Induction at Lairg
On the evening of Wednesday 17th March, at 7.30, in the Lairg Church in the presence of a crowded congregation, the Northern Presbytery met to induct Rev. D. B. MacLeod, M.A., to the pastorate of the Lairg & Bonar congregation. The Moderator, Rev. D. B. MacLean presided, and when the preliminaries were attended to, the minute calling the meeting, the return of the Edict, read to the congregation on a previous Sabbath and proclaimed that evening at the outer door of the church, Rev. J. Tallach, Kinlochbervie, preached from the words: “The same came therefore to Phillip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.” (John 12, v. 21). In his discourse he referred to the Greeks who came up to Jerusalem to put this question to Philip, and the disciples who referred the request to Jesus, dwelling mainly on the implications of a saving view of the Divine Saviour by faith with special reference to the unchanging needs of the present day for the Gospel message of Salvation. The sermon was followed with close attention throughout. The Clerk then read the narrative and the Moderator put to the new minister the stated Questions, after which the Formula was signed, and coming down from the pulpit, inducted Mr MacLeod to the charge with solemn prayer, and gave the right hand of fellowship in which the Moderator was followed by the members of Presbytery. Thereafter, the Moderator directed a few appropriate words of counsel to the newly inducted minister, and the Clerk, Rev. A. F. MacKay, likewise addressed the people. Messages of good will were read from Rev. D. A. MacFarlane who was unable to be present, and from the secretary of the Sovereign Grace Union, London, now of Redhill, Surrey, on whose Committee Mr MacLeod had served while in London, who on the Committee’s behalf prayed that Mr MacLeod with his family be commended to the Most High on his return to his native Scotland, and bless his work. Along with other members of Presbytery, Rev. R. R. Sinclair and a former member, Rev. Wm. Grant, gave addresses, and members of other Presbyteries added their good wishes. Rev. F. Tallach came through from Aberdeen, and Rev. M. MacInnes, Ullapool, of the Western Presbytery, were also present and were asked to speak. The meeting was very representative of our people, for many came from as far distant as Wick, Thurso and Halkirk, from Inverness, Dingwall and Daviot, and from Tain, Fearn, Kinlochbervie and Scourie.
Through the long period of 9 years in which the charge was vacant, ever since their former minister, Rev. D. M. MacLeod, now in Auckland, New Zealand, left for Stornoway, the people have shown the greatest loyalty and unity as a congregation, and the settlement of a minister over them in the Lord’s kind providence is, we believe, in answer to much prayer which was incessantly made to the Lord to send a pastor after His own heart, who would feed the flock with wisdom and knowledge. Mr MacLeod returns to the Northern Presbytery, which ordained and inducted him to the Kinlochbervie and Scourie congregation in 1960, and released him from the charge when he went to London in 1962. The Presbytery welcome this increase to its membership.
That the Lord may abundantly bless the ministry just begun in the Parish of Lairg, furnish His servant with all needed gifts and grace for the work of his high calling, and give encouragement by accompanying the preaching of the Gospel with His blessing, is the prayer of all who wish well to Sion in our midst. As was noticed by more than one who spoke that evening, the present day is dark and threatening and the forces of evil and ungodliness becoming increasingly aggressive, but the Lord is still able to bless His cause and build up the walls of His Sion. May He hasten the greatly desired and longed for out-pouring of His Spirit in His own time.
A.F.M., Clerk.
Motion of Synod of 1934
The Sabbath Observance Committee deem it fitting to remind our people of the following Motion of Synod of 1934, regarding periodicals printed and published on the 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 a 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.”
Death of Tain Missionary
It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr Archibald Robertson, Missionary, Tain. He passed away on Friday 19th March, and the funeral, which was attended by a large gathering of people, took place on Monday 22nd March.
Mr Robertson served the Church as a Missionary for the long period of 50 years. He was a deeply exercised Christian and will be greatly missed throughout the Church and particularly in the North where he was well known. “The memory of the just is blessed.” Prov. 10 : 7. An account of Mr Robertson will no doubt appear in the pages of the Magazine at a later date.
Rhodesian Staff — Nurses Required
There is an immediate and crying need for nurses for work on the Mission. Misses Carmichael and Tallach who are at present home on leave have indicated to the Committee that they do not intend to return. Miss Turner, at present at the Mbuma Hospital, is due home for leave in May.
The Committee feel very much encouraged by the offer of a young lady in New Zealand to go to the Mission and hope this news will stimulate others at home to offer their services in work which is full of interest as well as one of the most commendable methods of serving the Lord which women can undertake.
The Committee shall be pleased to hear from any who have an ear for this Macedonian cry to help in the medical work of our Mission.
(Rev.) Donald MacLean, Clerk.
13 Kingsborough Gardens, Glasgow W.2.
Services in Dundee and Stirling
The Church Extension Committee hope, God willing, to hold regular services in Dundee and Stirling. We hope to send Rev. John Tallach, M.A., and Rev. J. W. Ross for a few Sabbaths commencing at the end of May to Dundee. It is hoped that those who have a concern for the spiritual welfare of souls will remember these two ministers as they embark on this adventure of faith. The Apostle Paul did not have much external stimulus at Mars Hill but he had the divine promise — “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Any enquiries will be welcomed by Rev. D. A. Maclean, F.P. Manse, Halkirk (Tel: Halkirk 280), Clerk to the Committee. Further intimations will be made in the local papers.
Appeal: Raasay Manse Extension
The present manse building at Raasay was constructed immediately following upon the Second World War when restrictions on building were considerable. The Deacon Court, therefore, have now decided to expand the manse by the addition of a kitchen block, etc., and would appeal to their friends throughout the Church for help and keeping in mind that since the inception of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland the congregation in Raasay has been faced with the expense of erecting two church and two manse buildings.
Contributions will be gratefully received by Mr Ronald MacBeath, 4 Inverarisk Terrace, Raasay, by Kyle, Ross-shire, or The Free Presbyterian Manse.
DONALD NICOLSON, Chairman.
RODERICK MACLEOD, Clerk.
This appeal is cordially endorsed by the Western Presbytery:
JOHN MACDONALD, Moderator.
ALEXANDER MURRAY, Clerk.
Corrections
In the February issue of the Magazine on page 41, on line 22, the reference should be Acts 17 : 23 and not Acts 17 : 39.
In the April issue on page 118, line 7, the words “Edinburgh Auxiliary” should read “Edinburgh Bible Society”.