Tribute to the late Rev. John Colquhoun
Although never a member of the recently formed Skye Presbytery, we deem it fitting to pay tribute to the memory of the late Reverend John Colquhoun, Glendale, who laboured so assiduously and for so long in the Island of Skye. It is then with sorrow that we note the loss sustained by his passing from this earthly scene on February 17th 1976.
For forty years Mr. Colquhoun laboured in word and doctrine in the parish of Duirinish. As a plain and able preacher of the evangel both in Gaelic and English, it could be said of him that the common people heard him gladly — and that is no meagre commendation. Characterised by a high sense of the solemn responsibilities and dignity of the holy office of the ministry he discharged his duties with zeal, devotion and perseverance. Perhaps he will be best remembered as a doughty defender of the claims of Christ and the distinctive principles of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Both with tongue and pen Reverend John Colquhoun could, in a seasonable, sensible and telling manner rebut the charges and criticisms frequently levelled at the church he loved and served so faithfully. It can be attested that he was highly respected by the godly outwith and within the pale of his own church.
Fraser Macdonald,
Clerk, Skye Presbytery.
Tribute to the late Rev. Wm. Grant
The Northern Presbytery met at Dingwall on Tuesday, the 13th of April, 1976, herewith place on record their sorrow and sincere sense of loss on the death of their brother minister, the Rev. William Grant, on 26th February, 1976, in his 90th year. He was born at Evelix, Dornoch, in the year 1886. As a young man he entered the banking business in London. He served in the First World War and on being discharged from the Army he thereafter began his studies for the ministry. In due course he accepted a call to the Halkirk and Helmsdale Congregation and was ordained and inducted to that congregation. He devoted his whole ministry to that congregation until his retirement and took a constant pastoral care for his flock. During this period he served his divine Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, faithfully: and as a member of this Court took an active part in its business.
Mr Grant manifested in his life and character, that he was an outstanding Christian and follower of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was a man of prayer and his exercises therein in private and public were most edifying to the Lord’s people.
In his preaching, he declared the whole counsel of God and was an earnest and lively preacher of the gospel of Christ, excelling in an evangelical presentation of the Saviour to sinners under his ministry: and was used of the Lord for the encouragement and comfort of believers. His personal contacts with the unconverted evidenced a concern for their spiritual welfare: and he delighted in the fellowship of the Lord’s people, being of an affectionate and friendly disposition.
Our late brother was unswervingly devoted to the Word of God, the Westminster Confession of Faith and the principles of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, to the end of his pilgrimage: and has now entered into the better country, even an heavenly, to rest from his labours with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Court would express their deep sympathy with Mrs Grant, his widow, and other relatives, in their bereavement and sorrow and would direct them to the consolations which are in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Southern: At Glasgow on 22nd June at 6.00 p.m.
Western: At Ullapool on 22nd June at 6.00 p.m.
Skye: At Portree on 22nd June at 11.00 a.m.
Northern: At Dingwall on 29th June at 2.30 p.m.
Outer Isles: At Stornoway on 29th June at 2.30 p.m.
Change of Law Agent
Owing to his appointment as a full-time Chairman of the Industrial Tribunals in Scotland, William Leslie, Esq., W.S., of Brodies, W.S., found it necessary to tender his resignation as Law Agent of the Church. The Church Interests Committee on behalf of the Synod expressed their sincere appreciation and thanks to Mr Leslie for his services to the Church and unanimously appointed Mr Iain C. Jackson, also a member of Brodies, W.S., as the new Law Agent of the Church.
R. R. Sinclair,
Clerk of Synod
Deputies to Canada
Rev. Alex. Morrison and family expect to leave for Toronto on 18th June to supply the Ontario congregations. Mr Morrison is expected back in this country on 3rd August (D.V.). Thereafter Rev. D. MacLean, Glasgow, is expected to visit these congregations from 6th August till 20th September (D.V.). At present Mr. Neil Ross, student, is supplying in Ontario but is due to return before Mr. Morrison leaves this country.
Rev. E. A. and Mrs Rayner who were visiting Australia and New Zealand returned home at the end of April. The Deputies to Rhodesia returned to this country in time for the Synod. Their Reports were given in at the Synod.
We would acknowledge the Lord’s goodness in His preserving care over the Deputies who have been abroad and trust that this will also be extended to those who are still to go out. We pray also that the labours of the Deputies may be blessed to the good of many souls.