the Western Presbytery, but consideration of these were left over until the Clerk, Rev. N. Macintyre, would be present.

(7) APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH COLLECTIONS.

It was moved by Rev. Ewen Macqueen, seconded by Rev. D. Graham, and unanimously adopted, that the Church Collections be appointed for the same dates as last year:—(1) Collection for College Fund in August, 1921—notice to be sent by the Convener of the Training of the Ministry and Theological Committee; (2) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), first collection in October, 1921, by book from house to house—notice to be sent by the Convener of the Finance Committee; (3) Organisation Fund, collection in December, 1921—notice to be sent by the Synod Clerk; (4) Church Building Fund, in January, 1922—notice to be sent by Synod Clerk; (5) Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund, in February, 1922—notice to be sent by Convener of Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee; (6) Aged and Infirm Ministers’, Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, in June, 1922—notice to be sent by Rev. E. Macqueen, Inverness.

(8) LOYAL ADDRESS TO THE KING.

The Rev. D. Beaton read the following draft of Loyal Address to the King, drawn up by the Committee, which was adopted on the motion of Rev. E. Macqueen, seconded by Rev. D. Macfarlane:—

“A LOYAL ADDRESS BY THE SYNOD OF THE FREE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.

TO HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, GEORGE V., KING OF
Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc.

May it Please Your Majesty,—

We, the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Inverness, desire to renew our annual expression of loyalty and goodwill towards your Majesty’s person and throne, and of constant and prayerful anxiety for the welfare and prosperity of your Majesty’s reign.

We express sincere sympathy with your Majesty in the present anxious and unsettled times. The present deplorable state of the country through industrial restlessness and the activities of certain evil-disposed persons against the constituted authority of this country, is a condition of things which we, as your loyal subjects, deeply deplore, and pray that the King of kings and Lord of lords might turn the hearts of the people of this nation from evil ways to paths of righteousness and truth. The state of Ireland must cause your Majesty grave concern as it does to all patriotic, Protestant, and Christian people among your Majesty’s subjects, and we earnestly pray that God would bring to light the machinations of ill-disposed men, and cause violence and bloodshed to cease, and restore a righteous peace. The Synod cannot help expressing that Ireland’s troubles are to a great extent due to the influence and power of the Papacy.”

(9) COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO DRAW UP PROTEST AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS CONCESSIONS TO POPERY.

The Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the following Committee:— Revs. N. Cameron (Moderator), D. Beaton, E. Macqueen and the Clerk, be appointed to draw up a strong Protest against the Prime Minister and the Government as to their concessions to and flattery of the Church of Rome, which have recently reached a great height, and that a copy of said Protest be sent to the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet.

This was seconded by Mr. Charles Maclean, supported by Rev. M. Morrison, and unanimously agreed to.

(10) DAY OF HUMILIATION AND PRAYER.

The Rev. E. Macqueen moved that a Day of Humiliation and Prayer be appointed for either the Wednesday or Thursday (whichever day would be most suitable to congregations) the 22nd or 23rd of June.

Mr. John Macdonald, elder, seconded, and this was unanimously agreed to.

(11) REMIT FROM WESTERN PRESBYTERY.

The Rev. N. Macintyre read a remit from the Western Presbytery re a missionary for Obbe. The Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the matter be remitted back to Western Presbytery to enquire and to report to next Synod, and also to enquire into the relations of the West Coast missionaries to the Free Presbyterian Church.

(12) CANADIAN MISSION REPORT.

The Convener, Rev. D. Beaton, submitted the following report:—

“The Committee have pleasure in submitting this report for the Synod’s consideration to point out that our people in the North

American Continent, notwithstanding many discouragements, are as keen and as enthusiastic as ever to face the new difficulties in their path, and long for preachers who will preach the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ to them. The Committee would take this opportunity of sending a message of encouragement to our people scattered throughout Canada and the States, appreciating as they do the depressing effect of isolation in so many cases, and express their regret for their inability to supply them with preachers as expeditiously as their earnest entreaties would demand. At present the Church has two ordained ministers labouring in Canada—Rev. William Matheson, Chesley, Ontario, and Rev. Malcolm Gillies, the Church’s deputy to Western Canada, and also a lay missionary, Mr. Donald Matheson, Vancouver. But notwithstanding this our people are keen to have more. Last month a request reached us from Detroit to send out a minister to them for three months. The Free Presbyterians in Detroit, though few in numbers, make up for this lack by warm-hearted enthusiasm. The petitioners promised that they would pay all travelling expenses, expenses of board and lodging, and also supply of pulpit for the minister who went. The Committee are negotiating with one of our ministers and hope that the request of our friends in Detroit may be gratified, even though it may not be quite so early as they would have liked. I now submit the report of Rev. James Macleod, covering his visits to Winnipeg and Detroit, and also the report of Rev. Malcolm Gillies.”

Rev. E. Macqueen moved the adoption of the Report and Mr. N. MacSwan seconded. Revs. D. Macfarlane, M. Morrison, and the Convener spoke in appreciative terms. In view of the fact that our people might be building churches in the near future in Winnipeg and Vancouver, the Convener was asked to send the responsible parties copies of the Free Presbyterian Model Trust Deed. It was left with the Canadian Mission Committee to carry through arrangements for the supply of Winnipeg, on Rev. M. Gillies’ return to this country.

REV. JAMES MACLEOD’S REPORT.

* “I left Vancouver last year on 17th May, and, as I was directed by the Canadian Mission Committee, went to Winnipeg. Messrs. William Sinclair and D. Matheson met me at the station, and during my stay at Winnipeg I resided in the house of Mr. William Sinclair, where I was entertained during my visit in that city in a very kind and hospitable manner.

“I was for three Sabbaths at Winnipeg—visited the most of our

* Mr. Macleod’s report on his visit to Vancouver was submitted to the Synod of 1920. This covers the period he was in Canada and U.S.A., after leaving Vancouver.

people, accompanied by my friend, Mr. Donald Matheson, who, I may here point out, was liked by our people, and his services highly appreciated, and, as a rule, fairly well attended.

“Mr. Lachlan Ross, elder, was unable to come into the city for the first two Sabbaths owing to a sore leg, but he was present with us on the third and last Sabbath.

“The people expected that I would hold the Lord’s Supper among them, but as I had only Donald Macleod, and in the absence of Mr. Ross I could not constitute a Kirk-Session, with the result that I found it impossible to do so.

“When Mr. Ross arrived at Winnipeg, we had a Kirk-Session, and several came forward for baptism, some received the privilege before for their children from our Church, and others for the first time. On the whole, it was gratifying to find the general intelligence and acquaintance with the Word of God that they had—of course, the most were from the Highlands of Scotland.

“The Kirk-Session also intimated to me the need of adding to the membership of deacons and elders. I enquired about the male members in the congregation that were fit to be chosen for the respective offices. Three names were presented, and the said three names were, after a public intimation being made to the congregation, submitted to the members in full communion for selection—one for the office of elder, and two for deacons. It was found after opening the sealed letters which were handed in to the Kirk-Session that Mr. Wm. Sinclair was almost unanimously chosen for the office of eldership, and Messrs. Hughs and Frame were chosen for the office of deaconship. The Kirk-Session instructed the moderator to ask the said gentlemen whether they were willing to accept the said offices or not; and, in the course of a few days, the moderator informed the Kirk-Session that they were prepared to accept the respective offices.

“So, after the ordinary and usual procedure as practiced by our Church, Mr. Wm. Sinclair was ordained to the office of elder, and Messrs. Hughs and Frame to the office of deacons. They all answered the usual questions put to elders elect, and deacons elect, and signed the Formula.

“There was also a congregational meeting, and the business brought forward was to give a call to a minister, and Mr. Donald Macleod, elder, rose and proposed my own name to the congregation, and this motion or proposal was seconded by Mr. L. Ross; but I immediately rose and explained to the congregation that it was impossible for me to accept or consider the suggested proposal, owing to the fact that I had before that time and date accepted a call from another congregation of the Church. Mr. Wm. Sinclair rose and proposed the name of Rev. Wm. Matheson.

“The people were divided on Mr. Sinclair’s suggestion, as Mr. Matheson had no Gaelic. Some were for doing away with the Gaelic and others for it, so when I saw that they were divided

on this matter, I informed them that the only thing I could do was to report to the Committee.

“The people attended very well during my brief stay at Winnipeg, and it was very encouraging to speak to them about their eternal welfare, and their great need of repentance towards God, and reconciliation through faith in the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I left Winnipeg on the 9th of June for Detroit, and arrived in Detroit on the 13th. Mr. R. S. Mackenzie met me at the station and took me to his house, where I was received with all Christian kindness by Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie. It was great pleasure to be with our few but faithful followers in the city of Detroit. I was just for two Sabbaths in Detroit. There were upwards of fifty present at the services, and, if I am not deceived, they appreciate the Gospel of the grace of God.

“I felt very sorry leaving them, as they are like sheep without a shepherd, but may the Lord enable them to wait upon Himself, who can comfort them, and guide them unto all truth by His Holy Spirit.

“I left Detroit on the 22nd of June, and sailed from Montreal on the 26th by the s.s. ‘Sicilian’ for Glasgow. The weather was lovely crossing the Atlantic, and the goodness and kindness of the Lord to me was wonderful in every possible way. I was almost a year away from home, and the Most High in providence was kind to me, and to His great name be the glory for ever.”

REV. MALCOLM GILLIES’S REPORT.

Mr. Gillies reported as follows:—”In accordance with the request of the Synod that I should supply the Western Canadian Mission, as Church Deputy, I sailed on the ‘Empress of France’ from Liverpool on Wednesday, 22nd of September. The voyage across the Atlantic was somewhat rough, and was prolonged on account of fog in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but we reached Quebec on Wednesday evening, 29th, the sea journey thus concluded in about a week. Leaving Quebec on Thursday morning, I arrived in Toronto early on Friday, where I visited some friends, including Mr. Dempster of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, who takes a lively interest in our work in Canada. I left next morning for Detroit, U.S.A., and found our friends there well, and preparations made for Sabbath services. The following Wednesday I journeyed back into Ontario as far as London, and then went north to Chesley to pay Rev. Wm. Matheson a friendly visit. I stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Matheson till Saturday and enjoyed their hospitality and meeting some of the friends of the cause there. To report on the Ontario Mission is out of my province as deputy to Western Canada, but Mr. Matheson will not mind though I express my pleasure regarding the prosperous condition of that part of the vineyard which is under his immediate care. Coming back to Detroit, I preached there for other two Sabbaths, giving

them three Sabbaths in all. The Detroit congregation is small, but that may in part be owing to the fact that they do not keep services except when they are visited. The friends there are anxious to get supply and would support one labouring among them. It is to be hoped that they can have their desire gratified in due time.

“In all my travels through America, I have never yet seen a city more given over to wickedness, especially Sabbath desecration, than Detroit. One would need to be as spiritually minded as Mr. Finlayson, Löchs, Lewis, before one would be in a frame of mind suitable for the Sabbath when going through the streets there. It is difficult to see any difference between the Sabbath day in Detroit and any other day. Shops of all descriptions are wide open, theatres make that their gala day, and in some cases, building operations are carried on, quite regardless of the physical and moral obligations of the fourth commandment. There is no place more needful than Detroit of a mission where law and gospel would be faithfully preached, and if the Lord has a purpose of grace regarding that city, He will provide the means in His own good time and way. While in Detroit, I enjoyed the unsparing kindness of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Mackenzie, who have always done their utmost to make the visits of the deputies of the Church both comfortable and pleasant.

“I left Detroit on Monday, 18th of October, and arrived in Winnipeg in time for the prayer meeting on Wednesday. I found that during my absence, the congregation had left the building on M’Gee Street, and had rented the Scott Memorial Hall, where they used to meet five years ago. Mr. Donald Matheson, missionary, had left Winnipeg at the beginning of September to take charge of our congregation in Vancouver, and Mr. Donald Macleod, our elder, had carried on the services for the six Sabbaths that intervened between Mr. Matheson’s departure and my arrival in Winnipeg. Mr. Macleod also conducted the services from November till March, when the congregation was without supply, and the Free Church, showing their desire for union with us, made a frantic effort to uphold an opposition mission in Winnipeg. Mr. Macleod is to be commended for his willing helpfulness, and has the thanks of the Winnipeg congregation and of the whole Church. I made the home of Mr. Wm. Sinclair my headquarters while in Manitoba. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair’s hospitality and interest in the cause is well known to the Church.

“The congregation in Winnipeg is in a fairly satisfactory condition in the matter of attendance. In financial affairs, it meets heavy burdens, and discharges them to the satisfaction of all concerned. Since my arrival, the last instalment of the church site debt has been paid off, and the congregation is contemplating the building of the church. Whether the church will be built or not this year is a matter to be decided on my return from Vancouver to Winnipeg. Possibly, I may be able to send information on

this point before the Synod meets. At our first meeting of Session in Winnipeg, the members of Session made diligent enquiries as to the call which had been forwarded in my favour to the Southern Presbytery. I told them that I had not seen my way clear to accept the call, but they are unwilling to take that answer as final. I feel grateful to the Winnipeg friends for this renewed token of their regard, and I am fully alive to the importance of having a man in Winnipeg, with powers to dispense Church ordinances. I know from experience that the Winnipeg congregation will do well for their pastor in temporal matters, but I am convinced that it is not the mind of the Lord that I should accede to their wishes at the present time. The fact that I have given them the equivalent of a seven years’ pastorate already, confirms me all the more in my decision regarding this matter. I trust the Canadian Mission Committee and the Synod will do their utmost to supply what may perhaps be the most important charge in the Canadian Mission Field of our Church.

“I went out to Bayton for the second Sabbath of February, and spent over a week holding services among the people there. The friends at Bayton are for the most part connected with the Winnipeg congregation, and have settled on homesteads at this place, which is about 130 miles north-west of Winnipeg. Mr. Lachlan Ross, elder, and several others in full communion with the Winnipeg congregation reside there, and have been keeping services for several years.

“There had been no public worship kept for some months, owing, in part, to Mr. Ross’ illness and infirmities of age. We held a congregational meeting out there, and arranged for a service and Bible class every Sabbath. I said to them that I would ask the church at home to instruct the minister or missionary supplying at Winnipeg to give them a few Sabbaths as often as he could during the year. I trust the Committee will keep in view the needs of Bayton. I had good congregations there, about forty persons at each service.

“I left Winnipeg on the 2nd of March, and after a journey of three nights and two days, I got the length of Vancouver. I found the friends in good health, and the Mission well supported by them. Mr. Donald Matheson has given good satisfaction, and his health is better since he came to Vancouver than it was in Winnipeg. I am very much at home under the hospitable roof of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Mackay, and I meet with great kindness in visiting the friends of the congregation at their homes. I have already been five Sabbaths in Vancouver, and I propose to remain for some weeks yet till we get matters, relating to property, on a firm basis. The Vancouver congregation became a station in the Mission Field of the Free Presbyterian Church in Canada by the action of our Synod in May, 1919, in granting the petition of about 100 persons in Vancouver to be so received as a Mission station or congregation. During the month of October, Vancouver was

visited for the first time in about six years by a Free Church deputy, who prevailed on a part of the congregation to become seceders from the Free Presbyterian congregation, and form themselves into a new body, registered according to the laws of the Province of British Columbia, as ‘The Highland Church of Vancouver,’ under the auspices of the Free Church of Scotland. This deputy, Rev. George Mackay, has been advocating union between the Free and Free Presbyterian Churches for the last twenty years, and when he finds his day dream realised in part in Vancouver, he rests not till he has severed the connection.

“I am pleased to be able to give an encouraging report as to the prospects of the Vancouver congregation. The congregation is by no means large, but they are anxious that the means of grace be maintained among them. They do well in financial matters, in supporting their missionary and in contributing towards the building fund. They collected 635 dollars in the last fortnight for this fund alone, which more than meets the debt on the site, so that we may hear very soon that they are to proceed with the church building. The congregation has had several disappointments in connection with property, and has lost a considerable sum of money, owing to the uncertainties of real estate transactions in this country. Nothing daunted by difficulties which are somewhat similar to those experienced by Joshua and Zerubbabel at the building of the Second Temple, our Vancouver friends will soon have their desire gratified, and we wish them every success in seeking to maintain Free Church principles according to the practice of our Church at home. We have taken steps to have the congregation incorporated as the ‘First Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Congregation in the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia.’ Trustees have been appointed who will hold the property of the congregation in the interests of those who will adhere to the doctrines, worship, and discipline of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, as these matters are set forth in the ‘Deed of Separation.’ Mr. M. A. Macdonald, K.C., M.P., whose family is connected with our Church in Ontario, has undertaken to draw up the Trust Deed and act as legal adviser, gratis, so that we can be confident that this matter will be satisfactorily carried through at an early date.

“I have been corresponding with Mr. Angus Mackay, one of our elders from Rogart, Sutherlandshire, who is now at Innisfail, Alberta, and I have arranged to meet him at Calgary on my way east. We may be able to arrange services at Calgary for future deputies. I will report later how I find matters there. I expect that we will have the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper dispensed in the Winnipeg congregation on my return there. I have administered the ordinance of baptism at Chesley, Winnipeg, Bayton, and Vancouver. There is the same need in Canada as there is at home of a day of power from on high that would revive

the living and awaken those that are dead in trespasses and sins. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.’

SYNOD’S DECLARATION ANENT CHURCH PRIVILEGES.

The Synod declares in accordance with former resolutions that Church privileges, such as Baptism, are not to be given to any who engage in Sabbath work (other than works of necessity or mercy), or who travel by trains or cars run in systematic disregard of the sacred day. The serious and careful consideration of Kirk-Sessions to be given to special cases such as that of a husband who has ceased to acknowledge the Christian religion, or who refuses to adhere to the above standard of Sabbath observance, but whose wife (desiring baptism) fulfils the demands of this declaration and is otherwise exemplary.

The Synod adjourned to meet again (d.v.) at 5-30 p.m. The sederunt was closed with praise and prayer.

THIRD SEDERUNT.

The Synod resumed its sitting at 5-30 p.m., and was constituted with devotional exercises by the Rev. N. Cameron, Glasgow, Moderator.

The roll was then called, and there were present:—From the Southern Presbytery—Revs. Neil Cameron (Moderator), Alexander Mackay, and J. S. Sinclair (Clerk), ministers; with Mr. Neil MacSwan, elder. From the Western Presbytery—Revs. Neil Macintyre, D. Graham, D. Mackenzie, M. Morrison, and D. M. Macdonald, ministers; with Messrs. John Macdonald, Gairloch, Donald Mackenzie, Lochinver, and John Maclellan, Shieldaig, elders. From the Northern Presbytery—Revs. D. Macfarlane, D. Beaton, D. A. Macfarlane, and Ewan Macqueen; with Messrs. Charles Maclean, elder.

The minutes of last meeting were held over until next meeting.

(13) FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The General Treasurer (Mr. Alex. Macgillivray, Inverness) read the Abstract of Church’s Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st March, 1921. This being done, Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved the following motion:—”The Synod adopt the yearly Financial Report and order it to be published in the Magazine. The Synod would humbly acknowledge the Lord’s great goodness in the heartiness with which their people have contributed to the Church’s support and would again recommend the several schemes of the Church to their liberality. The Synod further tender their best thanks to the Auditors for their gratuitous labours in auditing the Church’s financial accounts, and to the Treasurer for his efficient services.”

In submitting his motion, Mr. Macqueen spoke feelingly of the Lord’s great kindness to them as a Church. Hitherto He had

been with them, and now this year they had the greatest balance to their credit at the end of their financial year which they ever had, and in this they had to recognise the hand of the Lord and make acknowledgment of the Christian liberality of the people. The Rev. D. Beaton seconded the motion, and spoke also as to the great obligations under which the Lord placed them through His abundant kindness to them. The report was unanimously adopted.

(14) JEWISH AND FOREIGN MISSIONS COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

1. South Africa.—Rev. Neil Cameron, Convener, read a most interesting narrative of the visit paid to Matabeleland by Mr. Angus Fraser and himself. It was listened to with profound and rapt attention by the members of Synod and the assembled congregation, and it was felt on all hands that there was renewed reason to thank God and take courage. The spiritual and numerical success of the Mission in South Africa is beyond anything we had realised, Rev. J. B. Radasi having been so modest in his reports from time to time. Mr. Fraser, in a short and appropriate address, endorsed all that Mr. Cameron delivered, and gave a pleasing account of the warmth and liveliness of the Matabele Christians at the prayer meetings and other services. He spoke of Mr. Radasi’s humility—he desired no praise, but wished to ascribe all the glory to the Lord. He was pleased to hear that friends at home were remembering him. The report was published in full in last issue of the Magazine.

The Rev. D. Macfarlane moved the adoption of the Foreign Mission Report, and made special reference to the very encouraging nature of the report given in by the deputies to the South African Mission. To himself, personally, he said it had a very uplifting effect, and he had no doubt that our people generally would do more than ever they did in the past in support of the South African Mission. The motion was seconded and unanimously adopted.

1. Australia.—Mr. Cameron reported that a sum of £12 5s. 7d. had been sent by Mr. James D. Kidd from our people in Ballina, N. S. Wales, for Foreign Missions. Mr. Kidd, in his letter, renewed the request that a minister of the Free Presbyterian Church would go to assist them there for a year, and that such as may go may be eligible for receiving a call from them. I hope the Synod will take this renewed appeal unto its serious consideration, for we all have in our inmost heart the deepest sympathy with our people there in their isolated position.

(15) CHURCH MAGAZINE REPORT.

The Convener, Rev. James S. Sinclair, reported on the Magazine and acknowledged the kindly and encouraging letters he, at times, received. The circulation of the Magazine was well maintained and copies for free distribution were still being sent to Mr. Brider, who carries on his Gospel Book Mission to the Army and Navy.

“In conclusion,” he said, “we desire to thank our ministers and and others who have helped with the literary matter of the Magazine, and we earnestly impress upon them the desirability of helping more and more. We are glad to have obituary notices of godly persons deceased, while we deplore the necessity for so many of these, but we would wish more articles of a historical and expository kind. It is our earnest desire that the Lord, for His own name sake, would pardon our shortcomings in all that we do, and bless the truth conveyed through the Magazine pages to the spiritual edification and everlasting good of our readers.”

The Rev. D. Macfarlane moved the adoption of the report and spoke of the excellent manner in which the Church Magazine was edited, and said the Synod was under the greatest obligations to Mr. Sinclair for his work as editor. Rev. A. Mackay seconded, and wished to associate himself with what Mr. Macfarlane had said about the ability with which the Magazine was edited. The report was unanimously adopted.

(16) CHURCH COMMITTEES.

The following Church Committees were appointed for the coming year:—

1. Training of the Ministry and Theological Committee.—Revs. D. Beaton, E. Macqueen, and D. A. Macfarlane; with Mr. Macqueen as Convener.

2. Finance Committee.—Revs. Neil Cameron, E. Macqueen, and N. Macintyre, with Messrs. Charles Maclean, and A. MacGillivray, General Treasurer; with Mr. Cameron as Convener.

3. Canadian Mission Committee.—Revs. D. Beaton, N. Macintyre, and D. M. Macdonald; with Mr. Beaton as Convener.

4. Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee.—Revs. N. Cameron, D. Mackenzie, and Alex. Mackay; with Mr. Cameron as Convener.

5. Church Magazine Committee.—Revs. N. Cameron, A. Mackay, J. S. Sinclair, and Mr. A. Stewart, elder, Glasgow; with Mr. Sinclair as Convener.

6. Religion and Morals Committee.—Revs. D. Graham, M. Morrison, and D. M. Macdonald; with Mr. Graham as Convener.

(17) COMPETENT BUSINESS.

1. Report of Mission to Fishermen Committee.—Rev. N. Macintyre, Convener, read a brief report from Mr. Donald Mackenzie, missionary, which was unanimously adopted.

2. Motion of Thanks to Mr. L. M. Foggin, Chief Inspector of Education, Salisbury, South Africa.—In view of the kindness shown to our deputies, and to the Rev. J. B. Radasi, by Mr. Foggin, the Rev. D. Beaton moved, and the Rev. E. Macqueen seconded, that a letter of thanks be sent to him from the Synod. This was unanimously agreed to.

3. Addition to Synod Clerk’s Salary.—It was moved by Rev.

D. Mackenzie, and unanimously agreed to, that the salary of the Clerk of Synod be raised from £5 to £15.

1. Motion against Members Travelling on Street Cars on Sabbath.—The Rev. A. Mackay moved, and Rev. E. Macqueen seconded, that it be an understood matter that such as receive Church privileges from the Free Presbyterian Church should not make use of trains or street cars run for secular purposes on the Lord’s Day.

2. Transfer of Balance of Mission to Forces Fund to Organisation Fund.—The Rev. N. Cameron reported that a meeting of the Finance Committee at the F.P. Manse, Inverness, on 31st January, 1921, it was agreed to transfer the balance at credit of Mission to the Forces Fund to the Organisation Fund, subject to the approval of the Synod, viz., £165 14/6.

It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to that the balance at credit of the Mission to Forces Fund be transferred to the Organisation Fund, and that if any who contributed to the Mission to Forces Fund object to their contributions to be so transferred, they are requested to communicate within three months to the General Treasurer as to what they desire to be done with their contributions.

1. Salaries to Teachers in our South African Mission School.—It was unanimously agreed that the following grants for salary be made:—£10 for teacher and £5 for female teacher at Ingwenya; £5 for teacher at Induba; £5 for teacher at Morven; £12 for school at Bembesi; £12 for Manxelleni School.

2. Addition to Rev. J. B. Radasi’s income.—It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to, that £20 be added to Mr. Radasi’s income to assist him to feed and clothe those residing under his care but who do not belong to his own family. It was also unanimously agreed to that Mr. Cameron send on any surplus of fund for clothing, for the purpose of clothing heathen children.

3. Appointment of a Joint Committee.—The Rev. D. Beaton said it would be noticed that Mr. Cameron made reference to certain matters in connection with the lease of our Mission at Ingwenya in South Africa, and he moved that the Foreign Mission Committee and the Finance Committee be appointed a Joint Committee, with full powers, to deal with any questions arising in connection with the lease, and if they thought it necessary to call a special meeting of Synod.

4. Remit from Western Presbytery re Missionary at Waternish.—It was unanimously agreed that this matter be referred back to the Western Presbytery for further consideration.

This concluded all the business.

It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to, that the Synod meet (God willing) at St. Jude’s Hall, Glasgow, on Tuesday after the third Sabbath of May, 1922. The Synod was closed with praise in singing the last three verses of Psalm 122 and prayer.