Communions.
Kames and Oban, first Sabbath of May; Dumbarton, second; Edinburgh (Hall, Riego Street, near Tollcross), and Vatten (Skye), third. Coigach (Ross), first Sabbath of June; Dornoch (Sutherland), and Shieldaig (Ross), second; Lochcarron (Ross), third; Gairloch (Ross), and Inverness, fourth. Beauly, Lairg and Raasay, first Sabbath of July; Staffin (Skye), Tain (Ross), and Tomatin (Inverness), second; Daviot (Inverness), Flashadder (Skye), Halkirk (Caithness), and Rogart (Sutherland), third.
Meeting of Synod.
The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland will (God willing) meet at the F.P. Church, North Church Place, Inverness, on Tuesday evening the 17th May, at half-past six o’clock. The Rev. D. Macfarlane, Dingwall, the retiring Moderator, is expected to preach, and to conduct divine worship at the hour stated.
Congregation of North Tolsta, Lewis: An Appeal.
The recent terrific storm, which passed over the Western Isles and did so much havoc, particularly in Lewis, razed our church at North Tolsta to its very foundation. The congregation is thus left without a place of worship, except the Public School, which, though kindly granted by the local Education Authority, is most unsuitable and altogether too small to accommodate all the people. They are therefore compelled to take immediate steps to rebuild the church, and in place of the former corrugated iron one, they mean to replace it by a stone building.
Though the people are most willing and determined to give of their means and labour, yet they are but poor fishermen and crofters, and at present much poverty prevails amongst them, owing to the entire failure of the herring fishery and the stoppage of the “Lewis Development Schemes.” On this account and the high price of building material, they find it impossible to face this heavy burden alone. They would, therefore, in their peculiar and sad circumstances, earnestly appeal to the liberality of Christian friends and sympathisers for help, and especially natives of Lewis.
The Western Presbytery cordially endorse the above appeal.
(Signed) D. GRAHAM, Interim Moderator.
( ” ) NEIL MACINTYRE, Clerk.
Contributions will be thankfully received and acknowledged by Rev. NEIL MACINTYRE, F.P. Manse, Stornoway; or by Mr. JOHN NICOLSON, 9 North Tolsta, Stornoway.
F. P. Service in Manchester.
There are a few Free Presbyterians in and near the city of Manchester, and a service was conducted there on Sabbath the 10th April, by the Rev. J. S. Sinclair, John Knox’s, Glasgow. The use of Longsight Presbyterian Church, Stockport Road, had been kindly granted by the minister (Rev. Alex. Farquhar) and office-bearers for the service, which was held at 3 p.m. Mr. Sinclair preached from Ephesians iii. 8, and afterwards administered the sacrament of baptism. There was a fair attendance, between thirty and forty people being present. A service was also held in the evening at the house of Mr. Malcolm Mackay, Molyneux Street.
A Letter from Deputies to South Africa.
An interesting letter was received on 21st April from the Rev. Neil Cameron, written since his arrival, along with Mr. A. Fraser, at Bembesi in Matabeleland. They arrived on the evening of Thursday, 17th March, having been met earlier in the day by the Rev. J. B. Radasi and two of his elders at the town of Bulawayo. The first part of Mr. Cameron’s letter was written on the 18th, the day after arrival, and the remainder on Monday the 21st. Mr. Cameron gives a most encouraging account of the services he held (with Mr. Radasi as interpreter) on the Sabbath, the day before. The church was crowded in every part, and the hearers were most attentive, while the singing was magnificent. The deputies met five elders and five deacons, and thirty other men called to see them on their arrival. Altogether the report of the Mission is most satisfactory. It is also matter of thankfulness to God that the deputies had an excellent journey all the way, and enjoy good health. Further news will be waited with interest.
Notice to Treasurers of Western Presbytery.
The congregational treasurers under the Western Presbytery are requested to send their annual financial statements as soon as possible to the Clerk, Rev. Neil Macintyre, F.P. Manse, Stornoway.