Auckland Communion
We are asked to point out that the communion will (D.V.) be held in Auckland congregation, New Zealand, on the first Sabbath of January, 1969.
Rev. D. M. MacLeod’s arrival in New Zealand
The whole Church will be glad to know that the Rev. D. M. MacLeod and his family arrived safely at Auckland, on Thursday, 19th September, at 10.30 p.m., British time, which was 9.30 a.m. on Friday New Zealand time.
Their long journey began on Wednesday, 18th September, when, accompanied by friends, they left Mr and Mrs MacKay’s home at 34 Dick Place, Edinburgh, for Turnhouse Airport, where they boarded a B.E.A. plane for London. There they joined a Pan American Airways plane for Los Angeles. After a few hours break there they crossed the Pacific via Honolulu to Auckland.
Mr MacLeod himself described the journey as “a good flight” and the speed “remarkable”.
The speed was indeed “remarkable” when one considers that a journey which by sea would have taken several weeks was completed in thirty odd hours. Of the comfort enjoyed throughout the flight, Mr and Mrs MacLeod affirmed one had to experience it so as to appreciate it. We would record our gratitude to the Lord, who does all things well, for His great goodness to our friends in granting them a safe and comfortable journey to their new sphere of labour.
The gracious composure of both parents and children facing the unknown was most impressive. This made the parting with friends easier, and as they made their way to the plane, one was reminded of what is recorded of Abraham when he was called to go out into a place he should after receive for an inheritance. He obeyed and went out not knowing whither he went. (Heb. 11:8). We believe our friends went out in the exercise of the same faith and their reward will be accordingly. May the ministry begun in Auckland be fruitful in the salvation of souls.
— D. Campbell, Convener of Dominions and Overseas Committee.
Theological Conference 1968
This Conference was held this year in the Dingwall Church on the 3rd and 4th September, with Rev. A. Cattanach, M.A., Finsbay, as chairman. The following papers were read and discussions held on the subjects dealt with by the speakers:
“Romanism — The Doctrine of Mary” — Rev. A. Morrison, North Uist.
“Perfectionism” — Rev. A. Murray, M.A., Applecross.
“The Sects — Jehovah’s Witnesses” — Rev. D. Nicolson, North Tolsta.
“The Theory of Evolution” — Dr Hugh Gillies, Stornoway.
“The Question Meeting — its origin, purpose and value” — Rev. J. Colquhoun, Glendale.
It was generally agreed that each year this Conference improves and this occasion was one which proved most beneficial. The thanks of members of Conference are due to the congregation and Deacons’ Court of Dingwall for their hospitality.
Next year the Conference will be held in Edinburgh on 9th and 10th September (D.V.). For the sake of such as may be interested, it may be mentioned that it was agreed to extend the membership of the Conference to include male communicants in the Church. Intimation of the subjects and speakers will be made in due course (D.V.). — D. MacLean.
Ordination and Induction at Ullapool
On 11th September 1968 the Western Presbytery met at Ullapool Free Presbyterian Church for the purpose of ordaining Mr Malcolm MacInnes, M.A., and inducting him to the pastoral charge of the congregation. The church was filled to its capacity, strangers being present from places as far apart as Inverness and Lochinver. Rev. Fraser MacDonald, M.A., Portree, preached from Acts xx. 24, and Rev. Alfred MacDonald, M.A., Gairloch, Moderator of Presbytery, presided. After the various steps taken, which led up to the ordination, were reported, the usual questions were put to Mr MacInnes which he answered satisfactorily, and having signed the Formula, he was solemnly ordained to the office of the ministry by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, and inducted to the pastoral charge of the Lochbroom congregation. Afterwards the congregation had an opportunity of shaking hands with the newly inducted pastor at the church door. The congregation was vacant since March 1967, when the Rev. D. N. MacLeod, whose ministry extended for the long period of fifty-eight years, forty-three of which were spent in Lochbroom, was called to his eternal rest. Our earnest prayer is that the ministry now begun will be abundantly blessed, and that the young minister will have many souls for his hire.
—John Colquhoun, Presbytery Clerk.
London Communion Services
The services will be as follows (D.V.):— Thursday, 28th November, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, 29th November, 11 a.m. (Prayer Meeting), 7 p.m. (Fellowship Meeting); Saturday, 30th November, 2.30 p.m. (Gaelic), 3.30 p.m. (English), and 6.30 p.m. (Prayer Meeting); Sabbath, 1st December, 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.; Monday, 2nd December, 7 p.m.
The week-day services will be held in the Bridewell Hall, London City Mission, Eccleston Place, S.W.1, and the Sabbath services in St. Michael’s Hall (opposite Victoria Coach Station), Eccleston Place, S.W.1.
Binding of Church Magazines
Regrettable delay is being experienced regarding the delivery of the bound volumes of the magazines. Although in the hands of the bookbinders since February, it appears it will be a month or two before they will be despatched. Every effort, however, will be made to send readers copies as soon as possible after delivery is made.
Ebenezer Scripture Mission
The Committee understand that some confusion exists in the mind of some in the Church due to the circulation within our borders of newsletters from the above-named Mission. The Committee wish to make it quite clear that this Mission has nothing to do with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland or with this Committee.
As explained at the last Synod, Mr Van Woerden did not renew his contract with the Committee. He preferred to carry on an independent Mission circulating Scripture and Reformed literature in African languages. His activities are carried on under the name of Ebenezer Scripture Mission which is stated to be international and interdenominational, and has its headquarters situated, we understand, some 25 miles on the other side of Bulawayo from Ingwenya. Mr Van Woerden is assisted in his efforts by his wife.
Part of the confusion which seems to have arisen may have been caused by the fact that enquiries with respect to this Mission are to be directed to Mrs I. MacFarlane, Free Presbyterian Manse, Dingwall. Mrs MacFarlane is, of course, a sister of Mrs Van Woerden and is acting in a purely private capacity. She is in no way acting in an official capacity representing the Free Presbyterian Church or this Committee.
The Committee hope this brief statement will clear away any confusion which may exist in the minds of our people.
(Rev.) D. MacLean, Clerk.
Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee.
Ministers and Bible Reading Card
Would all ministers please ensure that the young people under their care are in possession of Bible Reading Card ‘C’ before the end of December 1968. This is necessary if the card is going to serve the function of helping the young to read the prescribed daily portions of the Word. The Cards can be obtained on application to the Church Librarian.
A. Macdonald.
on behalf of the Bible Training of Youth Committee.