REV. E. MACQUEEN LEAVES FOR “THE FRONT.”
WE have much pleasure in informing our readers that, as the result of correspondence with the War Office and with Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Chairman of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Chaplains, an official Chaplaincy has been granted to the Free Presbyterian Church. The name of the Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Kames, was forwarded, with his consent, by the Mission to Forces Committee, as a minister suitable and willing to occupy the post of Chaplain. After the usual preliminaries Mr. Macqueen was duly appointed. At a meeting of the Southern Presbytery, held on 12th November, he was granted leave of absence from his congregation, and the Rev. Neil Cameron, St. Jude’s, Glasgow, was appointed interim Moderator of the Kames Session and Congregation. Steps were also taken with a view to secure pulpit supply and general oversight of the congregation in the minister’s absence.
Mr. Macqueen left Glasgow for “the front” on Wednesday evening, the 24th November. A number of friends saw him off at the Central Station, bidding him God-speed. He looked well and fit. We earnestly hope that he may be safely carried through the arduous work he has been called to engage in, and that the Lord’s rich blessing may rest upon his labours among our brave soldiers. We have no doubt but all our praying people will remember him daily at “the throne of grace.”
The period for which an official Chaplain is appointed is one year, or to the end of the war, but we understand he is allowed a brief visit home once in three months. Perhaps we should mention in conclusion that at least three other ministers of the Church, under regulation age, are willing to take up the chaplaincy, should they at any time be needed. May this Great War be over, ruled for spiritual and eternal good to our soldiers and sailors who are on service, and also to many of their friends at home!