Communions.—March—First Sabbath, Ullapool; second, Portree and Ness; third, Finsbay and Lochinver; fourth, Kinlochbervie and North Tolsta. April—First Sabbath, Portnalong; second, Lochgilphead; third, Greenock; fourth, Glasgow and Wick. South African Mission—The following are the dates of the Communions:—Last Sabbath of March, June, September, and December. Note.—Notice of any additions to, or alterations of, the above dates of Communions should be sent to the Editor.
Induction of Rev. John P. Macqueen.—The Southern Presbytery met in London on 26th December to induct the Rev. J. P. Macqueen as minister of the London congregation. The members of Presbytery present were Revs. J. A. Tallach, Moderator, James Macleod and Neil MacIntyre, Clerk, with Mr. D. J. Walker, ruling elder. Rev. William Grant who was present was associated with the Presbytery. After the Edict was returned as duly served and the usual proclamation made at the main door and no one appearing to object, Mr. MacIntyre conducted public worship. He spoke from the words: “That thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God” (I. Tim. iii. 15).
Rev. J. MacLeod, Interim Moderator of the congregation then gave a summary of the steps leading up to the induction. Mr. MacLeod explained that Mr. Macqueen was in Canada when the congregation sent him a call signed by 129 names. In due time Mr. Macqueen replied that he was accepting the call. This reply was received with much satisfaction by the congregation. It was agreed by the Presbytery that they meet in London on the above date to induct Mr. Macqueen.
Rev. J. A. Tallach, Moderator of Presbytery, then put the usual questions to Mr. Macqueen which he answered satisfactorily and signed the Formula in the presence of the congregation. He then with solemn prayer inducted Mr. Macqueen as minister of the congregation and the members of Presbytery gave him the right hand of fellowship. Thereafter Rev. J. MacLeod addressed
the newly inducted minister in appropriate words pointing out the solemn office to which he had been called and the important duties devolving upon him as pastor of the congregation.
Rev. J. A. Tallach then addressed the congregation regarding their duties to their minister. He needed their prayers and sympathies and they should encourage him by their presence and means.
Rev. William Grant gave a very interesting account of the history of the mission from its very beginning. The congregation had an opportunity of shaking hands with their new minister. There were large congregations both at the induction and on Sabbath. We wish Mr. Macqueen much success in the large and important city of London.—Neil Macintyre, Clerk of Southern Presbytery.
Foreign Mission Fund Collection—An Appeal.—In view of the collection for the Foreign Mission Fund to be taken up this month we wish to make a special appeal to our congregations for a liberal contribution. As may be seen from the Financial Statement in the Magazine, our expenditure is much above our income, so unless we contribute more liberally it must inevitably follow that we must curtail our work in South Africa. That would be a calamity which none of us would like to see. No one can deny but the Lord has blessed the Mission far beyond our expectations. There are many already in glory and, we believe, many more will follow who will be praising the Lord throughout eternity for our Mission in South Africa. We should, therefore, do all in our power to enlarge the place of our tents, to spare not, but lengthen our cords and strengthen our stakes.
The particular reason why we make this appeal is that there are five stations where services have been held for some time but there are no schools. The natives connected with these stations have time and again appealed to have schools opened so that their children might be taught to read the Word of God. Such an appeal should touch our hearts and stir us up to put forth every effort to confer on these poor children the inestimable blessing which we have enjoyed so long. We may be in danger
of incurring the displeasure of the Lord, if we do not come to the help of these poor people who are so anxious that their children should be able to read God’s Word. We are not complaining of our people’s liberality in the past but as Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee I thought this pressing appeal from these five stations should be brought before our congregations. Mr. Tallach informs us that there is a great danger of other missions stepping into these places and undermining our work there unless we take immediate action.—Neil Macintyre, Convener of Foreign Missions’ Committee.