Raasay.
RAASAY.—The following circular has been issued by the congregation of Raasay, and we trust it will meet with a ready response from friends and sympathisers:—”This congregation, comprising some five-sixths of the entire population of Raasay and Rona, although about the first to have disrupted in 1893, have hitherto failed in securing a suitable site for either church or manse. This hardship has been especially felt in the matter of a manse, inasmuch as it has entailed upon the pastor, Rev. D. Macfarlane, for the last two years, the necessity of renting, at his own expense, a house at Broadford, Isle of Skye, and only with much additional expense and fatigue has he been able during that time to supply services at Raasay. In these circumstances, and when there is no likelihood of the proprietrix of Raasay being more favourably disposed, the congregation have concluded to proceed, with as little delay as possible, with the erection of a manse at Portree, a residence considerably nearer Raasay than Broadford. The proprietor, Lord Macdonald, is willing to grant a site for a dwelling-house, and over and above that, the congregation are assured that if at some future time a suitable site was granted at Raasay, the manse at Portree could easily, and without loss, be disposed of, so that the congregation should not need to make a second appeal for a manse at Raasay. The congregation, while willing to do their utmost, being generally poor, are not able, without help, to secure this much-needed residence for their pastor, and would hereby take the liberty of appealing to liberal Christian friends and sympathisers for help. The probable cost is £700. Contributions will be thankfully received and acknowledged by Rev. D. Macfarlane, Broadford, Skye, or by Mr. Alex. Macfarlane, teacher, Raasay, by Stromeferry.” The Presbytery very cordially endorse the above appeal, and strongly recommend it to the liberality of Christian friends.—Signed, Allan Mackenzie, Moderator; John R. Mackay, Clerk.
Tarbert, Harris.
TARBERT, HARRIS.—We are informed that Sir Samuel Scott has very kindly granted a suitable site for a Church to this congregation, which consists of several hundreds of people. The congregation has now begun to build a church by the personal labour of its adherents, but being poor stands much in need of help. An appeal, which the Presbytery heartily endorse, has been issued to friends of the cause. Contributions will be thankfully received and acknowledged by Mr. Donald Bethune, Tarbert, Harris.