Communions.—November—First Sabbath, Oban and Raasay; second, Halkirk and Glasgow; third, Edinburgh, Dornoch and Uig. December—First Sabbath, London. January—Fifth Sabbath, Inverness. February—First Sabbath, Dingwall; third, Stornoway.
Note.—Will each minister send at once to the Sub-Editor, a complete and up-to-date list of dates of Communions held under their moderatorship; particularly noting if a Communion is held on the last Sabbath of a month (whether or not it is the fourth or fifth Sabbath) or always on the fourth Sabbath.
London Congregation—December Communion.—Hitherto the London congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland held only one Communion annually, but it has now been decided to hold a Communion twice a year. Communion Services—Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Eccleston Hall, Eccleston Street, Buckingham Palace Road, London, S.W.1.
In connection with the dispensation of the Lord’s Supper on Sabbath, 5th December, 1948, the following services have been arranged (D.V.) to be conducted by the Rev. William MacLean, M.A., Ness, and the Rev. Donald MacLean. Thursday, 2nd December, 7 p.m.; Friday, 3rd December, 3.30 p.m. (Gaelic); 7 p.m. (Fellowship Meeting); Saturday, 4th December, 3.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sabbath, 5th December, 11 a.m., 3.45 p.m. (Gaelic) and 7 p.m.; Monday, 6th December, 3.30 p.m. (Gaelic); and 7 p.m.
Services are held every Sabbath at 11 a.m., 3.45 p.m. (Gaelic) and 7 p.m. Weekly prayer-meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Resignation of Rev. Donald Beaton, Oban.—At a meeting of the Southern Presbytery, held in Glasgow, on Tuesday, the 21st day of September, 1948, the Clerk reported having received a letter from the Rev. Donald Beaton, Oban, in which for reasons of health and other considerations, he tendered his resignation of the pastoral charge of Oban Free Presbyterian Congregation. Mr. Beaton stated that it was only after long and serious consideration he had been constrained to take this step. After taking all the circumstances, as far as that was possible, into consideration, the Presbytery agreed unanimously to accept Mr. Beaton’s resignation. It was with great reluctance that this decision was arrived at, and only because the circumstances appeared to leave no other course open.
While desiring to bow in humble submission to the will of the Lord in this matter, the members of Presbytery wish to record their sincere and profound regret for the loss sustained in the Presbytery by the retirement of Mr. Beaton from active duty.
Mr. Beaton became a member of the Southern Presbytery when he was inducted to the charge of Oban on the 3rd day of November, 1930, when the induction sermon was preached by the late Rev. N. Cameron. During these 18 years, the Presbytery found it necessary to deal with many serious and difficult problems of church government, procedure and discipline. In the elucidation of these problems, Mr. Beaton took a full share, and gave to the Presbytery the benefits of a ripe experience, a wise and well-balanced judgment. An extensive and accurate knowledge of Presbyterian Church law, and a character noted for its fairness, patience and firmness.
It is with a deep sense of appreciation that the Presbytery remembers the help thus rendered on many a momentous occasion throughout these 18 years.
The members of Presbytery earnestly hope and pray that in his retirement, the same Gospel of redeeming grace, which many rejoiced to hear from his lips, may be the strength, comfort and joy of Mr. Beaton’s own soul.—D. J. Matheson, Moderator, J. A. Tallach, Clerk.
Resignation of Rev. D. Beaton, Oban.—We have received word from the Clerk of the Southern Presbytery, that, at a meeting of that Court, on Tuesday, 21st September, 1948, a letter was presented from Rev. D. Beaton, containing his resignation from the pastoral charge of the Free Presbyterian Church, Oban. The Presbytery accepted the resignation, which was given in for health reasons; and instructed the Interim-Moderator of Oban, Rev. J. A. Tallach, to preach the charge vacant, on Sabbath, the 3rd October, 1948. We are assured that this step taken by Rev. D. Beaton, after serious deliberation, will be most keenly felt by his congregation, who have held their pastor in affectionate and Gospel esteem. And friends throughout the Church will, we are sure, desire that Mr. Beaton and Mrs. Beaton will enjoy much of the Lord’s blessing and favour in retirement.
Resignation of Rev. D. M. MacDonald, Portree.—At a meeting of the Western Presbytery on 27th July, the Rev. D. M. MacDonald tendered his resignation of the pastoral charge of Portree, giving as his reason for doing so, his inability, owing to severe deafness, to perform his pastoral work and the duties connected with the Session. Mr. MacDonald, having previously intimated his intention to resign, the Presbytery were in a position to investigate the case, and after serious consideration of the circumstances regretfully accepted his resignation, which is to take effect from 30th September.—J. C.—Clerk of Western Presbytery.
We would like to add to the above notice of Rev. D. M. MacDonald’s resignation, that friends in Portree and Skye, and throughout the Highlands, will miss Mr. MacDonald very much indeed, as a minister and a man, most highly respected by all with whom he came in contact. We are glad to learn, that although Mr. MacDonald is to reside in Edinburgh, he will be willing to hold services in supplying congregations and at Communion seasons, when this will be convenient. The people of our Church wish Mr. MacDonald and Mrs. MacDonald much comfort from the Lord, in retirement.
—Sub-Editor.
Bible Societies and Church Support.—The Synod issued and published an Advisory Statement on Bible Societies, in the Synod Proceedings and the Free Presbyterian Magazine. In this statement, Free Presbyterians and congregations within the Church were advised, for the future, to support the Scottish Bible Society, 45 George Street, Edinburgh, and the Trinitarian Bible Society, 7 Bury Place, London, W.C.1. Since the publication of this statement, the Clerk of Synod has received a letter from Rev. Thos. Caldwell, D.D., Aberlady, East Lothian, the Secretary to the Scottish Bible Society, in which he makes the following observations:—‘While the Scottish Bible Society issues only copies of the Authorised Version of the Bible, it is at liberty within its Constitution to issue at any time any other version which may commend itself to it. The Gaelic Bibles which it issues are obtained through the National Bible Society of Scotland. I think it right that these facts should be known.’ From this, we conclude that there has been some misunderstanding in recommending our people to support the Scottish Bible Society. Congregational and local arrangements were to be made to obtain subscriptions and collections for both the above-mentioned Societies. Such subscriptions and collections should now be forwarded to the Trinitarian Bible Society only. This Society is worthy of our financial support and the prayers of the Lord’s people for the success of the work being done by it. In thanking the Church for their promised support, Mr. G. A. Warburton, Chairman of the Trinitarian Bible Society, writes: It is refreshing in these apostate days to find our Free Presbyterian friends over the border, contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. The T.B.S. is doing all in its power to send the pure Word of God out, and I and my Committee greatly appreciate the practical help of the Lord’s people, but most of all, their prayers; and we would say, ‘Brethren, pray for us,’ and let it be continued as the Holy Spirit endites.’
—Church Interests Committee.
Overseas Church Deputy.—Rev. F. MacLeod reports from New Zealand that he expects (D.V.) to sail for Vancouver on the 26th October, and to arrive there for the second Sabbath of November. Friends will note his address as follows:—c/o Mr. H. Mackay, 778 West 24th Avenue, Vancouver. His visit is intended to include Calgary, Winnipeg, etc., and he will give due notice of dates arranged and further movements.—W. G.
Increase in Price of Magazines.—The Treasurer would like to notify subscribers that the Synod last May, decided to increase the price of the Church Magazines, as from 1st January, 1949, as the cost of printing has increased during recent years. We are sure that our people will appreciate the necessity for the increases. The Free Presbyterian Magazine subscription will be 6/- per year; and the Young People’s Magazine 4/-; and subscription for both, 10/- per annum.
Mr. Lachlan MacLeod, Student.—Mr. Lachlan MacLeod, 2 Roag, Dunvegan, Skye, was received by the Western Presbytery on 27th July, as a student for the ministry of the church. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.”
Increased Expenditure.—At a meeting of the Finance Committee held in Inverness on the 12th October, the amount by which the salaries of Ministers and Missionaries were increased was under consideration. It was unanimously decided that in order to meet this extra outlay an opportunity be given to all our people to increase their contributions to the Sustentation and Home Mission Funds. The Committee feel that since the increase was essential, this additional expenditure should be met by increased contributions. “He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”—D. J. Matheson, Convener.