For the Laide Congregation, Tuesday, the 22nd July 1980, was to prove an historic occasion when the Rev Donald A Ross who was formerly the first minister of the Bulawayo Congregation in Zimbabwe, and had served on the Mission Field for 6 years, was inducted as the first Free Presbyterian Minister to Laide.
A large congregation had gathered from near and far, and with suitable improvisation by the Deacons’ Court and willing helpers in the congregation, all were comfortably seated at the Church. After the usual procedures of the Edict being returned as duly served, and proclamation having been made at the Church Door, the Moderator of Presbytery, the Rev Alexander MacAskill, preached from Hebrews 12:28,29 with special reference to the words, “a kingdom which cannot be moved”. A brief narrative of proceedings in the Call was given by the Clerk. “Questions” were put and answered satisfactorily, and the Formula signed in the presence of the Congregation. Then with prayer made, the Moderator, in name of the Western Presbytery, inducted Mr Ross to the pastoral charge of Laide Congregation, and gave to him the right hand of fellowship. The newly inducted Minister was then addressed by the Rev A Murray, and the congregation exhorted as to its duty by the Rev A Macdonald who in the course of his remarks referred to the last Missionary of the Congregation, the late Mr A Maclean whose labours were long and acceptable. There were present from other presbyteries, Revs L Macleod, D B Macleod, J Macleod, F Tallach, Dr J Tallach, J Ross and A Morrison; and, on invitation by the Moderator, the first three mentioned conveyed their good wishes to the pastor and congregation. The Clerk read messages in similar terms from Revs A F Mackay and J Tallach.
With characteristic efficiency the ladies of the congregation provided fully for the needs of all at the conclusion of the service.
As was referred to in the course of the Induction Service, the small congregation at Laide (3 Elders, 7 Members and 29 Hearers signed the Call) has from the time of the Church’s inception been faithful and warm-hearted in its appreciation of Gospel ordinances so that it is particularly gratifying to think that they have now obtained the services of a minister for themselves. The token is propitious, and may we pray that the little one would become a thousand, and always keeping in view that numbers in themselves are not the criterion of success, and that where the few may grow much in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour, that such is well pleasing in the sight of God.
May pastor and people prosper abundantly!
Alex Murray, Clerk of Presbytery