FIRST SEDERUNT.
THE Synod met at Glasgow in the hall of St Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday, the 20th day of May, at 6.30 p.m. There was a good attendance of the public, and the following members of Synod were present:—
Northern Presbytery.
Revs. Ewen Macqueen, D. Beaton (Clerk), and M. Gillies—ministers; with Mr James Campbell—ruling elder.
Western Presbytery.
Revs. D. M. Macdonald, Jas. Macleod, John Maclachlan, Roderick Mackenzie, M.A.—ministers; with Messrs Kenneth Macleod, Lochcarron; D. Mackenzie, Lochinver; and John Macdonald, Gairloch—ruling elders.
Southern Presbytery.
Revs. Neil Cameron, N. Macintyre, and D. A. Macfarlane, M.A.—ministers; with Captain Macleod, Edinburgh; and Mr John Campbell, Glasgow—ruling elders.
The minutes of last sederunt of Synod were then read and approved of. Mr William Grant was appointed Officer of Court, and agreed to undertake the duties. At this stage the Moderator intimated that his term of office was now at an end, and he thanked the Synod for their kind forbearance. It was now the duty of the Synod to appoint his successor. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved and the Rev. D. M. Macdonald seconded that the Rev. D. A. Macfarlane be appointed Moderator for the ensuing year. Mr Macfarlane, in a few words, expressed his thanks to the Synod for the honour they had conferred on him, and then took the chair. The Synod appointed the following members to examine the Presbytery Records and to report to the Synod at a later meeting the result of their examination: Revs. Neil Cameron and N. Macintyre, of Southern Presbytery, to examine Western; Revs. D. M. Macdonald and James Macleod, of Western, to examine Northern; and Revs. Ewen Macqueen and M. Gillies, of Northern, to examine Southern. The Rev. E. Macqueen moved that the Rev. James Macleod be asked to send his sermon to the Magazine for publication. This was seconded by Rev. N. Cameron, and unanimously agreed to. It was decided that the members of Synod meet as a Business Committee and as a Committee on Bills and Overtures on Wednesday, in the hall of St Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, at 11 a.m., and that the next sederunt of Synod meet in the same place, God willing, on Wednesday, at 6 p.m. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.
SECOND SEDERUNT.
The Synod met on Wednesday, 21st May, at 6 p.m., in the hall of St Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, in terms of the adjournment, and was opened with devotional exercises and constituted by the Moderator, Rev. D. A. Macfarlane. The following were present:—
Northern Presbytery.
Revs. Ewen Macqueen, D. Beaton (Clerk), M. Gillies—ministers; with Mr James Campbell—elder.
Western Presbytery.
Revs. Donald M. Macdonald, James Macleod, John MacLachlan, and Roderick Mackenzie, M.A.—ministers; with John Macdonald, Gairloch; Kenneth Macleod, Lochearron; and Donald Mackenzie, Lochinver—elders.
Southern Presbytery.
Revs. Neil Cameron, Neil Macintyre, and D. A. Macfarlane (Moderator)—ministers; with Captain Macleod, Edinburgh, and Mr John Campbell, Glasgow—elders.
1. REPORT OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY LAST SYNOD.
The Rev. N. Cameron in a brief report stated that the cost of printing the Church Documents was £31 16s 3d, of which £16 was still outstanding. Mr Cameron also called the attention of the Synod to the advisability of purchasing the stock of unbound copies of the Confession of Faith, published by an Edinburgh firm. The whole stock would cost between £5 and £6, and this could be defrayed out of the Organisation Fund. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that this suggestion be carried into effect, and that the unbound copies of the Confession be placed in the Treasurer’s hands. Rev. James Macleod seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted.
2. THEOLOGICAL COMMITTEE’S REPORT.
The Rev. Ewen Macqueen, Convener, reported that there were six students studying theology in Wick last winter, two in their Arts course in Glasgow, and one in Winnipeg. Mr D. J. Matheson, owing to the necessity of supplying the London Mission, had to forego attending the theological classes at Wick, but had textbooks prescribed by the theological tutor, on the work of which examination papers were set. The adoption of the report was moved by the Rev. John Maclachlan, seconded by Rev. Malcolm Gillies, and unanimously adopted. It was pointed out by Mr Beaton that Mr John Tallach, in view of the near prospect of going out to South Africa, had gone south to London to take up medical classes, and it was suggested that Mr Tallach’s medical classes count for a session in theology, and that he thereafter be licensed and ordained. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved that this suggestion be adopted, and that after being licensed Mr Tallach be ordained by the Northern Presbytery as a missionary to labour in the South African Mission. This was seconded by Mr Donald Mackenzie, elder, and unanimously adopted.
3. THEOLOGICAL TUTOR’S REPORT.
Mr Beaton, as theological tutor, gave in the following report :— “During last session there were six students studying at Wick. The subjects dealt with in the classes were the translation and exegesis of the Pastoral Epistles and also the Epistle to the Hebrews. The students were introduced to the study of New Testament Textual Criticism, and were thus familiarised with views of the different schools in this important branch of theological discipline. In general Church History the period from Apostolic Times to the Reformation was covered by a text-book; in Scottish Church History the lectures on the period from the Revolution to the Disruption were continued to the latter date from the Secession of 1733. We were able to devote some time to Church Law and Church Polity. In the former Sir Henry Moncrieff’s ‘Practice of the Free Church of Scotland’ was used as a text-book, and the students were familiarised with procedure in the business of church courts and cases of discipline. They also had practice in writing minutes of the proceedings of the various courts. In Church Polity Professor Witherow’s little book, ‘The Apostolic Church: which is it?’ was used as a text-book, and though small in bulk it is an excellent handbook on the subject, dealing in a simple but clear way with the subject of Church Government, a subject on which there is unfortunately a good deal of inexcusable ignorance. During the session we went carefully through the Confession of Faith chapter by chapter and section by section. The doctrines were explained and where criticism had been made on its teaching these were noticed and answered. The discipline thus acquired by theological students in being brought into contact with what Dr Warfield has rightly termed the flower of the Reformation symbols is simply invaluable. It is necessary that students for the ministry should be familiar with its teaching in every detail, as they will one day be required to accept its whole doctrine as the confession of their faith on their licensure and ordination. The students were also familiarised with the contents of the Claim of Right, Protest, and Deed of Separation as important Church Documents. Two written examinations were given, and the results are indicated on the class certificates. “It only remains for me to say that we have cause of gratitude to the Lord for His kindness to us as tutor and students for the health we enjoyed. I had a rather sharp attack of illness but, fortunately, it did not long interfere with the meeting of the classes. The students attended to their work with commendable diligence and rendered me much valuable help in supplying my pulpit. “Perhaps it should be mentioned that Mr D. J. Matheson, who had been sent to supply our London Mission, was not able to take the classes at Wick, but papers were set on part of the work done at Wick, and he acquitted himself with credit. Mr John Tallach left before the end of the session to take up his medical classes in London preparatory to proceeding to the South African Mission Field.” The adoption of the report was moved by Rev. Neil Cameron who, in moving the adoption, spoke in an appreciative way of the work done by the theological tutor, and laid stress on the thoroughness of the theological instruction given to our students. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded the motion, and remarked that, while an outward show of theological training was avoided, yet that did not detract from the thoroughness of the training our students received in theology. As three of the students—Messrs Grant, Tallach and Macdonald—had now finished their theological course in New Testament Greek and Church History, it was decided on Rev. D. Beaton’s suggestion that the following subjects be set for examination:—New Testament Greek—The Pastoral Epistles (I. and II. Timothy, and Titus); Miller’s Guide to the Textual Criticism of the New Testament. Examiner—Rev. D. A. Macfarlane. Church History — Lindsay’s “Reformation”; Dr King Hewison’s “Covenanters” (Vol. I.); and Witherow’s “Apostolic Church, Which Is It?” Examiner—Rev. D. M. Macdonald. The date of the examination was left to be arranged by the examiners and to be intimated by them to the students. For the second part of the theological examination, the following subjects were prescribed for next year:—Hebrew; Genesis—exegesis and translation; Green’s Introduction to the Old Testament—The Canon; Green’s Introduction to the Old Testament—The Text. Examiner—Rev. Roderick Mackenzie, M.A. Theology—Confession of Faith and Owen on Justification. Examiner—Rev. Neil Cameron.
4. FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
In the absence of the acting General Treasurer, Mr William Grant gave in the report on the finances of the Church. The abstract of the annual financial statement is published in this issue. The adoption of the report was moved by the Rev. Neil Cameron. In speaking to the motion, Mr Cameron said that they had cause of thankfulness to the Lord for the way that congregations were contributing to the funds of the Church in these times of unemployment and trade depression, but in saying so he wished also to point out that there were some congregations which might do much better. They did not believe in pressing their congregations unduly, but at the same time it was right they should be told their duty in cases where they came short. He had noticed that when there was any tendency to depart from the Church’s position that there was an immediate drop in the Church’s finances. Mr Cameron also said he felt it his duty to make reference here to the loss the Church had sustained in the death of their worthy General Treasurer, Mr Macgillivray, but as he intended moving a resolution in connection with this later on, he would not say anything further meantime. He had pleasure in moving that the financial statement for year ending 31st March 1924 be adopted, and that the Synod thank those who carried on the duties of the late Treasurer and also the Auditors for their work. Further, that the statement be published in an early issue of the Magazine. The Synod has anew to acknowledge the loving kindness of the Lord in liberally providing temporal needs. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen seconded the motion, and made feeling reference to the loss sustained by Mr Macgillivray’s removal. The report was unanimously adopted. The Rev. N. Cameron moved the following resolution:— “The Synod resolve to place on their Records their sincere sorrow at the removal by death on the 26th April of Mr Alexander Macgillivray, the General Treasurer, their appreciation of Mr Macgillivray’s trustworthiness in all duties pertaining to his office, their profound respect for him as an obliging gentleman towards all with whom his duties brought him into contact, and their true sense of the loss sustained by the Church through his death. “The Synod express their deep sympathy with Miss Macgillivray and Miss Margaret Wilson and his other relatives in their bereavement; and they instruct the Clerk to forward a copy of this resolution to Miss Macgillivray.” The resolution was seconded by the Rev. D. Beaton, who said that Mr Macgillivray was not only a most obliging servant of the Church but took a deep interest in its prosperity, and the Synod was doing nothing more than its simple duty on placing this resolution on its records. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen pointed out that during the last illness of Mr Macgillivray, his relative, Miss Margaret Wilson, had kept the accounts in a very efficient and praiseworthy way, and he moved that the Synod give her a grant of £20 out of the Organisation Fund, and tender their thanks to her for the work so efficiently done. The motion was seconded and unanimously agreed to. The next item of business was the appointment of a General Treasurer in place of the late Mr Macgillivray. The Rev. Neil Cameron moved that Mr John Grant, 30 Duncraig Street, Inverness, be appointed General Treasurer at a salary of £86 per annum, and also Treasurer of the Magazine, and that in the event of the addition from the Magazine Fund not allowing the total salary to reach £110 per annum, that the deficiency be made up out of the Organisation Fund. This was seconded by Rev. Ewen Macqueen, and unanimously agreed to.
5. FOREIGN MISSION REPORT.
The Rev. Neil Cameron gave in this report, as follows:— “Last August Rev. J. B. Radasi informed me that he was suffering from diabetes, and that, although he was still able to hold services at Ingwenya, he was unable to visit the four out-stations for that quarter of the year. It became quite evident that no time should be lost in having him removed to a hospital where he could be treated with insulin. As I did not know where to send him; I consulted the Superintendent of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow. He advised me to send him to the Johannesburg Hospital, Johannesburg, gave me the address of its Superintendent, and assured me that he would do all he could for my friend. I wrote immediately to Johannesburg, stating the nature of the case, and inclosed Mr Radasi’s address. I also told the Superintendent that all expenses incurred would be paid. A letter was sent to Mr Radasi by the same mail informing him of all this, and urging him to go to hospital as soon as he would hear from them. He went there at the beginning of November, and left about the end of December quite free of the disease. He continues in normal health since, only that he has been put on a special diet. He is quite able to attend to all his duties, and feels much stronger. For the great kindness and attention bestowed on him at the Hospital, the Church at home and in Africa feel exceedingly indebted to the Superintendent, the doctor who had charge of his case, and all the nurses concerned. The Lord’s goodness and mercy in sparing the valuable life and services of Mr Radasi should not pass without thankful acknowledgment on our part. The letter intimating Mr Radasi’s illness was sent to the Editor of the Free Presbyterian Magazine, but the matter for the Magazine was all set in type, so that he could only put in a notice of the fact, and craved the prayers of its readers on Mr Radasi’s behalf. That prayer was made unto God without ceasing for him we can have no doubt. Some friends began to send me certain sums of money as soon as they saw this notice. Of this money, some was to be used for Mr Radasi’s personal use, and some to pay any expenses connected with his treatment. When I saw this, I kept the money in separate accounts. The amount received for his personal use was sent him in two Bank Drafts, being a total of £27 4s. That for his treatment at Hospital, etc., came to £37 17s 11d. Out of this sum I paid Mr Radasi’s travelling expenses by train to and from Johannesburg, which came to £5 17s. Seeing I received no account from the Hospital, I wrote asking the Superintendent to oblige by sending me their charges for having Mr Radasi under their treatment and care about eight weeks. He replied that Mr Radasi was received into the Hospital as a free patient. When I considered the great kindness and care bestowed by them on him, and the fact that we as a Church should acknowledge the same, especially seeing friends had sent me so much money, I forwarded a Bank Draft of £20 as a donation to the Hospital. This leaves in my hands £11 8s 11d, out of which a further payment may yet require to be made. I now desire to thank all the donors of the above two funds from the bottom of my heart for their donations, and I pray the Lord to repay them a hundredfold. The reason why I did not acknowledge the donations in the Magazine was that I felt sure more money would come in than would be required. I hope they will one and all forgive me for this, seeing they will now have my reason for acting as I did. The new school-house at Ingwenya was finished last October. The providing of material and of setting up the building cost £61 12s 7d. Of this sum £39 was paid by the home Church and £22 12s 7d by our people in Matabeleland. Along with paying this sum they provided the most of the material free of charge. The house used as stable and cart-shed fell, owing probably to the destructive work of the white ant, and its rebuilding with new material cost the Church £6. In a letter written on the 14th day of April, Mr Radasi tells that he has received a new lease for the Mission. He has not sent me a full copy of it, so as to enable me to consider its adaptation to the circumstances of our Mission; but the part of it he has sent seems quite reasonable. You will remember that in the report I submitted to the Synod after we returned from visiting the Mission, I referred to the lease of the Mission, and to the correspondence that passed between the Administrators of Rhodesia and myself about it. As Mr Radasi’s Report enters into all the other matters regarding our Mission, I will not take up the time of the Synod by repeating what he has said. But we cannot pass from his Report without drawing attention to the large increase in the numbers of scholars attending the five schools of our Mission. When Mr Fraser and myself were there, the Central School at Ingwenya had 84 in attendance at the time, and about 120 on the Roll. Now the number on the Roll in it is 165, while the total number in the five schools is 365. This is really very encouraging, and a cause of great thankfulness to the Lord. In 1906 there was no school where our Mission is. We began with less than a dozen, and to have developed in 18 years to the above number is truly to be taken as the good hand of the Lord on Mr Radasi’s diligence, faithfulness and piety. Our friends in Australia sent their usual contributions last year to the Foreign Missions. The treasurer of the congregation of Ballina, on the Richmond River, told me that they had appointed a Missionary (I understand Mr Alexander Kidd), that they paid him out of their own funds, and that consequently they had to send a little less money to the Foreign Missions. We desire to express our sincere thankfulness to our friends both in Ballina and on the Clarence River for the liberality and heartiness with which they have supported our Foreign Missions all along. We desire to express our deepest heartfelt sympathy with our isolated friends in New South Wales, and pray that the Lord would, of His infinite mercy, crown their efforts to maintain His truth and cause with an abundant blessing. He can make “a little one to become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I, the Lord, will hasten it in his time.” May the Lord do so to the praise of His almighty grace.” Mr Cameron also read a letter from Mr Radasi, which is given in another page of this issue. The Rev. D. Beaton moved the adoption of the report, and made reference to the blessing the Lord had bestowed upon this Mission in Africa. The reports from year to year were waited for with keen anticipation, and read with the deepest interest by our people. It was gratifying to know that Mr Radasi’s health had been so completely restored through the new insulin treatment under the blessing of the Most High. Mr Beaton said that two friends in the United States had sent him money amounting to the sum of £3 5s for Mr Radasi’s use, which he had sent out to him. He also remarked that he hoped the time was not far distant when the Free Presbyterian Church would have a Mission in China. The matter had been much impressed on his mind for some time back, and he hoped to live to see a missionary going out from the Free Presbyterian Church to the land of Sinim. The Rev. N. Macintyre, in seconding the motion, made the suggestion that Mr Cameron, who was more familiar with the lie of the land in and around our Mission Field than any member of Synod, would draw out a kind of chart for the benefit of his brethren, indicating the location of the different preaching stations, and also indicate the spheres of missionary activity and of other denominations labouring in the vicinity. The motion was unanimously agreed to. The Rev. D. M. Macdonald also suggested that Mr Cameron might give in the pages of the Magazine a brief history of our South African Mission. Mr Cameron promised to take these matters into his serious consideration, but could not promise to do anything during the summer months as he would be away so much from home. He said that it was a point to be remembered in connection with our Mission, that many of the young men and women who had been trained in our schools were now teaching, while others were in offices in different places in the country, so that the influence of the Mission was making itself felt not only religiously but also educationally.
6. REPORT ON RELIGION AND MORALS.
The Rev. D. M. Macdonald gave in this report. The first part of it has already appeared in our June issue, and the concluding part is given in this number. The adoption of the report was moved by Rev. N. Macintyre, who made reference to the very interesting way in which Mr Macdonald had dealt with the various matters referred to in his report. The motion was seconded by Mr James Campbell, and unanimously agreed to. In connection with the report the Rev. Ewen Macqueen called attention to a new form of Sabbath desecration in the North, viz., the running of motor-buses between Inverness and Dingwall. He spoke of the grief that this had given to the feelings of those who loved the Lord’s Day, and the callous indifference and materialistic motives of the promoters to whom evidently money was of more importance than the Lord’s commandment. He moved the following motion:— “This Synod vigorously protest against the Motor Companies running buses between Inverness and Dingwall and other places on the Lord’s Day, and advise their people to abstain altogether from using such until the Companies give up their work on the Lord’s Day.” This was seconded by Rev. James Macleod, and unanimously agreed to. The Rev. D. Macdonald moved “That the Synod urge upon the Government to make trading on the Sabbath Day illegal and also amusements of all sorts, and they would impress upon the Government the fact that it is a binding obligation upon nations and individuals to keep the Sabbath Day holy to the Lord, and that the Clerk be instructed to send copies of this resolution to the Prime Minister and the Secretary for Scotland.” This was seconded by Captain Macleod and unanimously agreed to.
7. CANADIAN MISSION REPORT.
The Rev. D. Beaton said he had only a very brief report to give in. He informed the Synod that the Canadian Mission Committee had carried out the instructions of last Synod in regard to the petition received from Toronto, but nothing further had been done. He had pleasure in reporting that our people in Vancouver had now almost cleared the debt on their new church building. The Rev. M. Morrison had gone out as the Church’s deputy to Canada this year, and his report would, God willing, be presented to next Synod. The adoption of the report was moved by Rev. D. M. Macdonald, and seconded by Rev. James Macleod.
8. MAGAZINE REPORT.
The Rev. D. Beaton, in giving in this report, said—It is with gratitude that we are able to report that the circulation of the Magazine is steadily increasing. We have not yet reached the 3000 monthly issue, but we are almost within 100 of it, and we trust that with the co-operation of our ministers, missionaries, and readers that by next year that goal will be reached. As it is, last year showed a considerable increase, and the Editor would tender his thanks to all those who helped in any way to bring about this increase. As intimated in the Magazine there has been an addition of eight pages beginning with the May issue, thus bringing it back to pre-War size. Last year we were able to reduce the price, and when it is borne in mind that the prices of papers and magazines is generally double the pre-War price, we trust our readers will appreciate what has been done by the Committee as our Magazine is not double its pre-war price. As far as we know, ours is the only Church Magazine in Scotland that has been reduced in price. An interesting feature in connection with the circulation of the Magazine is the wideness of the field covered. It will be seen from the subscription lists that the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Palestine, South America, England and Ireland are visited monthly by the Magazine. From the financial standpoint the Magazine shows a balance to credit of £148 18s. 1d, and the Committee recommend that £60 of this be allocated to the Editor, and £40 to the representative of the late General Treasurer, and the balance to be placed at the credit of the Magazine Fund. The Free Distribution Fund this year again shows a considerable deficit, with the result that we are constrained to curtail the number of copies for free distribution. This is all the more regrettable, as application has been made to us for parcels of Magazines for free distribution in certain places in England which we cannot grant owing to the state of this Fund. We have pleasure in stating that the same pleasant relationships between us and Messrs Carruthers exist, as stated in our last report, and Mr Matheson, their manager, has been most obliging in meeting our wishes in every way. The Committee also would seek to record its appreciation of Mr Cameron’s help in connection with the Gaelic appearing in the Magazine. We tender our sincere thanks to all who have helped us by words of cheer in carrying out our responsible duties as Editor of the Church Magazine, and also to a number of friends in different places in this country and abroad who send us magazines and cuttings from newspapers bearing on religious questions. We appreciate their kindness and tender our thanks. We solicit the prayers of the Lord’s people for a rich and abundant blessing on our literary labours that the seed thus sown beside many waters may take root and spring upward, bearing fruit to His Name. The Rev. Malcolm Gillies moved the adoption of the report, and that the Synod thank the Editor for his work, and authorise the payment of the sums allocated by the Magazine Committee to the Editor and Miss Macgillivray, the representative of the late Treasurer. Captain Macleod seconded the motion, and it was supported by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen, who made reference to the way in which the Magazine was appreciated by many who had no denominational connection with the Church.
9. APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH COMMITTEES.
The following Church Committees were appointed for the year:—
- Training of the Ministry and Theological Committee.—Rev. E. Macqueen (Convener), D. M. Macdonald, and D. A. Macfarlane.
- Finance Committee.—Revs. N. Cameron (Convener); E. Macqueen, N. Macintyre, and Mr James Campbell; Mr John Grant, General Treasurer, to be associated with the Committee.
- Canadian Mission Committee.—Revs. D. Beaton (Convener), N. Macintyre, D. M. Macdonald, James Macleod.
- Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee.—Revs. N. Cameron (Convener), James Macleod, and M. Gillies.
- Church Magazine Committee.—Revs. D. Beaton (Convener), N. Cameron, and D. M. Macdonald.
- Religion and Morals Committee.—Revs. D. M. Macdonald (Convener); D. N. Macleod, and M. Morrison.
- Business Committee.—Moderator, with the Clerk of Synod and the Clerks of the three Presbyteries.
10. CHURCH COLLECTIONS.
It was agreed that the Church Collections be taken up as follows:—(1) Aged and Infirm Ministers’, Widows’, and Orphans’ Fund in June—notice to be sent by Rev. E. Macqueen; (2) College Fund in August—notice to be sent by the Rev. E. Macqueen; (3) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), first collection by book from house to house in October—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron; (4) Organisation Fund in December—notice to be sent by Rev. D. Beaton; (5) General Church Building Fund in January 1925—notice to be sent by the Rev. D. Beaton; (6) Jewish and Foreign Missions Fund in February 1925—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron; (7) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), second collection in April—notice to be sent by Rev. N. Cameron.
11. REMITS FROM PRESBYTERIES.
Northern Presbytery.
A remit from this Presbytery desiring the division of the Sutherland joint congregation of Lairg, Rogart, Bonar and Dornoch into two sections of Lairg and Bonar, and Rogart and Dornoch was granted.
Southern Presbytery.
In regard to the Dunoon Church the Synod empowered the Southern Presbytery to take over the property with its burdens, and authorised a collection to be made throughout the Church. The Synod express the hope that all congregations will give a helping hand to get rid of the debt on this building. In regard to the London Mission, the Rev. N. Cameron explained the heavy financial burdens which our Mission had to face in the payment of rent for the hall, etc., and pointed out that while the people were doing their best, they were not able to meet the financial burdens. He suggested that a sum of £52 be placed at the disposal of the interim Moderator of the London Mission to augment, if necessary, the salary of the student supplying the Mission, and he was willing to move accordingly. This was seconded by Mr Donald Mackenzie, elder.
Western Presbytery.
The remits for the confirmation of the temporary appointments of missionaries for Raasay (Mr Alexander Macaskill); Inverasdale and Melvaig (Mr John Macaulay); and Kishorn and Lochcarron (Mr Kenneth Macleod) were granted. The remit in reference to the building of the new Carbost meeting house was referred back to the Presbytery. Another remit from the Presbytery asking the Synod to call attention to the financial condition of congregations within the Presbytery and throughout the Church then came up for consideration. The Rev. Ewen Macqueen pointed out that in cases where congregations had a minister and missionary it was their duty to do their utmost to meet the extra expense, and he moved that a general appeal be made to them to do their best. This was seconded by Rev. R. Mackenzie and adopted.
COMPETENT BUSINESS.
1. Title Deeds.
The Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Synod call upon all those in possession of title deeds of church property belonging to the Church to forward them for the sake of preservation to the General Treasurer, Inverness, to be kept in the bank safe there, or that of the bank with which they deal. This was seconded by the Rev. John Maclachlan.
2. Plans of New Church Buildings and Manse.
Mr James Campbell moved that the Synod call the attention of Presbyteries to their duty of carefully examining all plans of church buildings and manse, and authorise them to refuse plans that are not satisfactory, but leaving the right of appeal to congregations who may be dissatisfied with the Presbytery’s decision in case of refusal. This was seconded by Captain Macleod, and unanimously agreed to.
3. Transfer of Church’s Funds to Bank of Scotland.
The Rev. Ewen Macqueen moved the following:—“The General Treasurer be authorised to transfer the Church’s Funds from the National Bank of Scotland to the Bank of Scotland, Inverness, and that the General Treasurer instruct local congregational treasurers to lodge the monies remitted to Inverness in the local branch where it exists, which is equivalent to sending it to Inverness.” Congregational Treasurers will receive instructions in due course from the General Treasurer in regard to this matter.
4. Theological Course at Princeton.
The Rev. D. Beaton made the suggestion that Mr John Murray, M.A., be permitted to proceed to Princeton, with a view of taking up the study of certain subjects to equip him as a theological tutor of the Church. Mr Beaton read a letter from Mr Murray, which is engrossed in the Synod minutes, and pointed out to the Synod that in the interval of the two sessions at Princeton Mr Murray might supply some of the stations in Canada and the States, and thus lessen the heavy financial drain on our congregations in getting supply from this country. The suggestion was received with the heartiest approval, and Mr Murray was unanimously granted permission to proceed to Princeton for first session, and to take two sessions at the Theological Seminary, it being promised that Mr Murray, who hitherto had not taken anything from the College Fund, would receive a grant to meet his expenses.
5. Supply of St Jude’s and London by Students.
The Rev. N. Cameron brought up the difficulty of getting supply for London and St Jude’s when the students were North at Wick. He made the suggestion that Mr Robert Sinclair be left with him first winter, and that Mr Donald Macdonald be sent to London; that the Theological Committee be asked to prescribe work for these students during the coming winter, and that this count for a session for them. Mr Cameron’s request was granted.
6. Re-Affirmation of Resolution on Church Principles.
The following resolution was moved by the Rev. Ewen Macqueen:—”The Synod would respectfully remind all ministers of our Church of the duty, imposed by a former resolution of this Synod, to deliver annually a lecture to all the congregations under their care as to the position in doctrine, worship, and practice, taken by this Church in 1893, and hitherto upheld.” The motion was seconded by Mr James Campbell, and unanimously adopted.
7. Date of Meeting.
A brief discussion took place as to change of date of meeting, but finally it was decided to leave consideration of the matter to the Business Committee, and to report to next meeting at Inverness. The Synod decided to meet again, God willing, at Inverness, on Tuesday after the third Sabbath of May 1925. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.