| | PAGE |
|——————————————————————————————–|——|
| Meeting of Synod | 81 |
| Loyal Address | 100 |
| Tribute to the Late Rev. John McLachlan | 101 |
| Report of Deputy to Canada and the U.S.A., by Rev. Finlay Macleod | 102 |
| Fishing Stations’ Committee’s Report; by Rev. Malcolm Gillies | 110 |
| Report of Training of the Ministry Committee; by Rev. E. Macqueen | 119 |
| Foreign Mission Report; by Rev. Neil Macintyre | 111 |
| Report by the Rev. John Tallach | 115 |
| Report by Rev. R. Macdonald, M.B., Ch.B. | 122 |
| Report of Miss Jean Nicolson, M.A. | 125 |
| Report of Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee; by Rev. E. Macqueen | 128 |
| Report by the Rev. D. Urquhart, Jerusalem | 129 |
| Report on Religion and Morals; by Rev. D. M. Macdonald | 134 |
| Notes of Sermon; Preached by the Rev. E. Macqueen, in St. Jude’s Glasgow, 24th April, 1933 | 144 |
| The late Mr. Alex. Mackenzie, Elder, Dingwall | 152 |
| The late Mr. Simon Campbell, Beaufy | 154 |
| Short Gleanings | 155 |
| Notes and Comments | 156 |
| Church Notes | 157 |
| Acknowledgment of Donations | 158 |
| The Magazine | 159 |
PRINTED BY N. ADSHEAD & SON, 11 UNION STREET
AND 34-36 CADOGAN STREET, GLASGOW.
THE Free Presbyterian Magazine and MONTHLY RECORD.
VOL. XXXIX.
July, 1934.
No. 3.
Meeting of Synod.*
FIRST SEDERUNT.
THE Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland met within the hall of St. Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday, the 22nd May, 1934. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen conducted public worship and preached from Isaiah lix. 19, last clause of the verse, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” There was a very large attendance of the public.
Public Worship being ended, Rev. Donald J. Matheson, Moderator of Synod pro tem., constituted the Synod, in the absence of Rev. John Tallach, Moderator.
The Roll was then called and there were present—Western Presbytery:—Revs. D. M. Macdonald, D. Macleod, J. Colquhoun, A. Beaton, ministers; with Messrs. M. Macaskill, J. Macaulay, James Fraser, ruling elders. Outer Isles Presbytery:—Revs. M. Gillies, R. Macinnes, ministers. Northern Presbytery:—Revs. E. Macqueen, D. A. Macfarlane, F. Macleod, D. J. Matheson, R. R. Sinclair, ministers; with Messrs. F. Beaton, K. Matheson, ruling elders. Southern Presbytery:—Revs. N. Macintyre, D. Beaton, James Macleod, R. Mackenzie, James A. Tallach, ministers; with Messrs. A. Macdougall, Dr. Johnston, A. Mackay and D. Macpherson, ruling elders.
*This Report is not the official minutes of the Synod.—Editor.
Letters of apology from Rev. D. N. Macleod, Rev. M. Morrison, and Messrs. Malcolm Fraser and Hector Campbell were intimated. The Clerk referred to the bereavement sustained by Mr. Charles Sutherland and said it would be becoming that the Synod express its sympathy with their brother. Rev. Jas. Macleod moved as follows—”The Synod having received the news of the death of the wife of Mr. Charles Sutherland, a member of this Court, wish to express our deepest sympathy with him in his sore bereavement.” Rev. R. Mackenzie seconded and the motion was agreed to. The minutes of last meeting of Synod were read and approved.
Rev. D. M. Macdonald moved, and Rev. N. Macintyre seconded, that the Rev. D. J. Matheson, Moderator pro tem., be authorized to sign the Synod minutes of 1933 in place of Rev. John Tallach, Moderator. This was agreed to.
Rev. R. Mackenzie moved that Mr. Neil Macleod be appointed officer of Court. Mr. M. Macaskill seconded and Mr. Macleod having agreed, the motion was adopted.
Rev. D. Beaton intimated that Messrs. Donald Macaskill and Angus Mackay, students, were now ready for licence.
The Rev. E. Macqueen moved that Rev. James A. Tallach be appointed Moderator of Synod, Rev. D. Macleod seconded and the motion was approved. Rev. James A. Tallach intimated his acceptance and thanked the Synod for the honour conferred upon him.
Rev. James Macleod moved the appointment of the following examiners of records:—Revs. N. Macintyre and D. M. Macdonald to examine the Synod records; Revs. E. Macqueen and D. A. Macfarlane to examine records of Southern Presbytery; Revs. James Macleod and R. Mackenzie to examine Outer Isles Presbytery records; Revs. R. Macinnes and M. Gillies to examine Western Presbytery records; Revs. D. Macleod and A. Beaton to examine Northern Presbytery records. Rev. F. Macleod seconded this motion which was agreed to.
Committee appointed to draw up Loyal Address to be submitted to 1935 Synod.—The following Committee were appointed to draw up the Loyal Address for next year:—Revs. D. M. Macdonald, James Macleod, and D. J. Matheson.
Rev. D. Beaton moved that the following Committee be appointed to draw up a tribute to the late Rev. John Maclaehlan:—Revs. M. Gillies, D. M. Macdonald, Finlay Macleod and R. Mackenzie with Rev. D. M. Macdonald as Convener. Rev. Jas. Macleod seconded the motion which was agreed to.
Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Synod meet in private at 5 p.m. to-morrow, Wednesday, and at 6.30 p.m. in public, within St. Jude’s Hall: further, that the Synod’s Business Committee meet in the same place on the same date at 10 a.m. Rev. N. Macintyre seconded this motion which was approved. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.
SECOND SEDERUNT.
The Synod met again on Wednesday in public at 6.30 p.m. and was duly constituted.
History of the Church.—The Rev. D. Beaton reported that the Committee appointed by the Synod had finished its work and he suggested that the Committee be discontinued. The Rev. James Macleod moved that the Committee be thanked for its work and be now discontinued. Rev. John Colquhoun seconded. This was agreed to.
Model Clause.—The Rev. N. Macintyre reported that he had carried out the instructions of the Synod in consulting an expert in conveyancing law as to the clause “in all time coming” in the Model Clause required by the Church to be inserted in all feu-charters. He read a letter from Prof. Wedderburn, of Edinburgh University, on the subject. Professor Wedderburn gave as his opinion that it would be advisable to leave out, in the future, the words in question. Mr. Macintyre, accordingly, moved that: “The Synod having had submitted to them the advice of Professor Wedderburn, Edinburgh University, Conveyancing Lawyer, on the Church’s Model Clause, adopt the
same, and instruct their congregations that in future the words ‘in all time coming’ be omitted from the Model Clause when inserted in Title-Deeds.” This was seconded by the Rev. D. Beaton who said: “In regard to the phrase ‘in all time coming’ it had a long history. It was inserted in the Free Church Model Trust Deed drawn up in 1844 by a Committee of which Dr. Begg was Convener. It was passed as an Act (xviii.) by the Assembly of that year. In 1893 it was transferred to our Model Clause. It is now 90 years since it was inserted in the Free Church Model Trust Deed and nothing has happened since then in all the legal contentions in reference to property, as far as I am aware, to indicate in any way the incorrectness of the phrase but as there are doubts in the mind of some of the members of Synod as to its correctness it is better to act on the advice tendered us. This, of course, does not apply to feu charters in which the Model Clause is already inserted.”
Title Deeds of Church Properties.—In connection with the foregoing the Rev. N. Macintyre moved:—”1. The Synod instruct Moderators and Interim Moderators of Congregations to examine Title-Deeds of Church property (Churches, Meeting Houses, and Manses) as to whether the Model Clause is inserted in the Title-Deeds, and to report to their respective Presbyteries, at their earliest convenience, so that Clerks of Presbyteries may report to the 1935 Synod. 2. And, further, the Synod instruct said Moderators to state where Title-Deeds are kept.” This was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and unanimously agreed to. Mr. James Fraser called attention to the question of Church property built on crofts. It was pointed out that this matter would probably be raised in connection with some of the reports which may be submitted at the 1935 Synod.
Loyal Address to the King.*—This Address was submitted by Rev. N. Macintyre. Its adoption was moved by Mr. Finlay Beaton and seconded by Rev. R. R. Sinclair and agreed to.
*This Address is printed on another page of the Magazine. All cross-headings marked with an asterisk indicate that the Reports will be found printed in this issue unless where, owing to pressure of space, they are held over to next issue.—Editor.
Rev. N. Macintyre moved, and Rev. R. Mackenzie seconded, that the following Committee be appointed to draw up a loyal address to the King—Revs. D. J. Matheson, D. M. Macdonald and James Macleod. This motion was approved.
Training of the Ministry Report.*—This Report was submitted by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen who moved its adoption. This was seconded by Mr. Finlay Beaton and agreed to.
Theological Tutor’s Report.*—The Rev. D. A. Maefarlane, M.A., theological tutor, submitted this Report. The Rev. D. Beaton, in moving its adoption, said he had much pleasure in listening to his fellow tutor’s report. The field covered as indicated in the report was very extensive and it is only those who have gone over work of this kind who know the amount of study required to be able to communicate to others the knowledge thus gleaned. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen said he had pleasure in seconding the Report which was unanimously agreed to.
Annual Financial Statement.—The Annual Financial Statement was submitted by Mr. John Grant, General Treasurer. The contributions to the Sustentation Fund showed a slight decrease of £59 as compared with last year. The College Fund showed a balance of £6 7s. 5d. as compared with £106 17s. last year. The Aged and Infirm Ministers’, Widows’, and Orphans’ Fund showed a balance of £2208 5s 8d. as compared with £1836 1s. 11d. last year. Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund showed a balance of £1997 12s. 6d. as compared with £2405 16s. 5d. of last year. Organization Fund showed a balance of £113 15s. 10d. as compared with £53 17s. 7d. last year. Legacies amounted to £4547 13s. 11d. as compared with £96 last year. The General Treasurer pointed out that the funds were in a satisfactory state generally and where there were decreases in the balances it was due to special increased demands that had been made during last year which would not likely fall upon these funds this year.
Rev. N. Macintyre moved “that the Synod adopt the Financial Report and acknowledge the Lord’s goodness in supplying the material needs of ministers and missionaries during the past year; that the General Treasurer be thanked for his valuable services and also the Auditors, Messrs. John Fraser and James Campbell; that they be re-appointed for the current year; and that the Synod recommend anew to the liberality of our people the schemes of the Church, especially the Sustentation Fund, and order the Statement to be published in the Magazine.” “I think,” he said, “we have every reason to thank the Giver of All Good for His liberality and kindness in this respect. The late Mr. Maefarlane who often moved the adoption of this report used to say, ‘we came out without a penny’ and who could say 41 years ago that we should have a balance in round figures of £7,000.* Not only that but when we think of Mr. Maefarlane and Mr. Macdonald who were evicted from their property, and had not a place to go to, it is nothing short of marvellous when one thinks of all the churches and mission houses that have been erected since then. I would also like to say at this Court that we should, as ministers, thank our people for the great kindness which we meet with in all places we go.”
Mr. Kenneth Matheson in seconding the adoption of the Report said:—”I have great pleasure in seconding the adoption of the Financial Report. We have great cause of thankfulness to the Most High, as has already been said by Mr. Macintyre, that when the Lord removed our worthy fathers who are now in glory He has continued His kindness to us. The eye of the fathers was not on the bread box but on the glory of God. The Lord proves in many ways that this Financial Statement is indeed a miracle of grace and providence; the way in which the Lord has kept us up as a Church in providing for our ministers and missionaries since 1893 is wonderful.
*This does not include the amount allocated to the Sustentation Fund from Mr. Mackenzie’s Legacy.
There is no doubt at all if the Lord will bless us as a Church with the grace of faithfulness, with His glory alone in view, the purse of our General Treasurer will be full. When the gospel came with power of old there was a big collection with it and, as our dear late Mr. Macfarlane used to say: ‘When the gospel will go into the soul of a man, it will go into the purse also.’ We believe that none who stood by the testimony of 1893 can say they are poor because of what they gave to His cause. It is a privilege that we are asked to give to the cause of Christ. We are only asked by the gospel to give what we can for that cause. By giving to the cause of Christ in word and practice, and helping it we are doing what the Apostle Paul was recommending to the Church of Philippi; ‘Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.’ We have much cause to be in the dust because of the Lord’s goodness to us in His providence and that we are blessed with God-fearing ministers and missionaries, and we should do everything in our power to help. May the Lord continue that blessing in our Church and may we be found on our knees seeking that the Lord would keep us faithful as a Church.” Mr. James Fraser followed with a few remarks. “I have great pleasure,” he said, “in associating myself with what the mover and seconder said. There is just one thing I would like to point out, we should not be lax in any way and every congregation should make up their mind to be self-supporting. I would like to endorse what Mr. Macintyre has said that he has yet to meet any one who has lost anything by helping the cause. Perhaps in the North some congregations might do a little better than what they are doing.”
Finance Committee’s Report.—This Report was submitted by Rev. E. Macqueen who moved its adoption. Rev. R. Mackenzie: —”May I request that, for a technical reason, the adoption of the Report be deferred and taken up in private?” This request was acted on.
Foreign Mission Report.*—The Report of the Foreign Mission was submitted by the Rev. N. Macintyre who after reading it added:—”I wish, in the name of the Committee, to sincerely thank Mr. D. Grant of the Grant Educational Company, Union Street, Glasgow, for his gift to the South African Mission of 340 school readers, 288 jotters and exercises, 8 boxes of crayons and 8 boxes of rubbers. These gifts were most acceptable and were obtained through the good offices of Mr. H. S. Macgillivray, Dunoon. I also wish to thank the Drummond Tract Depot for their gift of books and Messrs. Adshead for a parcel of pencils. Mr. Macgillivray informed me that he had secured another lot of books from Mr. Grant and that he had also a revolving globe atlas of the world which he was sending out to Africa. I desire to, again, thank Mr. Grant for his great kindness. I also wish to thank Mr. Macgillivray for sending the gifts to our Mission.”
Rev. D. M. Macdonald in moving the adoption of the Report said: “I beg to move the adoption of the Report and I think it should give us great satisfaction that the Mission in Africa is making such progress. The figures read in the Report are really remarkable and show that the Most High is blessing abundantly our work out there. We are, I believe, getting some blessing ourselves; for, ‘bread cast upon the waters’ will come back in some form or other to those who cast forth the bread, and it is most encouraging to the Church, I think, to see from the Report that not only is the gospel blessed to the natives of Africa but our work there appears to be appreciated by the Government of Rhodesia. They know very well that the Free Presbyterian Church is doing excellent work among the natives. I have pleasure in moving the adoption of the Report.” Mr. M. Macaskill seconded.
Thanks of Synod tendered to Mr. D. Grant.—The Rev. D. J. Matheson moved that the Clerk of Synod with Rev. N. Macintyre, Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee call on Mr. Grant to thank him for the books and other useful gifts which he has given for the South African Mission. Rev. A. Beaton seconded.
Rev. John Tallach’s Report.*—The Report was read by Rev. N. Macintyre in Mr. Tallach’s absence. The Rev. W. Grant, in moving its adoption said:—”I have much pleasure in moving the adoption of Mr. Tallach’s interesting Report. He concludes with the words:—’They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this. This is our one reason for being in this part of the world and the one reason that the Church ought to have in keeping us here.’ We have not sent missionaries to Africa merely to educate the natives. Education is as a handmaid to the preaching of the gospel and all that takes place there is to the end that the natives will come under the blessings of the everlasting gospel. I believe that that is where many missions fail to-day. They give a place to education higher than the preaching of the gospel and, in consequence, there is failure. We are not in that danger in Africa and I hope that it will never come to that. It is the gospel that we desire to be sent to the natives there.” Mr. James Fraser seconded and the adoption of the Report was agreed to.
Dr. Macdonald’s Report.*—After this Report was read the Rev. E. Macqueen moved its adoption and Rev. D. J. Matheson seconded.
Grants to the South African Mission.—The Rev. N. Macintyre moved:—”That the usual grants be made to the Mission:—£10 for the boy acting as nurse in the hospital; £10 to Paul Hlazo; £20 for the Hospital; £10 for medicine, and £30 for upkeep of Mission.” Rev. A. Beaton seconded.
Miss Nicolson’s Report.*—After the Report was read Dr. J. M. Johnston, in moving its adoption, said:—”I beg to move the adoption of this Report. On reading it one is struck, on the one hand, with a sense of appreciation of what Mr. Tallach and Dr. Macdonald had to face when, in addition to their pastoral duties, they had the education of the native children to deal with. On the other hand, Miss Nicolson’s Report bears a maturity of thought and a practical grasp of the situation
which might be expected, not from a young recruit, but from a seasoned veteran. I would point out that this educative work in its proper place is a great step in the gospel service. You will notice how Mr. Tallach and Miss Nicolson, each in their special sphere, have run in parallel lines in concentrating on the future mothers of the native race. In any country the mother in the home is always the potent factor in family life. I desire also to draw attention to two items in this Report which should be useful in shaping our policy in the Foreign Mission field, viz.:—(i.) instruction in diet and personal cleanliness; (ii.) the introduction of practical industrial and craft work of a kind, which, by its extension in the right direction, will tend to make this Mission in some measure self-supporting. Miss Nicolson in a few short months has actually blazed a trail on the path the Church should follow in the matter of education.”
Rev. R. Mackenzie, in seconding the Report, said:—”I am specially anxious to second this report. I have been struck in hearing the reports of Mr. Tallach, Dr. Macdonald and Miss Nicolson by the fact that they have evidently, from design, confined themselves to one aspect of their work, i.e., the congenial and the joyful aspect. They have said not one word about their hardships and difficulties, and I think I should say—as one who has visited the field myself and has seen what they have to contend with—in order to avoid a possible misunderstanding, that it is not all joy out in Africa. They have undoubtedly a great measure of joy in the success of the work, and I think their intention, in devoting themselves to this side in the reports, is to share as much as they can their joy with the Home Church, with those who are supporting them to bear the burdens. This is a creditable thing in Missionaries. If I had time I could narrate certain of their difficulties and hardships, but it is sufficient to say that they have all kept on one and the same path, and we should see in that the more reason why we should back them up and specially bear them on our spirits at a throne of grace.”
Mr. James Fraser, in supporting the motion, said:—”I would like to associate myself with some of the remarks made. I have been out in that country myself and there is a dark side. I would not like to discourage anybody from going out there, but to most of our young ladies a Kaffir Kraal or Matabele hut would be hard to stand, besides having to work there and train these people. We have no idea of the dark side in this country and of what these people have to face who have offered themselves to train the natives in cleanliness and other things. I want to associate myself with what has been said on that point.”
Rev. Donald Urquhart’s Report.*—After the Report was read the Rev. W. Grant, in moving its adoption, said:—”I have much pleasure in moving the adoption of Mr. Urquhart’s report, and I would express the hope that he will receive every encouragement in his difficult mission to the Jews. Mr. Urquhart and all the Missionaries should be remembered in prayer in secret and in public. Events are moving mysteriously all over the world to-day and, particularly, in relation to the Jews. They have been under the calamity which overtook them 1900 years ago when they said: ‘His blood be upon our heads and on our children,’ but there is another day coming which shall be as ‘life from the dead’ to the Gentile world, and, remembering of Dr. ‘Rabbi’ Duncan’s and Mr. Murray McCheyne’s zeal for the conversion of the Jews, let us pray for them and remember Mr. Urquhart in his difficult work among them.”
Rev. R. R. Sinclair, in seconding the adoption of this Report, said:—”There is one thing very specially before my mind with reference to an aspect of the Jewish question as it affects our own nation. Our nation is very clearly a backsliding nation and the Jews, in our midst as a people, are largely at the root of much Sabbath desecration in connection with varied commercial enterprises. Let these two things be as they may, yet there is a feature in connection with our relationship as a nation to the Jews; that we, among the nations of
the world, are to be commended in that we appear to have no hand in the least endeavour to persecute the Jews or oppress them. You have the Hitler Government to-day in Germany, and every one of us knows the diabolical, unscriptural, and anti-Christian methods of the Hitler Government in persecuting the Jew. Over against this, our own Government seem to be favouring the Jew and favouring Palestine, from time to time even giving monetary grants for their aid; and I may say that this is one redeeming feature in connection with our own nation.”
Huts for South African Mission.—The Rev. N. Macintyre, in calling the Synod’s attention to the reference made in Mr. Tallach’s Report to huts that require to be built, said:—”I think it is better that Mr. Tallach should have the authority of the Synod in building these huts. Therefore, ‘I beg to move that the Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee will have the authority of the Synod in building these huts that are necessary.'” Rev. D. A. Macfarlane seconded and this was agreed to.
The Clerk then moved that the Synod meet in private to-morrow at 4 o’clock and in public at 6.30 p.m., and that the Members of Synod meet as a Business Committee to-morrow at 10 o’clock. Rev. James Macleod seconded. The meeting was closed with devotional exercises.
THIRD SEDERUNT.
The Synod met on Thursday according to terms of adjournment in public at 6.30 p.m. and was duly constituted. The first business dealt with was the Report of the Committee appointed to draw up Regulations for Students. These regulations had been gone over thoroughly in the Business Committee and one or two slight changes made.
Adoption of Regulations for the Reception and Training of Students for the Ministry.—The Rev. D. Beaton suggested as these Regulations had been already read and carefully considered that they might be taken as read. This was agreed to by the
Synod. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen then moved and the Rev. D. Macleod seconded that:—”The Synod adopt the Regulations for the Reception and Training of Students for the Ministry submitted in draft by the Committee and as now revised and declare that their provisions shall come into force herewith in the case of students who shall make application, or shall be received after 28th May, 1934, with the exception of the sections dealing with applicants and University students. The regulations shall not be applicable to students at present in training.”
Appointment of Board of Examiners.—In connection with the foregoing Regulations the Rev. E. Macqueen moved that:—”The Synod appoint the theological tutors and the Revs. R. Mackenzie, D. M. Macdonald and James Macleod as a Board of Examiners in accordance with Section 4 of the Regulations for the Reception and Training of Students for the Ministry.” This was seconded by the Rev. N. Macintyre and agreed to.
Printing of the Regulations.—The Rev. James Macleod moved that the Synod thank the Committee for their labours and that copies of the Regulations be printed for the use of Presbyteries and students. Rev. D. M. Macdonald seconded. Rev. N. Macintyre moved that 200 copies of the Regulations be printed for the use of students. Rev. James Macleod seconded.
Clerk of Synod and Successor in Office Appointed one of the General Trustees.—The Rev. N. Macintyre moved that the Clerk of Synod and his successor in office be appointed one of the General Trustees. Rev. E. Macqueen seconded. This was agreed to.
Printing of the Regulations.—The Rev. James Macleod moved was submitted by Rev. D. M. Macdonald who also moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Mr. Alexander Macdougall and agreed to.
Protest against Naval Salutes for the Pope.—In connection with the Naval Salutes for the Pope the Rev. W. Grant said:—”Reference was made in the Loyal Address to the King to
‘Naval Salutes for ‘the Pope.’ The Church of Rome has never ceased to demand submission to the Roman See and we are gradually surrendering to that demand. Protestant Britain has now actually instructed its Navy to honour the Pope and his representatives with a Naval Salute of twenty-one guns. Even the Union Jack is becoming subordinated to the Papal flag. The Vatican has ever been a centre of political intrigue and, if it could, it would turn all the guns of Europe against this country to bring it down. The Vatican Dictator, the Man of Sin, may be left in the judgment of God to be a rod upon the back of this country. I beg to move that the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland calls upon the Government to cancel the King’s Regulations and Admiralty Instructions directing Naval Salutes to be given to the Pope. The British Constitution forbids any recognition of the Pope’s claim to sovereignty in the Bill of Rights in the matter of communion with the See of Rome. The Synod also calls upon all Protestant representatives of the British Government and respectfully requests that the Envoy to the Vatican be recalled.” Rev. J. Colquhoun seconded and wished to be associated with the remarks of the mover.
Mixed Marriage Question.—The Rev. W. Grant said:—“Reference was made in the Report on Religion and Morals to the Ne Temere Decree, or Mixed Marriage question. Marriage has been exalted by the Church of Rome into a sacrament and thereby control is claimed over that institution on which human society is founded. In Canada and New Zealand if a priest states that a Protestant and a Roman Catholic, married by a Protestant minister, are not legally married, he is liable to a fine of £100; but, why should we in this country tolerate priestly organisations? We are entitled to have legislation to protect our people against that, and ‘I beg to move that the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland calls upon the Government to bring in legislation against the operation of the Ne Temere Decree.’ This Papal Decree places Canon
Law against Civil Law. It brings the greatest injustice into the lives of many.” Mr. Finlay Beaton seconded.
Canadian and Colonial Committee’s Report.*—This Report was submitted by the Rev. E. Macqueen who also moved its adoption. The Rev. James Macleod seconded the motion which was agreed to.
Report by the Deputy to Canada and the United States.*—This Report was submitted by the Rev. F. Macleod. The Rev. E. Macqueen, in moving its adoption, said:—”I have much pleasure in moving the adoption. To me, and I believe to all who visited those parts, it is a most interesting report. All the stations mentioned, and the people mentioned by Mr. Macleod in his report, are known to me and to some of the other ministers also.” If it could be that a minister would be placed there, or more than one minister, it would be our desire that that should be the case, so that we would not need to be sending out men every now and again but that there would be a man, or men there, to take charge of the work in that big country.” Rev. D. A. Macfarlane, in seconding, said:—”I have very much pleasure in seconding Mr. Macqueen’s motion. Indeed the main reason why I rise is that there is a suggestion in the Report as to advertising in the Magazine about communions in Vancouver and Winnipeg. I hope that suggestion will just be carefully noted by Mr. Beaton and attended to.” Mr. Beaton pointed out that dates of communions in Canada were always inserted in the Magazine when received in time but in cases where the notice was received a day after the Magazine had gone to press it was useless in certain cases to insert the date in the next issue as it would be too late to be of any use to those interested. Deputies should keep in mind that in sending the date of say, the communion in Vancouver, it required to be sent about two months in advance owing to the time taken by mail (unless by air mail) and the reception of the Magazine by those interested. If such notices were
received only one day late it would extend the time to considerably over two months.
Detroit.—The Rev. F. Macleod said:—”I would like to bring before the Synod the case of Detroit. The reason why I did not bring forward a motion is that Mr. Mackenzie said that I could not do so without having definite word that Detroit was wanting a minister. I may say that there is a large congregation of young people in Detroit. I feel that they are only being supplied, say six Sabbaths in the whole year. That was all I was able to give. I asked Mr. Mackenzie, our Treasurer there, and he said that he would let Mr. Macfarlane, as Clerk of the Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee, know what they could do about July or August. What they wanted was that a minister would be sent out in September and remain with them for three months, or perhaps more. I think that there is one, at least, who is quite willing to go if Mr. Mackenzie, Detroit, should think that a minister should be sent. This congregation is able to meet the outlay financially.”
Report of the Examiners of Synod and Presbytery Records.—Revs. J. Macleod and R. Mackenzie examined the Outer Isles Presbytery Records and found them all correct. Revs. D. M. Macdonald and N. Macintyre examined the Synod Records and found them in order. Rev. M. Gillies examined the records of the Western Presbytery and found them in very good order. Revs. D. Macleod and A. Beaton examined the Northern Presbytery Records and found them in good order. Rev. D. A. Macfarlane examined the Records of the Southern Presbytery and found them all in order.
Editor of Magazine’s Report.*—This Report was submitted by the Rev. D. Beaton who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Dr. Johnston and agreed to.
Magazine Financial Year.—Mr. Beaton reported that the Finance Committee suggested that the Magazine Financial Year
end on 31st March instead of 30th April as at present. The Magazine Committee were quite agreeable to the change for though it would cause a slight dislocation for this year matters would adjust themselves for next year. The Rev. William Grant moved that the Magazine Financial Year end 31st March. This was seconded by the Rev. Finlay Macleod and agreed to.
Report of Fishing Stations Committee.*—This Report was submitted by the Rev. M. Gillies who moved the adoption of the same. Mr. Kenneth Matheson, in seconding, said:—”That the Lord of us hath mindful been in spreading the gospel, and also to our fishermen, many of whom have been blessed with the fear of God. We should follow them with our prayers and seek that His Kingdom would come on sea and land, if such a day is in the purposes of God.”
Standing Church Committees.—The Rev. R. R. Sinclair moved and Rev. D. Macleod seconded that the following Committees be appointed:—
Church Interests Committee—The Moderator, Synod Clerk and Clerks of the four Presbyteries.
Religion and Morals—Revs. D. M. Macdonald (Convener), D. A. Macfarlane, William Grant and John Colquhoun.
Finance Committee—Revs. Ewen Macqueen (Convener), N. Macintyre, M. Gillies, A. Beaton and the representative Elders of Inverness and Dingwall. Mr. John Grant, General Treasurer, to be associated with the Committee.
Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee—Revs. D. A. Macfarlane, W. Grant, Finlay Macleod, D. J. Matheson and R. R. Sinclair.
Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee—Revs. Neil Macintyre (Convener), James Macleod, Roderick Mackenzie, with their representative Elders.
Training of the Ministry Committee—Revs. D. M. Macdonald (Convener), Finlay Macleod and R. R. Sinclair.
Church Magazine Committee—Rev. D. Beaton (Convener), with Clerks of the four Presbyteries.
General Trustees—Clerk of Synod with Clerks of the four Presbyteries. The Rev. N. Macintyre, Convener.
Church Collections.—It was moved by the Rev. James Macleod and seconded by the Rev. D. M. Macdonald that the Church Collections be taken up as follows: 1. Aged and Infirm Ministers’, Widows’, and Orphans’ Fund in June—notice to be sent by the Rev. E. Macqueen. 2. College Fund in August—notice to be sent by the Rev. D. M. Macdonald. 3. Organization Fund in September—notice to be sent by the Rev. D. Beaton. 4. Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), first collection in October—notice to be sent by Rev. E. Macqueen. 5. General Church Building Fund in December—notice to be sent by Rev. D. Beaton. 6. Home Mission Fund (second collection) in April, 1935—notice to be sent by Rev. E. Macqueen.
Tribute to Rev. John Maclachlan, North Uist.*—The Committee appointed to draw up a tribute to the late Rev. John Maclachlan submitted their Report. The Rev. E. Macqueen moved the adoption of this tribute and also that the Committee who drew it up be thanked; that it be published in an early issue of the Magazine and entered on the Records of the Synod also. This was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.
The Synod then met in private. At this meeting the following motion was agreed to:—
Licensing and Ordination of Mr. John P. Macqueen.—The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that Mr. John P. Macqueen be licensed by the Southern Presbytery and thereafter be ordained by them as the Church’s missionary to the stations in the U.S.A. and in Canada and also in Australia. This was seconded by the Rev. James Macleod and agreed to.
The business taken up at the meetings of Synod on Friday and Saturday was mainly of a private nature. The following items, however, are of general interest:—
Bonus to Ministers and Missionaries.—It was moved, seconded and agreed to, that £20 bonus in addition to that received last year be given to ministers. Rev. W. Grant offered objection to this proposal but did not dissent. £5 bonus was given to all missionaries for 1934-5.
Bonus to Widows.—The Synod decided that £10 be given to Widows for year 1934-35.
Allocation of the late Mr. Mackenzie’s Legacy.—The Synod decided on the following allocation: £2422 14s. 4d. to the Sustentation Fund; £1000 to the Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund; £450 to the College Fund; £50 to the Organization Fund; £75 to the General Building Fund; £25 (with interest accruing on the whole sum) to the Ministers’, Widows’, and Orphans’ Fund.
Motion re Sabbath Newspapers and Papers Printed on Sabbath.—The Synod exhort and admonish our people that they do not countenance or encourage the production or sale of Sabbath newspapers or of newspapers which can only be published on Monday morning as the result of Sabbath labour. In the view of the Synod, it is clear that there can be no necessity for Sabbath or Monday morning newspapers whose publication and distribution make it inevitable that many of our fellows work on the Sabbath Day. The Synod feel that when this fact is appreciated no one with conscience toward God and love to the Lord Jesus Christ will knowingly help to maintain such conditions of labour under which commercial gain is valued higher than the glory of the Lord and the holiness of His Day.
The Synod decided to meet again (D.V.) at Inverness, in the Free Presbyterian Church there, on Tuesday after the 3rd Sabbath of May, 1935, at 6.30 p.m.
Loyal Address.
TO THE KING’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY
We, the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland convened at Glasgow this twenty-third day of May, nineteen hundred and thirty-four years, desire most humbly to present this renewed expression of loyalty to Your Majesty’s person and throne.
We feel called upon to acknowledge the abounding goodness of God in so favourably maintaining the health of Your Majesty and that of your Majesty’s consort and of the Royal Family and in securing to Your Majesty’s dominions the return of a measure of economic prosperity which makes the position of our nation exceptional in these troublous times.
Being firmly persuaded that the interests of this nation, civilly as well as otherwise, are bound up with the maintenance of the Protestant religion, we take occasion to acquaint Your Majesty with our feelings of grief and alarm on account of the tendency in official circles to resile from Reformation principles and constitutions—a tendency which appears to us clearly enough evidenced by the recent actions of Your Majesty’s Government in appointing a royal salute in honour of the Pope and in sending a new envoy to the Vatican. We would most humbly but most earnestly implore Your Majesty to use the influence of Your Majesty’s exalted station to correct so baneful a tendency, and to conserve for our nation the liberties which our forefathers procured for us at great cost.
We would anew express our heartfelt sympathy with Your Majesty in view of the difficulties of the present international situation, which we believe continues to burden Your Majesty’s mind, and we pray that the Most High would graciously uphold and guide Your Majesty in all the duties of Your Majesty’s responsible position.
In name and on behalf of the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
JAMES A. TALLACH, Moderator of Synod.
Tribute to the Late Rev. John MacLachlan.
THE Cause of Christ in general and the Free Presbyterian Church in particular has been deprived of a true friend and labourer in the removal by death of the Rev. John MacLachlan, North Uist. Mr. MacLachlan was born about the year 1876 in the Fort-William district, his father having been a merchant in that town. He had the sad experience of losing both parents at an early age, a loss which was grievous but in some measure made up by the kindness of relatives and especially of Miss Macmillan, Fort-William, by whom he was brought up.
He came to Glasgow about the age of twenty, and soon after beginning his career there, the Holy Spirit brought him face to face with the stern realities of sin, death, and judgment and his absolute need of a Saviour. That the change initiated at this time was permanent and saving, no one who knew him had the least doubt. He began to study with the permission of the Southern Presbytery in 1913, and in 1922, he was licensed and ordained by the Western Presbytery to the charge of our North Uist congregation, among whom he laboured for eleven years.
Mr. MacLachlan had a special aptitude for the pastoral work of the ministry, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him on this account. The Synod would place on record their sincere respect for his memory, their regard for his example as a devout and humble Christian, and their admiration of the unselfish manner in which he devoted himself to the service of Christ’s cause. They would, in particular, express their appreciation of his unwearied attendance upon the duties of pastoral visitation and fervent prayer, in which he excelled. He was only a fortnight confined to bed during his last illness, although he had been failing in health for some time previously. He was called to his rest on Friday, 12th August, 1933, and
his remains were laid to rest in Kilmallie Cemetery on the following Tuesday.
The Synod deeply sympathise with the North Uist congregation in their pastorless condition, and would pray that the Chief Shepherd would make up their loss. They would also extend their warmest sympathy to the surviving relatives.
Report of Deputy to Canada and the U.S.A.
By Rev. FINLAY MACLEOD.
WHEN four years ago I gave a report of a visit to our mission stations in Canada and the United States of America I did not then expect that I would be called upon to report on the same mission field so soon again. It is now thirty-two years since the first Deputies went out to Canada from us, and, although these have passed from our midst to receive their reward in eternal glory, the work is being carried on, however, weak the instruments.
When it became apparent at the beginning of 1933 that the Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee had some difficulty in getting supply for that year I felt my mind drawn to our people there, with the result that I promised Rev. D. J. Matheson, then clerk pro tem. to the Committee, that I would go failing any other supply. At the beginning of March the Committee accepted my offer, with the request that most of my time would be given to Vancouver. After getting my passage booked, and other necessary arrangements settled I sailed from Glasgow by the S.S. Letitia (Anchor-Donaldson Line) on Friday the 14th day of April, 1933. Belfast was reached that night, and Liverpool the following day. Leaving Liverpool late on Saturday afternoon, we arrived in Montreal the second Monday after sailing. I was asked to preach on my first Sabbath at sea, using only the psalms for praise. The following Sabbath, I was told that some of the passengers wanted instrumental music, hence I
did not take the service. It is very painful to witness so much sabbath desecration, and, now, deck sports are allowed on Sabbath as on week-days. We had a most favourable passage, and arrived in Montreal on the 24th day of April. I immediately left for Toronto, staying with Mr. R. and Mrs. Campbell until the following Friday. During the week I visited friends, and conducted the service Wednesday evening in the Bloor Street Church.
There was a letter awaiting me at Toronto from Mr. MacKenzie, Detroit, arranging for services at Rodney for the last Sabbath of April, and in Detroit the first two Sabbaths in May. This was my first visit to Rodney, and a very pleasant week was spent with Mr. and Mrs. Maclennan. The services were held in a school, and we had a fair attendance at both services. According to arrangement I was in Detroit the first Sabbath of May. The effect of the depression on our congregation in this city was very marked, as a large number of those who formerly worshipped with us had left the city. The congregation at the Gaelic services are generally larger, but a fair number attend the English services also. I stayed with Miss MacKenzie, then of Bethune Avenue. It was refreshing to meet again the friends in this city, although the time was but short for I had to leave after my second Sabbath there.
On the Monday morning I left for Toronto and that evening got the Winnipeg train as I was expected in Saskatoon for the 3rd Sabbath of May. Reaching Winnipeg on the Wednesday morning, I spent two days with the Rev. D. Urquhart who was then supplying our Congregation there. At his request I took the prayer meeting, and was pleased to meet again the friends there. The following Friday I left for Saskatoon—about a days’ journey by a Canadian National fast train. The friends were waiting me at the station, and conveyed me to the house of Mr. and Mrs. Macaskill where I soon felt at home. I met for the first time Mr. Macdonald, Brock, also two brothers of the late Mr. Malcolm Macewan, Tain, who had come in to the services. On the Sabbath the services were well attended, as were the
prayer meetings during the week. Leaving on the Thursday evening for Calgary, I got there Friday morning. Mr. Beaton 13 Avenue West, being from home Mrs. Beaton and family did everything possible for my comfort. I feel very much for our people there and at other stations where they have not the gospel every Sabbath. We in Scotland have great privileges in gospel ordinances denied to them. They appreciate one or two Sabbaths in the year of such ordinances more than they can express in words. We had large gatherings in this city. I went with Mr. MacKay, Innisfail, to his home for a night, but had to leave on the Wednesday for Edmonton where I joined the Vancouver train the following morning. There was no service held at Edmonton, but I visited friends from the home-country. I arrived in Vancouver, my final destination on Friday morning, and was met at the station by Mr. H. MacKay. I received a very warm welcome from him, and the congregation there. During the eight months I had the pleasure of ministering to our people in this city, one could not meet with more attention and kindness anywhere. Mr. MacKay arranged that I would stay in his own home, as Mr. and Mrs. Robertson’s eldest daughter had been ill for some time previous to my arrival. I am pleased to say that she is somewhat better, and we pray for her recovery to health of soul and body.
As you are aware, Mr. MacKay had to carry on the work of the congregation since Rev. E. Macqueen had left over a year and a half before I arrived. My duties began on the first Sabbath of June, 1933, and I remained there until after the first Sabbath of January, 1934. During that time we had three services every Sabbath, and a prayer-meeting during the week. Mr. MacKay conducts a Bible Class on the Sabbath and there is also a Sabbath School. The congregation has not gone back in numbers since I was there four years before and if I am a judge the faithfulness to the Word of God which was conspicuous in their case has not abated. May this continue, and may the children rising up in the midst of much
wickedness be raised up as living witnesses to the power of the truth. The services were as a rule well attended. May the fruit be unto holiness and the end eternal life. Vancouver, like all the Canadian cities, requires the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In most of the churches, sad to say, the gospel is not known. It is our duty as a church, and our great privilege to go to the ends of the earth with the glorious message of salvation.
It was decided that the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper be dispensed on the second Sabbath of September. Mr. MacKay, Innisfail, who assisted as an elder on former occasions was present with us. The communion services were well attended, both the week day, and the Sabbath services. On Friday evening we had a fellowship-meeting in Gaelic and English. It was our experience that the Lord did not deny His gracious presence during the solemn ordinance. After the service on Monday evening Mr. John H. Macleod was elected to the eldership, and was ordained to the office of elder in the congregation on Sabbath evening, the 19th day of November.
I may mention here that the Canadian Railways now run cheap excursions to and from Vancouver during the summer. If the dates of the Communions, both in Vancouver and Winnipeg were inserted in our Church Magazine about two months before they are held, I believe some of our people would attend from a distance. The Magazine goes to places which local papers cannot reach. This should be done for the benefit of our people in Canada and the U.S.A., whether it is communion occasions, or the time the Deputy is expected at the several places in which he preaches.
The visiting part of congregational duties is very necessary, and eagerly expected when one is only on a visit from the homeland. There were several cases of sickness in the congregation during the time I was there. The Word was read with them, prayer offered and the great and solemn matters of the soul’s salvation brought before them. I am pleased to say that in all the cases, or mostly all, there is some progress to health, if not former health yet attained.
On the first day of the year a service was held in the forenoon; at which reference was made for the benefit of the congregation to the Presbyterian form of government. That is how the affairs of a Free Presbyterian Congregation should be conducted, especially with reference to the powers of a Finance Committee and the Kirk-Session. At a meeting of the Kirk-Session before I left various matters affecting the welfare of the congregation were taken up and discussed. There was also a meeting of the Finance Committee, and several matters requiring adjustment were settled. The result of a congregational meeting was sent to the Convener of the Canadian and Colonial Committee. There were four children received into the Church through the sacrament of baptism, and three members were admitted to the Lord’s Table.
As already stated I remained until the first week of January, and, although I was setting my face homewards I felt parting with our people there. The many tokens of kindness which I received from them I can never forget. I wish, especially to thank Mr. and Mrs. MacKay for all they did for my comfort. To thank all by name would be out of place in this report but I cannot omit Mr. and Mrs. Robertson who made me welcome to their home more than once in the week.
On Monday, the 8th day of January, I left by the C.N.R. for Edmonton, arriving there on Tuesday evening. The following day I could only visit a few friends before leaving for Red Deer where I held a service that evening. I stayed for the night with Mr. and Mrs. Maclean, and on Thursday Mr. Maclean drove me to Innisfail, the home of Mr. Angus and Mrs. MacKay, where I remained until Saturday. That day Mr. MacKay accompanied me to Calgary where I preached for two Sabbaths. As on the previous occasion the gatherings in this city were exceptionally large. The services are held in one of the halls of the new Library, and the prayer-meetings in the house of Mr. Angus Beaton, whose warm attachment to our Church is very real. I was able to visit a number
of families during the week. They more than once expressed the hope that a minister would come out this year. I wish to express my thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Beaton, and to the rest of the friends in Calgary for their kindness and attention.
As I had promised Mr. Macdonald, Brock, to visit him on my return journey, I travelled by the C.N.R. to Brock arriving there early Tuesday morning, the 23rd day of January. The previous day the weather had put on a wintry aspect, and I do not wish to have to repeat the experience of driving ten miles by sleigh. Saskatoon was reached on Friday. The weather being cold on the Sabbath our congregations were smaller than on my former visit. Mr. Urquhart had supplied this congregation for two weeks during the summer, and Mr. Donald Morrison, brother to Rev. M. Morrison, conducts a service on Sabbath, and a prayer-meeting during the week. Mr. Macdonald, Brock, goes occasionally there for the week-ends. To Mr. and Mrs. Macaskill I must express my thanks, and to the rest of the congregation for all they did for me, unworthy though I am of the least of it. During the week prayer-meetings were held, and friends were visited at Borden.
It was arranged that I should supply Winnipeg for about two months. Mr. Urquhart left for Scotland in August, and the congregation had been supplied by Mr. W. Sinclair and Mr. Allan Macleod. Before I arrived Mr. Sinclair confined himself to the Sabbath School, and Mr. Macleod had to carry on alone. Our people in this city are doing their utmost at present to pay off the debt on their church building. I can assure our people at home that they need some assistance, and I appeal to friends throughout the Church to contribute to this fund, however, small the donation. Our congregation in Winnipeg has not increased in numbers since I was there four years ago; but they are very loyal to the Church, and generous in upholding the truth among them.
On the second Sabbath of March the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered. Services were held on each day as at home, with a fellowship meeting on Friday evening.
Mr. Macdonald was present from Brock as an elder of the congregation. It was deemed necessary to have another elder ordained. Mr. Allan Macleod was elected by the members and was ordained to the office of an elder in the congregation after the service on Monday evening. The communion season was in our experience a very refreshing time. If there is such sweet fellowship on earth, what must the fulness of it be where it is perfectly enjoyed. Our prayer is that the Lord would prosper His own cause in this city. What is all the opposition of men before His infinite power? I remained nine Sabbaths with our people in Winnipeg. During that time I visited, as far as I know, all the families in connection with our congregation, and received much kindness from them all. This time I stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Ross, Dominion Street. I wish to thank them, and all our people there for their kindness. On my way to Toronto, and Detroit, I stayed for two nights in Fort William. Mrs. Newington, and her brother, Mr. MacKenzie, formerly of the Stornoway congregation, arranged a service for Wednesday evening in Mr. MacKenzie’s house. The time was short for arrangements; but a goodly number attended the service. For the last four Sabbaths of April I supplied our congregation in Detroit. Since my previous visit to this city a real improvement had taken place in trade; but that cannot be said as to the religious aspect of things. I was pleased, however, to see an increase in the attendance at the services, and this continued the four Sabbaths I was there. Some of the congregation asked me if it was possible for the Church to supply them with a minister for a longer period. I asked Mr. MacKenzie, our Treasurer there, his opinion on this matter, and he promised to let the Clerk of the Canadian and Colonial Committee know what they can do financially as a congregation. There were two children baptized on my former visit and one on my last visit. Three services were held on the Sabbath and a prayer meeting during the week. I will always appreciate the kindness I received from friends in this city; but special thanks are due to Mrs. MacKenzie,
474 East Grand Boulevard, whose interest in our Church is known to all the deputies. I must also mention Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Morrison for they showed real kindness. My last Sabbath in Canada—the first of May was given to Rodney where I began my labours the previous year. I was pleased to find Mr. and Mrs. MacLennan in good health. Their interest in the cause of Christ is well known to our people. The weather on the Sabbath was all that could be desired, and a goodly number gathered in the School. A few of the friends came from Rodney, Simcoe, and other places. On the Monday morning I came to Simcoe, and the following Wednesday evening, preached in Toronto to a good congregation. This was my last service in Canada. I cannot here mention all those to whom thanks is due; but I must mention Mr. and Mrs. R. Campbell, Toronto, for their many acts of kindness. On Friday I joined the R.M.S. Antonia of the Cunard Line at Montreal, and arrived safe at Greenock on Saturday the 19th May. When I look back on the past year, and think of the Lord’s goodness to myself and family, I have cause indeed to wonder at His goodness. When I think how little I have done, what cause for shame, and to wonder that we are put in trust with the gospel. Thus I would acknowledge Christ is a good Master to serve, and those who put their trust in Him shall not be put to shame. The testimony of the Free Presbyterian Church was never more necessary in Canada and the U.S.A. than now. Our people were never more attached to that testimony, and let us be assured that this shall continue while we honour our Lord Jesus Christ by faithful adherence to law and gospel in profession and practice. I conclude by acknowledging the Lord’s great goodness to me on sea and land, and in bringing me back safe to my congregation and family. To His great Name be all the praise.
Esau wept that he lost the blessing, not that he sold it.
—William Gurnall.
Fishing Stations’ Committee’s Report.
By Rev. MALCOLM GILLIES.
AS the Synod is aware that the Fishing industry received a serious set back last year, the Report of the Fishing Stations’ Committee will be excused for its brevity. Wick was the only station at which we were able to provide services. There was a goodly number of Lewis fishermen and girls there towards the end of July and on to September. Rev. R. Sinclair did all he could by visiting them in their lodgings and inviting them to the Church services. Mr. A. D. Macleod, student, kept Gaelic services in Wick for six weeks and his labours as well as those of Rev. R. Sinclair were greatly appreciated.
The Committee received little encouragement to do more for Yarmouth than to ask the praying men who went there to keep meetings as best they could. Prospects for the English fishing were very dark, and it was thought best not to burden the few who were engaged for Yarmouth, or the Church with the expense of supply. We hope, in spite of recent disappointments, to be able to follow our Church people to the various fishing stations, and give them the same Gospel in the language in which they hear it at home.
Report of Training of the Ministry Committee.
By Rev. E. MACQUEEN.
THE following students form the list of those who are pursuing their studies in different places, with a view to the ministry of the Church:—Mr. J. P. Macqueen, Mr. D. J. Macaskill, and Mr. A. F. Mackay, were all at Dingwall attending the Theological Classes there. Mr. Wallace B. Nicolson and Mr. A. Macaskill are both studying in Glasgow. Mr. J. A.
Macdonald is in London. Mr. F. Bentley is studying in Newcastle-on-Tyne and at the same time holding services there on behalf of our Church. Mr. A. D. Macleod is in Thurso while, lastly, Mr. D. Campbell is in Portree, attending the Public School there. All of them, either regularly or occasionally, are doing mission work, as may be required in these several places mentioned, or elsewhere as they may be sent.