Communions.—January—Last Sabbath, Inverness. February—First Sabbath, Dingwall. March—First Sabbath, Ullapool; second, Portree and Ness; third, Finabay; fourth, Kinlochbervie. South African Mission—The following are the dates of the Communions:—Last Sabbath of March, June, September, and December. Note.—Notice of any addition to, or alterations of, the above dates of Communions should be sent to the Editor.
Mission to the Jews.—Our readers will be interested to know that the Rev. Donald Urquhart returned to Palestine at the end of October. On this occasion he is to have his headquarters at Jerusalem instead of Tel-aviv, where he laboured on his former visit. The Committee advised Mr. Urquhart to engage a small hall where he could hold divine services and preach the gospel, which is the ordinary means ordained by God for the conversion of sinners whether Jews or Gentiles. Mr. Urquhart explained to the Committee that rents in Jerusalem are exceedingly high and halls most difficult to be had. In a letter received a few days ago he informed us that so far he has not been successful in securing a place, but that he is doing his best to get one. The engaging of a hall will, of course, add to our expenses, and I would appeal again to our people to support our Foreign Mission Fund as liberally as possible, for our outlay this year is much heavier than in any previous year. We have been honoured as a Church in sending the gospel both to Jews and Gentiles and let us not be weary in well-doing.—NEIL MACINTYRE, Convener.
Christmas and Easter Plays.—“I would like to see the custom of religious plays, say at Christmas and Easter, taking deep root throughout Scotland,” Dr. Warr further says “such plays, when reverently and intelligently produced, are invaluable, especially as regards the young, for bringing home to the spectator all that is meant by Bethlehem, Calvary, and the Empty Tomb. I am quite certain that if, in our town and country parishes, the clergy were to approach such things with sympathy, they would find them an enormous assistance to what they are striving to do in ‘Sunday’ Schools and Bible Classes. The spirit of Oberamergau need surely not be confined to Bavaria. If the Scottish Community Drama Association could, among their other activities, transplant it into Scotland, they would be doing a wonderful service to our nation.” These are serious statements coming from a prominent minister of the Church of Scotland, but, in all likelihood, no notice will be taken of them by his Presbytery. Dr. Warr, in The Presbyterian Tradition, has shown clearly that he is out of sympathy with some of the most worthy elements in the Presbyterian tradition.
Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Archibald Beaton.—It is a matter of great satisfaction that vacant charges throughout the Church are being gradually filled up. The Lord of the vineyard is proving that He is mindful of His cause and is sending forth labourers to labour in His vineyard.
The Western Presbytery met in Gairloch on the 16th November for the ordination and induction of the Rev. Archibald Beaton. Owing to the translation of the Rev. R. Mackenzie, their former pastor, to St. Jude’s, Glasgow, the charge has been vacant for some time, but now, through a unanimous call, a most harmonious settlement has been effected. The Rev. D. N. Macleod, Moderator, presided and preached from I. Peter iv. 11 a discourse appropriate to the occasion. The newly ordained pastor was addressed by the Rev. D. M. Macdonald and the congregation by the Rev. D. Macleod, Sheildaig. The Rev. John Colquhoun also took part in the service.
The weather was exceptionally fine and many gathered from different parts of the parish and the adjoining congregations. The call was signed by 461. The Gairloch congregation has been a strong support to our Church all along, and we trust that the ministry now begun will redound to the glory of God and be for the good of many souls.
Our desire is that both pastor and people may have a rich baptism of the Holy Spirit and that the Lord Jesus will grant them much of His gracious presence and bring many from darkness into His own marvellous light through the instrumentality of their new minister.—D. M. M.
Resolution by the Western Presbytery.—The Western Presbytery at a recent meeting passed a resolution condemning the public use of strong drink at funerals and would urge upon all their people within its bounds where this has been the practice to give it up entirely from henceforth. The custom invites the young to drink and is apt to be a heavy burden on poor people.—D. M. MACDONALD, Clerk of Western Presbytery.
Death of Mr. Kenneth Macleod, Elder, Fort William.—It is with sincere regret we record the death of another of our elders in the person of Mr. Kenneth Macleod. Kenneth was a native of Harris. There was something very pleasing about his quiet, unassuming demeanour as a man and as a Christian. He lived a life in keeping with his profession, adorning the doctrine of His Saviour. For some time he was laid aside through ill-health. He passed away on 14th December. He was laid to rest in Blarour burying ground, Spean Bridge, on the 18th of the same month—the large number of people present testifying to the respect in which he was held. His removal, following on that of his brother elder, Captain Macintyre, is a great loss to the cause in Fort William.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy, to the widow, sons and daughters and other relatives and also to the congregation of Fort William.
Confession of Faith.—Copies of the Confession of Faith may now be had from Mr. Finlay Beaton, 11 Greig Street, Inverness, at 1/9 each or 2/- post free. This impression has been issued by the Irish Reformed Presbyterian Church and our Synod has ordered 2000 copies. The book is very cheap at the price offered and as it may be many years before another edition will be issued we strongly advise our people to take advantage of this offer.