Induction in Inverness
A congregation of upwards of 350 people gathered in the Inverness Church on Friday, 23 March 200, for the induction of Rev George G Hutton to the pastoral charge of the Inverness Congregation. After the usual proclamation was read, Rev Neil M Ross, Dingwall, Moderator of the Northern Presbytery, went to the pulpit and conducted public worship. He preached a most appropriate sermon from the words of 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”. He spoke particularly on two matters: 1. The work done by men, 2. The increase given by God.
After public worship, the ministers from other Presbyteries who were present were associated with the Presbytery: Revs D A Ross, J L Goldby, H M Cartwright and J R Tallach. The Moderator then read a brief narrative of proceedings in the call. He put to Mr Hutton the questions addressed to ministers at their induction. All these were satisfactorily answered. The Moderator then read the Formula, which Mr Hutton signed. Thereafter the Moderator engaged in solemn prayer and afterwards, by the authority of the Divine Head of the Church and in the name of the Presbytery, inducted Rev George G Hutton to the pastoral charge of the Inverness Congregation, in token of which he and the other members of Presbytery gave him the right hand of fellowship.
Rev N M Ross then addressed Mr Hutton and Rev D J MacDonald addressed the Congregation. The Moderator invited other ministers to speak on behalf of their respective presbyteries: Rev J L Goldby, Moderator of the Western Presbytery; Rev H M Cartwright, Clerk of the Southern Presbytery; and Rev J R Tallach, Clerk of the Skye Presbytery. These all conveyed prayerful good wishes to Mr Hutton and the Inverness Congregation on their own behalf and on behalf of their respective Presbyteries. The Clerk read a letter from Rev K M Watkins, London, expressing prayerful good wishes to the new pastor and his Congregation.
The Congregation were dismissed after praise and the benediction, and an opportunity was given to them to shake hands with the new minister. All who were present were invited to partake of the ample provision made by the ladies of the Inverness Congregation. It is our desire that the ministry now begun in Inverness will be much owned by the Lord to the edifying and instruction of His own people, and the ingathering of sinners to the Saviour.
(Rev) D J MacDonald, Clerk of the Northern Presbytery
Church Work in Europe
During the month of June, God willing, the Rev D A Ross and Mr E Ross expect to visit the Ukraine with a load of aid to the flooded Transcarpathian region. At the same time they hope to be engaged in spreading the Word of God. There has been extensive damage to means of communication and 8300 homes were flooded. A donation was given specifically towards the cost of bringing aid.
It is also planned that Mr Lucio Strata, a deacon in the London congregation, will visit Italy. On two Sabbaths in May he will take services at Fornci di Barga. May the Lord in his loving kindness acknowledge these small attempts to spread His Word.
(Rev) D A Ross.
Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – June 2001