The Presbytery of Australia and New Zealand
As authorised by the Synod, the Free Presbyterian Presbytery of Australia and New Zealand was constituted by the Rev. William Maclean, M.A., Grafton, Moderator, on the 21st August, 1973, in Auckland, New Zealand. This first meeting of Presbytery was an eventful occasion in the history of the Church in Australia and New Zealand and our prayer is that what was done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ would redound to the glory of God.
The Presbytery again met in the Church at Gisborne on the evening of the 24th August, for the ordination and induction of Mr Johannes van Dorp to the pastoral charge of the Gisborne Congregation.
The Rev. William Maclean, Moderator, who presided, preached an appropriate sermon from Isaiah 6:8,9. A brief narrative of proceedings in the Call to Mr van Dorp was read, and the Moderator then addressed to him the usual questions put to probationers before ordination. After having answered the questions satisfactorily and having signed the Formula in the presence of the Congregation, Mr van Dorp was solemnly ordained to the office of the ministry by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. The ordination prayer having been concluded, the Moderator did then formally induct and admit Mr Johannes van Dorp, in the name of the Presbytery and by the authority of the Divine Head of the Church, to the pastoral charge of the Gisborne Congregation, and, along with the other members of the Presbytery, gave him the right hand of fellowship.
Mr van Dorp was then suitably addressed by the Moderator and the Clerk addressed the Congregation.
The church was well filled, a goodly number having travelled from Auckland for the occasion, and the proceedings which were most harmonious were followed with keen interest. For many this was the first time that they had witnessed the ordination and induction of a pastor. After the singing of Psalm 126 and the Benediction, the Congregation had an opportunity of shaking hands with the newly inducted pastor at the door of the church.
Our earnest prayer is that the ministry now begun will be abundantly blessed by the Lord of the Harvest.
Blessed by the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen.
D. M. Macleod, Presbytery Clerk
Appointment of Presbytery Clerk
At the meeting of the Presbytery of Australia and New Zealand held in Auckland on 21st August 1973, Rev. D. M. Macleod, Auckland, was appointed Presbytery Clerk.
Parcels for Rhodesia
The staff in Rhodesia very much appreciate attempts which are made to send out clothing to Rhodesia but there is a limit to their capacity to distribute such clothing. At the present time, they have sufficient.
As an Import Licence is necessary for the receiving of such clothing into Rhodesia, none should be sent without contacting Miss Jean Nicolson, M.A., Clerk to the Field Committee, Ingwenya Mission P.O. Bembesi, Bulawayo, who will be in a position to inform the parties concerned as to the position. On no account should clothing be sent without writing Miss Nicolson to ensure that this can be done without difficulty.
(Rev.) Donald MacLean
Clerk
Rhodesian Mission Staff
Miss Mairi Martin, Teacher, and Miss Mabel Lobban, Nurse, joined the Mission Staff in the middle of September. We would wish them well in their work on the Mission and trust that the Lord will uphold them. Miss Anne MacAskill, Vancouver, was unable to obtain a permit to work in Rhodesia and has returned home to Canada.
Appeal for Graduate Teacher
Miss K. A. Macaulay, M.A. is due for leave at the end of this year and a replacement is required for January 1974 to take her place in the Ingwenya Secondary School. The Committee are particularly desirous that a graduate teacher with qualifications in science would come forward to fill this vacancy. The contract is the normal one for three years with six months’ paid leave at the end of the contract. Any person who feels led to take up this interesting and profitable sphere of Christian work should contact the Clerk to this Committee.
(Rev.) Donald MacLean,
13 Kingsborough Gardens,
Glasgow G12 9NH.
Kames Communion
The Kames Kirk Session have decided, due to circumstances beyond their control, not to hold a Communion in October this year.
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Outer Isles: At Stornoway on Tuesday, 23rd October at 3.30 p.m.
Northern: At Dingwall on Tuesday, 30th October at 2.30 p.m.
Western: At Kyle of Lochalsh on Tuesday, 6th November at 11 a.m.
London Induction
The Southern Presbytery agreed to meet (D.V.) on Tuesday, 23rd October 1973 at 7 p.m. within St Michael’s Hall, London, SW1, in order to induct the Rev. Malcolm MacInnes, M.A., Ullapool, to the pastoral charge of the London Congregation.
Correction. The name “George Miller” in the quotation at the foot of page 279 in the September issue should have read “George Muller.”
Acknowledgment of Donations
The Publications Treasurer, Mr R. W. M. MacKenzie, C.A., Hilton of Cadboll, Fearn, acknowledges with sincere thanks the following donations —
On behalf of Trinitarian Bible Society: I. Munro, Glenmoriston, £1.
Free Distribution Fund: Miss R. M. Gurney, Baldock, 27p; R. Wichers, N.Z., 80p; A Friend, In memory of my dear mother, Delhi, Ont. P.Mk., £4; London Congregation, £7.13.
Publications Fund: London Congregation, £7.13.
Home of Rest: Mrs MacDonald, Shieldaig, £1; Resident, £10; Achmore Congregation, £25.
The Treasurers of the following congregations acknowledge with sincere thanks the following donations —
London: Anon, John 3-16, £100 for London Congregational Fund, per R.W.M.M.
Church Extension Charge of Stirling, Perth and Dundee: John 3, 16, £150; Mrs MacLeod, Ballaefary House, Inverness, £1, per Rev. I.R.T.
Staffin, Skye: Anon, £10 for Congregational Purposes per Rev. J.M.D.; M.N., £2 for Sustentation Fund per M.N.; Anon, £1, Door Collection, per M.M.I. Correction — In July issue the following were acknowledged in Rogart instead of Staffin — M. MacDonald, Knebworth, £5 for Sustentation Fund per Rev. J.M.D.; Interested, Envelope in Plate, £5 for Sustentation Fund. Also in July issue (Two Mallaig Friends) should have read Two Maligar Friends, Inverness.
Portree: Portree Friend, £5 for Sustentation Fund; Portree Friend, £5 for Congregational Purposes, both per F.M.
Kinlochbervie: Anon. of Kinlochbervie Congregation, £20 for Manse Purchase Fund; Miss Greig, Dundee, £1 for Foreign Mission, per Mrs MacKay, London Stores.
Scourie: Envelope in Church Plate, £2 for Bus Petrol.
Plockton/Kyle: Friend, Loch Broom. £5; Friends, Dundee, £6; Friends, Inverness, £5; ‘A little help from friends’, £10; A Friend, £1; Mrs C. Maclean, Edinburgh, £5, all for Manse Building Fund and first three per Rev. D. Beattie.
St Jude’s, Glasgow: A. R. Macleod, Knightswood Hospital, £1 for Sustentation Fund; Anon, “in memory of my beloved parents,” £200 for Congregational Fund; Interested, 50p; Anon, £2.50; Anon, £5; A Friend, £5; Jessie McPherson, £2; Margaret McPherson, £5, last six for Jewish and Foreign Mission Fund, and last three per A. Gillies; Anon, £3; Anon, £1, both for Bus Fund; Mrs Walker, 50p; Mrs Piper, 50p; Anon, Edinburgh Communion, £5; M. Jones, £2, last four for Bus Expenses; A Friend, £5 for Bus Fund; Anon in Collection Box, £2½ for Congregational Fund; A Friend, £11 for St Jude’s Development Fund per Rev. D.M.; A Friend, St Jude’s, £4; A Friend, £5, both for Sustentation Fund, last per W.128; Jessie McPherson, £2; Margaret McPherson, £1, both for Home Mission Fund and per A. Gillies; Anon, £1; Anon, £1; Anon, £1; Anon, £1; I. McA., £2, all for Home Mission Fund, last per W.D.F.
Dumbarton: Friend, Glasgow, £1, per A. E. Alexander; Friend, £2 per Rev. D. Maclean; Friend, Stornoway, £5; Anon in plate, £2; Mr and Mrs MacLeod, Bearsden, £2, all for Dumbarton F.P. Manse Fund.
Rogart: Mr A. Sutherland, Church Hill Road, Lairg, £5 for Church Renovation.
North Tolsta: Young Tolsta Seaman, £5 for Congregational Funds, per Rev. D. Maclean.
Stornoway: Two Friends, Inverness, £10, for Congregational Purposes, per Rev. J. Macleod.
North Harris: Mrs Annie McGeddie, £10, In Memory of the late Julia MacAskill; Mrs T. A. Shields, £1 for Congregational Expenses, both per J.F.
Ingwenya Mission: Dutch friends, $26,746-39; Vancouver congregation, $2900, Canadian; Mrs Kitchen, Winnipeg, in memory of her late husband, $600, Canadian; Strict Baptist Group, M. Harmer, £200.
Raasay: A.G., Glasgow, £5 for Congregational Fund; Friend, Fort William, £2; Friend, Edinburgh, £3; Dun MacSwan, Glasgow, £5.25, last three for Manse Extension; Loving Friend, £5 for Sustentation Fund, last four per J. M. MacLeod.
Lochinver: I.G., Stornoway, £5; Friend, Harris, £2, both for Sustentation Fund.
Lochbroom: Mrs Maclellan, £5 for Sustentation Fund and per A. Macleod; Ashcroft Letters, £2 for Home Mission; Mr and Mrs MacLeod, Culnacreig, £5 for Congregational purposes.
Aberdeen: I. McA., £5 for Manse Fund, per W. Mackenzie.
Strathy: £18.50, Trinitarian Bible Society.
Uig, Isle of Lewis: A. Morrison, Kneep, £5, Envelope in Plate; MacLean, 10 Valtos, £2; Friend of the Cause, Valtos, £2, last three for Communion Expenses; Friend of the Cause, Valtos, £3 for Sustentation Fund, last three per M.S.
Glendale: An Old Friend, £2; The Late Miss M. Ferguson, £100, both for Sustentation Fund and per Rev. J.G.; Sincere Friend, £5, Blythswood Tract Society; A Friend, £1 for Sustentation Fund.
Tain and Fearn: Anon, £5, per K.R.; Anon, £20, per K.R.; Mr and Mrs MacLeod, Evanton, £2; A Friend, Glasgow, £5, per Rev. J.N., and all for Manse Fund.
Stratherrick: Mr and Mrs D. J. MacKintosh, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, £5 for Communion Expenses.
Laide: Friend, Uig, Lewis, £5; Friend, Gairloch, £10; Two Friends, Inverasdale, £20; Friend, Inverness, £5; Friend, Inverasdale, £7; C.M.M., Harris, £5; Two Friends, Harris, £10; D. Macintosh, New Zealand, £5; Friend, Gairloch, £20; Anon, Ullapool, £5, all for Laide Manse Building Fund; Friend, Opinan, Gairloch, £5 for Communion expenses, per D. Macrae.
Greenock: John Gillies, Gourock, £5; Friend, Greenock, £5, both for Minister’s New Car and per Rev. L. MacLeod.
Inverness: John 3 v. 16, £100 for Sustentation Fund; John 3 v. 16, £100 for Foreign Mission, both per R. W. M. Mackenzie.
Extension Charge for Stirling, Perth and Dundee: D.F., £15 per Rev. I.R.T.
General Treasurer: MacCaskills, Carbost More, £25 for Sustentation Fund; ‘James’, £50 for Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Widows etc. Fund; Portree Congregation, £127.04 for Trinitarian Bible Society.
Obituaries
In every generation both the Church and State owed much to the influence of God fearing women. This was true in Old Testament times. Sarah, Deborah and Ruth are examples among many whose influence played an important part in the true prosperity of families and nations. The same was true in the time when our Lord was on the earth. Gracious women ministered to Him of their substance and Paul acknowledged the service godly women rendered in the building up of the Christian church in Apostolic times. Women also played an important role in the struggles during the Reformation movement when godly women from different strata of society cast in their lot with those who protested against the blasphemous claims of the papacy. The history of Scotland shows the important part which women played in the emancipation of church and State from alien authority during the first and second Reformations. Among the large crop of the godly in Scotland since 1843, women were among those who were singular, for their piety and this was particularly true of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Throughout the whole church these were found and the Edinburgh congregation had its good share of “the salt of the earth” in this form. Although the subjects of the following obituaries would not consider themselves worthy of mention among their predecessors the fact remains that they gave convincing proof of having undergone the same change which made the mothers in Israel shine as the firmament.
The Misses Margaret and Barbara Gunn
In our list of obituaries we first mention Miss Margaret Gunn, a native of Caithness, born at Olrig over eighty years ago. Her parents James Gunn and his wife Henrietta Olson feared the Lord and brought up their family in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The writer will always cherish the memory of his acquaintance with Mrs Gunn whose gentle manner and wise counsel made her company both desirable and profitable. Margaret had much in common with her mother whose example she prized and endeavoured to follow. When and how she was brought to a saving knowledge of Christ we cannot tell but for many years she gave compelling proof of having a genuine love to the only Saviour of the lost. She became a member in full communion with the Edinburgh congregation when the people worshipped in Riego Street and while Rev. James Sinclair was interim-moderator. During her long period of membership she was kept unspotted from the world. Margaret Gunn was one who seemed constantly sensible of her own unworthiness. She sighed and groaned because she felt unfit for Heaven. These words “O to be ready” were not merely on her lips but bespoke a deep concern lest she might be found among the foolish virgins. When, however the time to depart came Margaret Gunn was ready to enter in with the Bridegroom. The friends who were privileged to be with her at the time felt assured that her end was peace.
Among the many virtues of this gracious woman unselfishness was the most prominent one. A capable person in her own sphere she was always ready to give of her best for the good of others and her love to the Lord’s people made her service to them particularly joyful. Miss Gunn, considering others as guileless as herself, received into her home and confidence all who professed to love the Lord Jesus Christ and she, with her like-minded sisters entertained in their hospitable home Christians from many parts at home and abroad. The fact that she was disappointed in some of her former guests did not deter her from continuing her labour of love to others. Her motive was to encourage everyone who showed an interest in Christ and His cause.
The purpose of this rather belated and short obituary is to place on record the loyal and constant witness of one who though known to comparatively few yet in silence rendered invaluable service to the Lord and His people. Miss Gunn is now survived by a sister, the last surviving member of the family, to whom we offer our sincere sympathy in her great loss.
Her sister Barbara, also one of the household of faith passed away a year last May. Miss Barbara was well known to our people throughout the Church as she attended communion services in many parts. She also is greatly missed. Like her sister she had a constant fear of being deceived regarding the salvation of her soul. She realised that the soul’s salvation is precious and that there is the danger of coming short of the promise of entering “His rest.” Barbara Gunn loved the word of God and enjoyed the fellowship of those whose theme was Christ — the way, the truth and the life. She always had a kind word for her friends in trouble and many found comfort in their contacts with her. In her loyalty to the church and her friends she never faltered and the writer desires to record his appreciation of her uncompromising attitude in this respect. Though of a gentle disposition she conceded nothing to the adversaries of God’s word and people. In defence of these her position was clear and unyielding. For these and her other virtues she gained the respect of all her associates. Endowed with a natural dignity and charm, she made a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of sharing her presence in the House of God. Miss Gunn’s contacts were world-wide. Although she herself never travelled abroad she and her sisters entertained Christians from many nations. In this international association she made many friends. In some she was disappointed, but with many it was a lasting friendship.
Blessed with a retentive memory and especially interested in the religious life of her native county, Caithness, she had valuable information about the part played by its godly men and women, in the emancipation of the people from the spiritual bondage which prevailed throughout the north of Scotland before the arrival of the Haldanes, the Cooks and others with the glorious Gospel which alone can deliver men from perdition. The alarming indications of a return by the people of Scotland to the conditions obtaining before the Reformation, caused Miss Gunn much concern and the absence of her prayers adds to our concern lest the enemy should prevail. For this and other obvious reasons the departure of Miss Gunn is a great loss to the Cause of Christ in general and to the Edinburgh congregation in particular. However, our loss is her gain for she has departed to be with Christ.
As already stated her sister (Betty) is the only surviving member of the family. Her brother John died a few weeks after Barbara and in great loneliness Miss Gunn had to bear the burden of her grief. However, she has the assurance that her sisters, who made life here so sweet for her are themselves enjoying the pleasures, which are at God’s right hand. This should be her consolation and in recording our sincere sympathy with her in her bereavement, we say: Follow the Lamb.
The writer takes this opportunity of placing on record the generosity of the Misses Gunn’s brother, Donald. On several occasions he generously contributed to the Edinburgh congregational funds, particularly in support of the Manse Fund thus relieving the congregation of a burden of debt much sooner than anticipated. We have no doubt that Mr Gunn’s tangible interest was stimulated by his affection for his sisters and also by admiration for their consistent Christian life. His brotherly care of them was evident by the very adequate provision made for their material welfare. His sisters loved him and deeply mourned his loss. Of another it is written, “He loveth our nation and has built us a synagogue.”
D.C.
Miss Catherine Meighan
Catherine Meighan’s early life was a hard one. Her mother was in delicate health when Catherine was born and when she was still very young her mother died. The father, unable to cope with the responsibility of giving personal attention to his motherless children, sent Catherine and her brother to a Children’s Home run by the Roman Catholic Church. This meant that from her infancy Catherine was used to institutional life. From the Children’s Home she was transferred, against her will, to a convent and it seems as though the young friendless girl was destined to live the rest of her life in the bondage of Romanism. However, the Lord ordained otherwise. She often felt a desire to be free from the semi-slavery which life in the convent imposed upon her. Early one morning as Catherine was preparing for her long day’s work the desire became a compelling urge to leave the convent. That this strong urge was from the Lord was evident from the fact that contrary to usual custom and her expectation the main door was left unattended and wide open. Catherine, like the Apostle of old, walked unnoticed and unopposed to her new found freedom. She found herself alone, a stranger walking the streets of the town while most of its inhabitants were still fast sleep. For some unaccountable reason she was not reported missing from the convent until some time after her escape. In the meantime, as the town was coming to life she met a lady who asked her about her plight. On ascertaining the facts from Catherine the lady, who was on her way to work, gave her money for a meal and arranged to meet her on her way home in the evening. Accordingly Catherine spent the day unmolested in the vicinity of her rendezvous until the return of the lady. This lady’s father was a minister and the stranger on being introduced to him won his sympathy and the affection of the whole family. Her immediate needs were supplied and she was assured of the protection which she obviously needed. That same night the minister made arrangements with his office-bearers to make adequate provision for her during her stay in that town. The details of her escape and the ready provision made for her in her freedom were manifestly the Lord’s doing.
Among all her experiences, perhaps the most remarkable was a dream she had. In it she saw her grandparents whom she never saw in real life nor had any knowledge of them or their whereabouts. This dream which made a deep impression on her mind made her restless until she found in the body those who hitherto were known to her only in a dream. Naturally this discovery changed her whole life for in it she found food for her starved affections and it brought her into contact with the Gospel. Eventually she found herself attending the means of grace which were in the Lord’s time blessed to her soul. These contacts were in Sutherlandshire, especially in the districts of Dornoch and Bonar. Among others whose help she greatly valued, was that of Mrs Grant, Evelix whose home she often found a haven for soul and body. As a young woman she emigrated to Canada but as she could not adapt herself to conditions there she returned to Scotland, where she spent the rest of her life.
She worked in Glasgow for some time before coming to Edinburgh where she sat under the ministry of the late Rev. Neil MacIntyre until his retiral. As became a member in full communion she adorned her profession with a life and conversation which reflected the image of Christ whom she loved. This love she manifested in many ways and not least in her generosity to the cause of Christ. She considered the church and congregation of which she was a member her first responsibility and consequently contributed liberally to its funds during her lifetime and in her Will. Her liberality, however, was not confined to her own denomination. She showed practical and prayerful interest in other bodies dedicated to the Lord’s work.
In her the writer found a most loyal friend who was instant in prayer for the congregation and himself. The loss of this cannot be measured in human terms. Towards the end she frequently indicated a sense of loneliness and a desire to be with Christ. This desire was fulfilled when she passed peacefully from the earth to heaven where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. May the friends who miss her be comforted in the assurance that she is with Christ and may those who are strangers to her grace be led to the Saviour of her soul.
D.C.
Mrs Catherine Scott
Catherine Scott was a native of Waternish, Isle of Skye and though she left her native parish while yet young, her interest in the Durinish congregation, of which Waternish was a part continued to the end. This was evident by the fact that in her Will she left money to the congregation. She was converted while young and in the warmth of her first love made a public profession of the Saviour. At that time her chief desire was to serve Christ who was to her the altogether lovely One. All her delights were in Him, in His people and in the means of grace. Not aware of the presence of the great adversary, like Eve she yielded to Satan’s temptations and robbed herself of her joy in the Lord. Her loss, however, though grievous, was not permanent for she lived to enjoy the blessing of a great deliverance from the bondage caused by her own backsliding. Those of the Lord’s people who knew her well received her as one to whom the Lord had restored the joy of His salvation.
In the writer’s mind Mrs Scott’s name is associated with two of her most intimate friends. One was her late minister, Rev. Neil MacIntyre. He said that it was his conviction that her’s was the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart. The other was the late Miss Kate MacDermaid, Mrs Scott’s aunt. While bemoaning the backsliding state of her niece, she was comforted by the words, “Why make ye this ado . . .? the damsel is not dead but sleepeth.” These words would indeed describe Mrs Scott’s case and out of that sleep she awoke to renew her delight in the Lord Who said, “Maid arise.” Ever after her prayer was, “Hold up my goings Lord.”
She loved the Lord’s people and appreciated being taken into their confidence. The cause of Christ continued to be her chief interest and she loved her church. A good part of her life was spent in the Edinburgh congregation of which she was a member. Her diligent attendance on the means of grace was an example to many and her practical support of Christ’s cause was most generous. In her Will she left £1000 to the Edinburgh congregation and another £1000 to the Home of Rest in Inverness. She also supported Christian Societies such as the Trinitarian Bible Society and the L.D.O.S. She read much and from her selection of books one could discern an interest in good sound literature. For some time before the end Mrs Scott’s health broke down and on frequent occasions she had hospital treatment. Her illness was borne with commendable patience and her end was peace. “Then are they glad because they be quiet: so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Ps. 107,30.
D.C.
Till men are redeemed, they are like instruments out of tune; but when once the precious blood has set them at liberty, then they are fitted to magnify the Lord who bought them.
C. H. Spurgeon