Ordination and Induction in North Tolsta
The ordination of the Rev David Campbell MA, Probationer, and his induction to the North Tolsta congregation took place on Wednesday, 10 April 2002. The Outer Isles Presbytery met in the church at North Tolsta at 7 pm and was constituted by the Moderator, the Rev Kenneth D Macleod. The Revs James R Tallach, Raasay, George G Hutton, Inverness, and Barry W Whear, being present, were associated with the Presbytery. Mr Malcolm Gunn was appointed the Officer of Court and after the minute calling the meeting was read, and the Edict was returned, attested as having been duly served, he was instructed to go to the door of the church and make proclamation three times, that if any person or persons had any objections to the life and doctrine of the Rev David Campbell, Preacher of the Gospel, they might now come to the Presbytery, presently met, and substantiate the same. The Officer of Court returned and reported that no one had appeared to object. The Moderator then went to the pulpit and preached a wholly appropriate discourse from 1 Peter 5:2-4. It was divided under two heads: (1) The Shepherd and (b) The Shepherd’s reward.
Public worship being ended, the Clerk gave a brief narrative of the proceedings in the Call, and the Moderator then addressed to Mr Campbell the Questions appointed to be put to Probationers at their ordination and induction to a pastoral charge. Having returned satisfactory answers to these questions and having signed the Formula in the presence of the congregation, Mr Campbell then knelt down, and the Moderator, with solemn prayer to God, and with the imposition of hands, in which all ministers present joined, ordained the Rev David Campbell to the holy ministry. The ordination prayer having been concluded, the Moderator, 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 along with the other members of Presbytery gave to him the right hand of fellowship. Thereafter, the Rev Angus Smith suitably addressed the newly inducted minister, and the Rev John MacLeod the congregation. Several letters written by well-wishers were read by the Clerk.
The North Tolsta church was almost full to capacity for the occasion. It is estimated that the congregation was around 250 strong with visitors present from as far afield as Broadstairs, Glasgow, Inverness, Skye and Raasay – and many others from the congregations nearer at hand within the bounds of the Presbytery.
The ladies of the North Tolsta congregation had prepared an abundance of food and most of those present partook of the provision, which was laid out in the North Tolsta School, a short distance from the church. We are grateful to the Education Department and the Headmistress for making the building available. The last minister settled in North Tolsta was the late Rev John MacDonald who was inducted in February 1981 and retired in 1991. For nearly eleven years the charge remained vacant and the settlement of the Rev David Campbell gives much pleasure and satisfaction to the Presbytery. A total of 121 persons signed the Call – 11 members and 110 adherents. It is our sincere desire and prayer that the ministry now begun will be a long and fruitful one, and that the minister, together with his wife and young family, will be preserved in health of body and mind and enjoy much of the Lord’s blessing in the days ahead.
(Rev) John MacLeod, Clerk of Presbytery
Evangelisation of the Jews
The Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee intend setting up a website for the above purpose. The Committee would be pleased to receive suitable material for use on this website. Please send any such information to Rev J L Goldby, F P Manse, Shieldaig, Ross-shire, IV54 8XN.
Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – May 2002