Meeting of Synod.\

FIRST SEDERUNT.

THE Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church met within the Free Presbyterian Church, Inverness, on Tuesday, the 21st May, 1935. The Rev. James A. Tallach conducted public worship and preached from Psalm lxxii, 19, last clause of the verse, “And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.” There was a good attendance of the public.

At the conclusion of Divine Worship Rev. James A. Tallach, retiring Moderator, constituted the Synod.

The Roll was then called and there were present—Western Presbytery:—Revs. D. N. MacLeod; D. MacLeod; J. Colquhoun; A. Beaton; ministers; with Messrs. John Macaulay; Duncan Matheson; Murdo MacAskill; James Fraser; Murdo MacKenzie; Finlay MacDonald, ruling elders. Outer Isles Presbytery:—Revs. Malcolm Gillies; D. J. Macaskill, ministers. Northern Presbytery:—Revs. E. MacQueen; D. A. MacFarlane; F. MacLeod; William Grant; D. J. Matheson; R. R. Sinclair, ministers; with C. Sutherland; S. Fraser; F. Beaton, ruling elders. Southern Presbytery:—Revs. N. MacIntyre; D. Beaton; J. MacLeod; R. MacKenzie; J. A. Tallach, ministers; with Alex. Macdougall; D. J. Walker; Alex. Matheson; John MacLeod; Dr. J. M. Johnston, ruling elders.

*This Report is not the official minutes of Synod.—R. R. Sinclair,
Clerk of Synod.

Letters of apology for absence were received from Rev. D. M. MacDonald and Mr. Murdo MacLeod.

The minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. Thereafter Mr. Ross was appointed Officer of Court. The Rev. D. Beaton moved that the Moderator be asked to send his sermon to the Magazine and this was seconded by Rev. E. MacQueen, and agreed to.

Appointment of Moderator.—Rev. Jas. A. Tallach intimated that it was now the duty of the Synod to appoint his successor as his term of office, as Moderator, had now ended. The Rev. James MacLeod, Greenock, was elected Moderator, and on taking office, thanked the Synod for the honour they had conferred on him.

The appointment of examiners of Synod and Presbytery Records were then appointed.

Resignation of Clerk of Synod.—The Clerk, Rev. D. Beaton, Oban, intimated his resignation from the position of Clerk which he had held for the last fourteen years. He said he had to do so on account of the amount of other work which he had to perform.

Rev. E. MacQueen, moving that the Synod accept Mr. Beaton’s resignation said, “I do so with great reluctance, for Mr. Beaton has rendered great service to the Synod and to the Free Presbyterian Church.” The Rev. Neil MacIntyre, in seconding this motion said, “We have no idea of the enormous amount of work which Mr. Beaton has had to do. He had been a most able and faithful Clerk, and, indeed, he could be set against any ecclesiastical Clerk in Scotland.” The Synod then agreed to accept Mr. Beaton’s resignation, but asked him to continue in the position until a new Clerk would be appointed.

Rev. D. Beaton, moved that the Synod meet in private at 4.30 p.m., and at 6.30 p.m., in public, on Wednesday, in the Church, at Inverness: further, that the Synod’s Business Committee meet in the same place on the same date at 10 a.m. This was approved. The meeting was then closed with praise and prayer.

SECOND SEDERUNT.

The Synod met again at 6.30 p.m. in the Church, Inverness, on Wednesday, 22nd May, according to terms of adjournment, and was duly constituted. The condolences of the Synod were tendered to Rev. M. Morrison in his affliction and to the following in bereavement:—Rev. D. R. Macdonald; Dr. Johnston, and Mrs. Martin, widow of Murdo Martin (a member of Synod).

Report of Committee re position of Employees in Sabbath Coastal Shipping.*—This Report was submitted by Rev. James MacLeod. Rev. E. MacQueen moved and Rev. D. J. MacAskill seconded the adoption of this Report. In connection with this Report, Rev. N. MacIntyre moved: “That Church privileges shall be withheld from all persons employed on Coastal vessels, including yachts, sailing on Sabbath, whether leaving port or scheduled to arrive on that day.” Mr. Murdo MacAskill seconded, and the motion was carried.

Report of Committee on Representative Elders.—This Report was given in by Rev. N. MacIntyre. Rev. J. A. Tallach moved its adoption and Mr. C. Sutherland seconded. Rev. Roderick McKenzie moved: “That the Synod be guided by the law of 1899, rather than by Monerieff in the matter of the election of representative elders.” Rev. E. MacQueen seconded. This was agreed to.

Title Deeds of Church Properties Reports.—The Clerks of Presbyteries submitted their respective reports. Rev. D. Beaton moved “That the Church Trustees be instructed to examine the reports of Presbyteries on Title Deeds and that they report to next meeting of Synod, anything which they consider that requires the Synod’s attention.” Rev. W. Grant seconded. This was approved. Rev. W. Grant also moved “That the General Trustees of the Church be instructed to investigate and take legal advice regarding Church property on crofts and common grazings,

*All cross-headings marked with an asterisk indicate that the Reports will be found printed in this issue unless where, owing to pressure of space, they are held over to next issue.—Editor.

and report to next meeting of Synod.” This was seconded by Mr. F. Beaton and approved.

Communications for Synod received by Clerk.—1. Letter from Secretary of “All Scotland Aid Society for Protestant Continental Churches” appealing for support by way of Collection or otherwise. With reference to this letter, Rev. J. A. Tallach moved, “That while the Synod would desire to express its sincere sympathy with the position of the peoples among whom the Society work, before the Synod could commit itself, the Clerk be asked to obtain further information regarding the use that any contributions of money would be put to and to report to next meeting of Synod.” Mr. John MacLeod seconded, and this was approved.

1. Letter from Rev. T. M. Murchison regarding plight of Small-holders in Scotland. Rev. D. A. MacFarlane moved—”While the Synod do not consider that it is their province to associate themselves with any form of agitation in connection with Small-holders in Scotland; yet they would hereby express their deep sympathy with small-holders in their present difficulties, and would welcome all lawful steps taken to remedy whatever complaints are well-grounded.” Mr. Alex. Matheson, seconded.

2. Letter from Convener of Church of Scotland Committee on Church and Nation re Sabbath Trading. Rev. E. MacQueen moved and Dr. Johnston seconded the following motion ament said letter: “That the Clerk write to the Church of Scotland Committee on Church and Nation, stating that a committee has been appointed on Sabbath Observance and that points taken up in their communication have been remitted to it.”

Training of the Ministry Report.*—This Report was submitted by Rev. W. Grant. Its adoption was moved by Rev. E. MacQueen and seconded by Rev. A. Beaton.

Committee’s Report on Sabbath Question.*—This Report was read by Rev. J. A. Tallach who moved its adoption. Mr. Murdo MacKenzie, seconded.

Sabbath Observance Standing Committee.—Rev. J. A. Tallach also moved the following motion, “That a Standing Committee be appointed by the Synod consisting of Revs. James MacLeod, Roderick MacKenzie, and A. Beaton; Rev. R. MacKenzie to act as Convener, to be known as the Sabbath Observance Committee, and for the purpose of dealing with questions of general interest relating to Sabbath Observance. The Committee shall recommend to each Presbytery what line of action to take in any particular case.” Mr. James Fraser seconded. This was agreed to.

Theological Tutor’s Report.*—Rev. D. A. MacFarlane, M.A., Theological Tutor, submitted this Report. Its adoption was moved by Rev. M. Gillies and seconded by Dr. Johnston. Rev. W. Grant asked the Synod if it was agreeable to Mr. Alex. MacAskill’s course of studies being limited this year to 15 or 16 weeks. The Synod agreed to this.

Annual Financial Statement.*—This statement was submitted by Mr. John Grant, Treasurer. The adoption of this Report was moved by Rev. E. MacQueen, who said, “It is very clear that the Lord had been very good to us, and if the Lord is so good to us in His Providence, have we not reason to be ashamed of ourselves for our unprofitableness; and is there not again a call to us to renew our vigour and diligence to do all in our power for the advancement of His kingdom and glory? We ought also to be thankful to the people of our Church for their liberality.” Rev. N. MacIntyre seconded the adoption of this Report.

Mr. S. Fraser associated himself with the motion and said, “We ought to be thankful to the Most High for His goodness to us in supplying money to carry on His own Cause. We ought earnestly and prayerfully to consider what we are able to give to sustain God’s Cause in this cloudy and dark day.” Mr. James Fraser said, he would like to see every congregation self-supporting if possible.

Thanks of Synod tendered to Treasurer and Auditors.—Rev. E. MacQueen said he had much pleasure in moving a hearty

vote of thanks to our worthy Treasurer for the very clear way in which he keeps the books; and also to our faithful Auditors who are not weary in well-doing year in, year out. Mr. P. MacDonald seconded.

Addition to Finance Committee.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved and Rev. W. Grant seconded, “That Rev. Roderick MacKenzie, Glasgow, be appointed to the Financial Committee.” This was approved.

Foreign Mission Report.*—This Report was submitted by the Rev. N. MacIntyre, and after referring to one or two points in his report he moved its adoption. Dr. Johnston in seconding said, “I think the Church has great cause for thankfulness on hearing the news from Africa, both from the religious and from the lay side of the work. I am sure our ministers must be envious of Mr. Tallach when the reception of the gospel is compared with that of its reception in our native land. No one who had not seen it with their eyes could realize what had to be contended with over there in regard to Hospitals, etc. The heathen of Africa had an advantage over our children, in that their text-book is the Bible—that is to say the vast majority of their reading is Bible reading, while in this country our children have a minimum of Bible reading, limited by the teachers’ remarks or rather by what they do not say. There were two outstanding features in our Mission Work which seem to be unique in missionary work in Africa. Firstly, that our Mission while fundamentally kept to its place as a Mission, viz., the preaching of the gospel, has excelled itself in taking up the training of the natives so that they will ultimately make the Mission self-supporting, and secondly, the great influence that our Mission will have especially in the future by the influence of the women. We all know how valuable is the help of Mrs. Nicolson in the Mission, and I happen to know that lately she has found a fruit with which jam can be made and which had been passed over by the natives.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod also spoke. He said, “To me these reports are a cause of joy and

sorrow. As to joy, it is connected with the fruit of which we have been hearing, and which is following the proclamation of the gospel in these far distant lands where hitherto it was unknown. But the Lord has promised that throughout the whole earth, the Holy Spirit will be present and His work seen. He is never idle and His labour is never fruitless. But my sorrow is connected with the fact that there is still such a large part of the earth in heathen darkness. We have no conception of how great a part of the world is still without even a knowledge of the Saviour’s name, who have never heard that He ever came into the world. This means that millions of our race daily are entering an eternity which cannot be an eternity of peace wherein they know God, and enjoy Him. They are to be in being throughout eternity as we are, and yet to think that they are without God in the world and will therefore be without Him in eternity. I think that it is the saddest thing of all things under the sun, that sinners, having the gospel of the grace of God in their reach, are without that grace and are perishing eternally when there is sufficient—enough and to spare—in the gospel of Christ to save them from even the lowest Hell. Such will give their ears to the Lord of Glory, but will not give Him their hearts.”

Reports from Foreign Missionaries, etc.*—Reports from Rev. John Tallach, Dr. R. MacDonald, Miss J. Nicolson, and Rev. Donald Urquhart, were all taken as read; they appear in full in this issue of the Magazine.

Grants to South African Mission.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved that the following grants be made to the Mission:—”£10 to Paul Hlazo; £20 to Hospital, plus £10 paid to boy who assisted in hospital and who is not now required; £10 for medicine; £30 for upkeep of Mission.” Mr. F. Beaton seconded and this was approved.

Foreign Missionaries’ Salaries.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved and Rev. D. N. MacLeod seconded “That Revs. John Tallach and

Donald Urquhart’s salaries be raised to same as those of ministers at home.” This was agreed to.

Rev. D. Urquhart and Palestine.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved and Rev. D. N. MacLeod seconded the following motion, “That Rev. D. Urquhart be left in Palestine for another year.” This was approved.

Leave of Absence for Rev. D. Urquhart.—Rev. N. MacIntyre moved, “That 3 months leave, exclusive of travelling time, be granted to Rev. D. Urquhart, owing to special circumstances.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod seconded. This was agreed to.

The Rev. D. Beaton then moved that there be a meeting of Business Committee of Synod at 11 a.m., on Thursday, 23rd May, in the Church; a Private Meeting of Synod on the same day and in the same place, at 4.30 p.m.; and also a Public Meeting of Synod on the same day and in the same place at 6.30 p.m. Rev. E. MacQueen seconded. The Meeting was closed with praise and prayer.

THIRD SEDERUNT.

The Synod met on Thursday, according to terms of adjournment, in the Free Presbyterian Church in public at 6.30 p.m., and was duly constituted.

Motion re Training of the Ministry Committee.—Rev. D. Beaton moved, “That in view of the new situation created by the Synod’s adoption of the Regulations for the Reception and Training of Students (1934), the functions of the Training of the Ministry Committee be defined as follows:—

1. The Committee shall supervise the education of students and shall be expected to advise them as to their studies in accordance with the Regulations for the Reception and Training of Students approved by the Synod in 1934.

2. On application being made to them, the Committee shall decide what subjects, if any, not enumerated in the Regulations may be included in the Arts curriculum of any student.

3. It shall be competent for the Committee to prescribe for the purposes of the Exit Theological Examination such

subjects and books, cognate to those studied in the theological classes, as they may determine, provided that due intimation thereof be given to the Board of Examiners and to the students concerned within a period not less than six weeks before the date of examination.

1. The Committee shall issue certificates to those students who pass the Entrance and Exit Examinations as the case may be.

2. The Committee shall receive reports from (i) Presbyteries, as to students received; (ii) from University Students, annually, as to the Arts classes they propose to attend; (iii) from Theological Tutors, as to the work covered in class during each session; (iv) from the Board of Examiners, as to the results of the Entrance and Exit Examinations.

3. The Committee shall report annually to the Synod (i) the number of students on the roll; (ii) the progress made by each student in his studies; (iii) the results of the Exit Theological Examinations; (iv) any decisions they may have come to affecting the education of students.

4. The Committee shall report to the Synod the case of any student (i) who fails to obtain or to present certificates in respect of Arts classes attended, or (ii) who fails to pass the Entrance Theological Examination.

5. The Committee shall notify the Finance Committee of the names of all students received who are entitled to a grant out of the College Fund.” This was approved.

Religion and Morals Report.*—Rev. D. A. MacFarlane submitted this Report, and said, “The main thing that I might remark upon is that there is not much directly about personal religion in the Report, and I was thinking of late, and especially when hearing the Foreign Missions Report, that it might prove a boon for say, Rev. D. Urquhart, if the Shorter Catechism were translated into the colloquial language. But although we as a Church know the letter of the Shorter Catechism, we have great

need, by the blessing of the Holy Ghost, of an evangelical and saving knowledge of the truths brought before us in it.” Rev. E. MacQueen seconded the adoption of the Report.

Glasgow Corporation and Sabbath Games.—Rev. D. A. MacFarlane moved and Mr. F. Beaton seconded the following motion, “That the Synod express their alarm at the action of the Glasgow Corporation in seeking powers to have their bye-laws amended so as to allow of the playing of games in the Public Parks on the Lord’s Day; and that they cordially approve the steps taken by the Kirk-Session of our Glasgow congregation in formally opposing this new attempt upon the sanctity of the Sabbath.” Rev. R. MacKenzie said, “This Glasgow case is likely to be a test case and it is going to bring to the touchstone the validity of the old Scotch laws on the Sabbath, so that the decision of the Sheriff shall be of considerable importance, and it is to be hoped that he will decide that the old laws hold.”

Report of Committee appointed to consider Sabbath Question.*
—This Report was submitted by Rev. Jas. A. Tallach, (Convener), and was approved.

Section 18—1918 Education (Scotland) Act.—Rev. W. Grant in referring to this Act said, “This Act has not resulted in equal educational opportunities for all, irrespective of Creed, but the R.C. Church demands separate schools for their children and gets them. Thus Protestant Scotland is subsidising Roman Catholic teaching. The result of this unjust clause is that about $\frac{1}{4}$ of a million pounds has been spent in purchasing transferred schools while the cost of replacing out-of-date buildings amounts to nearly $1\frac{1}{2}$ million pounds.

Day of Humiliation and Prayer.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “That the Wednesday or Thursday after the 3rd Sabbath of August, be (D.V.) appointed as a day of Humiliation and Prayer for the low state of the Cause of Christ in Church and State, in the land.” Mr. Alex. Matheson seconded.

Loyal Address to the King.*—This Address was submitted and read by Rev. D. J. Matheson, who moved its adoption. Mr. John MacLeod seconded.

Canadian and Colonial Committees’ Report.*—Rev. Finlay MacLeod submitted and moved the adoption of this Report, and said, “The Committee would willingly have sent out a minister this spring again if that were possible, as our people there look forward with keen interest to the arrival of our deputies at all stations where they receive the greatest kindness.” Mr. Murdo MacAskill seconded.

Rev. D. M. MacDonald’s Canadian Report.*—This was submitted by Rev. D. A. MacFarlane who moved its adoption, and said, “I think the thanks of the Synod should be accorded to Mr. MacDonald.” Rev. N. MacIntyre seconded, and said, “The Report is most encouraging and I hope that the Committee will do all in their power to send out a deputy.” Rev. D. Beaton said, “Last year when the Canadian Committee asked him that dates of Communions be inserted in the Magazine he pointed out that was always done if the dates were sent in time. This year Mr. MacDonald’s notice of Communions, though sent by Air Mail, was not inserted in the Magazine because it was too late in arriving.”

Deputy’s New Zealand Visit.—Rev. D. Beaton intimated that he had a letter from Rev. J. P. MacQueen, who said that on his way to Australia he visited New Zealand and held a meeting there. This is the first time that any meeting has been held by our deputies in New Zealand.

Report of Examiners on Presbytery Records.—These Reports were submitted by the respective examiners and were found to be in order.

Magazine Report.*—This Report was given in by Rev. D. Beaton, Editor, who moved its adoption. Mr. John MacLeod seconded. The Editor spoke of the desirability of increasing the

circulation of the Magazine. Members spoke in support of this. Mr. Beaton said, “I want a larger circulation and I suggest that Magazine Committees be formed in congregations. The circulation could, I believe, easily be raised to 4,000 per month by a little concerted action in our congregations and Mission stations.”

Free Magazine in Necessitous Cases.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “That in necessitous cases of congregations, where such cannot pay for a copy of the Church Magazine, Congregational Treasurers be instructed to provide such with a free copy.” Rev. Donald MacLeod, Shieldaig, seconded. This was agreed to.

Magazine for Young People.—Rev. D. Beaton suggested a Magazine for young people. The size and price he thought of was—16 pages for 1/6d. Provided the F.P. Magazine was also taken, the price for both would be 5/- for the year. Rev. N. MacIntyre said, “In all probability there would be a financial loss at the beginning, but the Church should be held responsible for the time being.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod said, “I think it is a most desirable thing, provided that it has the countenance and help of the Most High; for our generation, and especially the rising generation, are being fed on husks. It is our duty to get them to have a taste for something different, something profitable for this life itself and certainly for the life to come.” It was agreed that this Magazine be proceeded with and that the first issue would (D.V.) be issued in May, 1936.

Report of Fishing Stations Committee.*—This Report was submitted by Rev. M. Gillies who moved its adoption. Mr. Murdo MacAskill seconded.

Standing Church Committees.*—Rev. R. R. Sinclair moved and Mr. F. Beaton seconded, that the following committees be appointed:—

1. Church Interests Committee—The Moderator, Synod Clerk, and Clerks of the four Presbyteries.

2. Religion and Morals Committee—Rev. D. A. MacFarlane (Convener), W. Grant, J. Colquhoun.

3. Finance Committee—Revs. E. MacQueen (Convener), N. MacIntyre, M. Gillies, Rod. MacKenzie, A. Beaton, and the representative Elders of Inverness and Dingwall. Mr. John Grant, Treasurer, to be associated with the Committee.

4. Canadian and Colonial Mission Committee—Revs. F. MacLeod, (Convener), D. A. MacFarlane, W. Grant, D. J. Matheson, R. R. Sinclair.

5. Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee—Revs. N. MacIntyre (Convener), Jas. MacLeod, Rod. MacKenzie, with representative Elders of Edinburgh, Greenock, Glasgow and London.

6. Training of the Ministry Committee—Revs. W. Grant (Convener), Finlay MacLeod, D. J. Matheson, R. R. Sinclair.

7. General Trustees—Clerk of Synod with Clerks of the four Presbyteries. Rev. N. MacIntyre, Convener.

8. Sabbath Observance Committee—Revs. Roderick MacKenzie (Convener), Jas. MacLeod, A. Beaton.

9. Church Magazine Committee—Rev. D. Beaton (Convener), with the Clerks of the four Presbyteries.

Church Collections.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved that the Church Collections be as formerly. This was agreed to. Collections to 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 Rev. W. Grant. (3) Organisation Fund in September—notice to be sent by Rev. R. R. Sinclair. (4) Home Mission Fund (Missionaries and Catechists), first Collection in October—notice to be sent by Rev. E. MacQueen. (5) General Church Building Fund in December—notice to be sent by Rev. D. Beaton. (6) Home Mission Fund (second Collection) in April, 1936—notice to be sent by Rev. E. MacQueen.

House to House Collections.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “That Home Mission Fund and Foreign Mission Fund be made once

a year from house to house as formerly.” Mr. F. MacDonald seconded.

Appointment of Missionaries.—Rev. F. MacLeod moved that Mr. Duncan MacKay be appointed a Missionary. Mr. Finlay MacDonald seconded. This was approved. It was also decided that Mr. Donald MacDonald, elder, St. Jude’s, Glasgow, be appointed a missionary for supplying, at a salary of £20.

Transference of Missionaries.—Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “That the Synod hereby agree that it have full authority to remove Missionaries labouring in various congregations as the Synod judges necessary.” Rev. D. J. Matheson seconded, and this was agreed to.

Supply for Fort-William.—Rev. D. Beaton took up the matter of supply for Fort-William with a view to having a Missionary settled there. After some sympathetic discussion by members of Synod, Dr. Johnston moved, “That Presbyteries be advised to support Rev. D. Beaton in supplying Fort-William.” Mr. Alex. MacDougall seconded.

Sale of Church Books.—Rev. W. Grant reported on this business as follows:—Confession of Faith—”Mr. F. Beaton states that 2,000 copies were procured and for 808 of these he had received payment. This leaves a debt of £62 3s. still due to General Treasurer in repayment of the cost of the books.” Church History—”The number printed of History of F.P. Church was 3,000. I have received payment for 1,572 copies, leaving a number still to be accounted for by various congregations. The remainder are with Messrs. Adshead & Son. The total cost of publication has been fully refunded, leaving a small balance on hand.”

Instructions re Church Books.—Later, the following motion was moved by Rev. W. Grant and seconded by Dr. Johnston, “That instructions be given in the Magazine that unsold copies of Church History be sent to the General Treasurer, but unsold copies of Confession of Faith be retained until further instructions be given.”

The Rev. E. MacQueen moved and Mr. Samuel Fraser seconded that the Synod meet again (D.V.) at Glasgow, in the St. Jude’s Church Hall there, on Tuesday after the 3rd Sabbath of May, 1936, at 6.30 p.m.

The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.