Reprint of Early Volumes of F.P. Magazine
A Questionnaire was sent out with the June issue of the Magazine about the proposed publication of a subscription edition of the early issues of the F.P. Magazine. This is a reminder to readers to send in the Questionnaire before the date stated on the form. We trust that there will be a good response and that it will be possible to go ahead with the scheme.
Petition against Pope’s Visit
For the information of readers we would mention that already 4500 signatures have been obtained for the Petition against the Pope’s visit. These have come from different parts of the country including Northern Ireland.
It is hoped that many more signatures may be obtained before the closing date of 31st August (D.V.). It is regretted that the Churches in our land are not united in opposition to this visit. Even in some denominations which are evangelical in outlook opposition to the visit of the Pope is very muted. It may be that the Lord will be pleased to intervene and not permit the visit to take place.
Induction at North Tolsta
The induction of the Reverend John MacDonald to the North Tolsta Congregation took place on Thursday, 5th February, 1981, in the presence of a large congregation.
After the usual proclamation had been made three times at the Church door and the Officer of Court had intimated that no-one had appeared to offer objection to the life and doctrine of the Pastor-elect, the Reverend Alexander Morrison went to the pulpit and preached a most appropriate discourse on the words: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Ps. 126: 5,6).
Thereafter the Moderator, the Reverend Duncan MacLean, gave a brief narrative of the proceedings in the Call to Mr MacDonald and then addressed to him the Questions appointed to be put to Ministers on admission to a pastoral charge. These having been satisfactorily answered and Mr MacDonald having signed the Formula in the presence of the Congregation the Moderator then, in the name of the Presbytery, and by the authority of the Divine Head of the Church admitted him to the pastoral charge of the North Tolsta Congregation and, with the other members of the Presbytery, gave to him the right hand of fellowship. Thereafter the Reverend A. MacKay suitably addressed Mr MacDonald and the Reverend D.A. MacLennan likewise the Congregation. The Clerk intimated that the Skye Presbytery had, through its Clerk, asked him to convey its good wishes to the newly-inducted minister. The people then had an opportunity of welcoming Mr MacDonald as they retired from the Church.
Strangers present from other Congregations — and there were many — were after the service, most hospitably entertained in the local school canteen where the North Tolsta ladies had prepared a more than adequate provision. For this work and, we believe, “labour of love”, the Presbytery would desire to record its gratitude to them.
It is our desire and prayer that Mr MacDonald’s ministry in his native village will be abundantly blessed and owned of the Most High in many coming to have their eyes opened and thus turning “from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God” and in the Lord’s people being edified and encouraged in the course of their pilgrimage to the “better country”.
J.M. Clerk of Presbytery.
Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Bookroom
By decision of the Synod at its meeting in May, a new Committee was set up to superintend the running of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Bookroom at 133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G.3. This committee consists of Revs. Donald MacLean, Convener, Lachlan MacLeod, D.J. MacDonald with Messrs. W.D. Fraser, Alex. Gillies and Dr. Duncan MacSween.
The finances of the Bookroom will be provided by the College and Library Fund now called the College, Library and Bookroom Fund.
The Church Bookroom is well known to its customers in Glasgow and elsewhere as a place where sound literature can be obtained without having to wade through piles of unsound writings. It needs to become much better known and it will be the aim of the Committee to secure this as well as to add to its list of titles of books reflecting the doctrines of the infallible and inerrant Word of God.
The Committee hope that those who are interested in the circulation of sound literature will give their full-hearted support to this Bookroom. Any donations for its support should be made out to the FREE PRESBYTERIAN BOOKROOM. In this connection, it should be clearly understood that there is no connection between the Church’s Bookroom and the Blythswood Tract Society. This Society is an entirely separate organisation from the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and our Bookroom has nothing to do with any of their Bookshops. The Committee understand that there has been a certain amount of confusion in the minds of the religious public on this particular matter and takes the opportunity of clarifying the position and making clear the fact that the Bookroom at 133 Woodlands Road belongs to the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
Rev. Donald MacLean
Convener.