BY THE REV. MALCOLM GILLIES.
THE Committee had some difficulty in arranging for supply for Great Yarmouth last season, owing to the uncertainty of there being much fishing carried on in that port. It looked at first that very few would go from Lewis, and it was only after the people left that we found ourselves called upon to provide for their spiritual needs.
We were unable to obtain the building used in previous years, but when we thought every door closed, we secured the Nelson Hall, Middlegate Street, situated very conveniently for our people. Mr Angus MacKinnon, missionary, Finsbay, agreed to go this year again, and it was owing to his knowledge of Yarmouth that the Committee were able to make arrangements. There were services held from Sabbath, 10th October, for five weeks, two services being held on week-day evenings. There were good congregations, over 80 persons from North Tolsta, and these forming a small portion of those who came to hear the Word.
The Yarmouth fishing was a failure this year again, as far as those connected with the Mission were concerned. Our people, however, were so thankful to have a place and means of worship provided by the Church that they tried their utmost to meet expenses. The expenditure this year amounted to £25 12s 0d, and the income, £22 7s 9d, which left a balance to pay of £3 5s 0d. Messrs Donald Mackenzie and John Mackay, North Tolsta, were very helpful in looking after the affairs of the Mission and in taking charge of the collections.
The Committee would desire and pray that the efforts put forth to provide services at the Mission stations will be blessed by the Lord for the awakening of some and the confirming of others in the faith of the Gospel. In conclusion, the Committee would desire the mind of the Synod as to any change in the Committee, or if they are authorised to act as a Committee in view of the coming season.