THE Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland met within the Free Presbyterian Church, Inverness, on Tuesday, the 17th day of November, 1936. The Rev. James MacLeod, Moderator, conducted public worship and preached from Isaiah xliii. 10—”Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he.” There was a large congregation present.
At the conclusion of divine worship, Rev. James MacLeod, Moderator, constituted the Synod.
The Roll was called and there were present—Northern Presbytery:—Revs. E. MacQueen; D. A. MacFarlane; W. Grant; F. MacLeod; D. J. Matheson; R. R. Sinclair, ministers; with Messrs. D. Macrae; S. Fraser; D. J. MacKenzie; C. Sutherland, ruling elders. Southern Presbytery:—Revs. N. MacIntyre; D. Beaton; J. MacLeod; R. Mackenzie; J. A. Tallach; R. MacDonald, ministers; with Messrs. D. J. Walker; D. MacDonald; J. MacKay; Dr. J. M. Johnston, ruling elders. Western Presbytery:—Revs. D. N. MacLeod; D. M. MacDonald; J. Colquhoun; A. Beaton; A. MacKay, ministers; with Messrs. Murdo Macaskill; Kenneth Macaskill; J. Campbell; J. MacLennan; J. Fraser; K. MacDonald; A. MacLeod, ruling elders. Outer Isles Presbytery:—Rev. M. Gillies with Mr. Angus Morrison, ruling elder.
*This Report is not the official minutes of Synod.—
R. R. Sinclair, Clerk of Synod.
Letters of apology for absence from Mr. Alex. MacDougall and Mr. Duncan Matheson were read.
The minutes of public meetings of previous Synod were read and approved. In reading the last minute, the Clerk stated that Rev. W. Grant handed in, at previous Synod, the reasons which he said he would, in connection with his dissent. The Clerk apologised for not having read them to the Synod in May and then proceeded to do so.
On the motion of Rev. J. A. Tallach, Mr. John Ross was appointed Officer of Court.
The Clerk moved that the following members of Synod be appointed a Committee on Bills and Overtures:—Revs. D. Beaton, R. Mackenzie, A. Beaton, D. A. MacFarlane and Moderator and Clerk of Synod; and that they meet in the Church on Wednesday, 18th November, at 11 a.m. This was seconded by Rev. D. Beaton. The Clerk also moved that the Members of Synod meet as a Business Committee, in the Church on Wednesday, at 12 noon. This was seconded by Mr. Donald McDonald; that the Synod meet in public in the Church, on Wednesday, at 6 p.m., was moved by Rev. N. MacIntyre and seconded by Rev. R. R. Sinclair. Further, the Clerk moved that after the Benediction the Synod continue in private. Rev. F. MacLeod seconded this. These motions were approved. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.
SECOND PUBLIC SEDERUNT.
Report of Committee on Netherlands Correspondence.—
The Synod met again at 6 p.m., in the Inverness Free Presbyterian Church, on Wednesday, the 18th day of November, 1936, according to terms of adjournment, and was duly constituted. The Clerk then called the Roll. The minutes of previous meeting was held over on the motion of Rev. D. Beaton. Rev. D. Beaton read this Report. Dr. J. M. Johnston moved and Mr. Jas. Fraser seconded the adoption of it. Mr. Jas. Fraser asked, “Would you explain whether they wanted co-operation or union with our Church?” Rev. D. Beaton said in reply, “If things were as they (i.e. Mr. Kersten and his friends) would like them to be, they would like union. Then they said, supposing there are some differences standing in the way they asked would they be allowed to co-operate?” Dr. Johnston said, “My difficulty in saying anything is that the Report puts the whole thing in a nutshell. I must say I was greatly impressed with Mr. Kersten as a man and a Christian, but I saw clearly that the question of Union is not quite so easy. I gathered also that there were some points from which they would not depart and likewise that we had some from which we would not move.” Rev. R. MacKenzie said, “Mr. Kerster made it clear to the Committee, that supposing a minister from our Church went to preach in one of their congregations in America he would have to accommodate himself to their form of worship. For example he would have to put up with the organ. I felt that Mr. Kersten himself appeared to be less insistent on instrumental music than his companion and that in America the English-speaking congregations would not consider doing without music. And I pointed out that if they were not prepared to sacrifice form they could not expect us to sacrifice principle, as we regard instrumental music as a principle not as a mere form.” Rev. D. Beaton pointed out that a reply to these people in the Netherlands would need to be carefully drawn up. Rev. E. MacQueen stated that he had met Mr. Kersten and some of his family and had to confess that he admired Mr. Kersten as a most earnest Christian man. Mr. James Fraser said, “On account of what we have heard from the Report about musical instruments and other forms, I think, on account of the great difference between them and us, it would be very inconsistent for our Church to consider co-operation or union with these people when we look back upon our relation to other Churches in Scotland.” Rev. R. R. Sinclair said, “I think it should be understood by our people that this matter originated not with us as a Church, but with the Reformed Congregations of the Netherlands.” Rev. D. A. MacFarlane suggested that the best thing which could be done was, that an unofficial brotherly letter be sent to them. After brief discussion Rev. D. M. MacDonald moved “that the Committee be re-appointed and that they draft out a letter in reply, forward it to the Presbyteries for suggestions, and forward completed letter.” This was seconded by Mr. James Fraser and agreed to.
The Report of Law Committee.*—
Rev. D. Beaton read and moved the adoption of this Report. This was seconded by Dr. R. MacDonald. It was also moved that the Committee be thanked and continued till next Synod. Rev. D. Beaton said, “It is the purpose of the Committee to submit a report of what they are doing to the Presbyteries of the Church so that they will have full opportunity of making suggestions.” It was pointed out that it was proposed to prepare a draft of a handbook for office-bearers: Rev. R. MacKenzie stating that this would be supplementary, because Moncrieff is very difficult to obtain now and is not easily understood in some parts. Dr. Johnston moved, “That the Synod instruct the Committee to present a draft of what they have in view and then if that is satisfactory get it printed.” This was seconded by Rev. W. Grant, and agreed to. Rev. R. MacKenzie moved, “That the Synod authorise the Committee to obtain legal advice on any points arising in connection with the work and that the Treasurer be authorised to take the money from the Organisation Fund.” Dr. R. MacDonald seconded this, which was agreed to.
*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.
The Coronation Oath.—
Rev. W. Grant said, “The proposal which appeared in the Press that the Coronation Oath be altered is rightly causing anxiety in the minds of loyal subjects. The Prime Minister has given assurance that there is no proposal to alter the part relating to the Church.” Rev. W. Grant then moved, “That the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland respectfully request the Prime Minister to divulge at an early date the proposed alteration in the Coronation Oath, if any.” Mr. James Fraser seconded this motion, which was agreed to.
The Moderator’s letter from Sir M. MacDonald.*—
The Moderator said, “I wrote Sir Murdoch MacDonald in order that we might have some information on this question of the Coronation Oath.” He then read Sir Murdoch MacDonald’s reply. He further stated, “If a change is made it will be for the Synod to appoint a Committee to make a protest.”
Appointment of Committee re Coronation Oath.—
Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “That Revs. N. MacIntyre and R. MacKenzie, with Dr. Johnston, be appointed as a Committee to watch over the Coronation Oath question and make a protest if any vital change is made.” Mr. James Fraser seconded. This was agreed to.
Acknowledgments of Football Pool Betting Motion.—
The Clerk read replies from various Members of Parliament to whom this motion was sent last May. He said, “I wish to point out that only one of the Members of Parliament to whom this motion was sent gave no response at all and that is the Member for the Western Isles, and I think our people in the West should take note of this.”
Mr. William MacSween appointed part-time Missionary.—
Rev. D. M. MacDonald moved, “That Mr. William MacSween be appointed part-time Missionary in South Raasay until they get a minister.” Mr. D. MacDonald seconded this motion which was agreed to. Rev. D. N. MacLeod spoke in relation to this matter and said, “In a case of this kind you have people of all ages only too anxious to enter the house of God if the door was opened, and that is pretty much the case with this place Torran. The only solution I can think of is that the Church would make a special endeavour to send them a missionary of their own. If a man can be obtained that is at all suitable, let him be sent as soon as possible and let the door of Christ’s house there be kept open.” Rev. E. MacQueen associated himself with what Rev. D. N. MacLeod said.
Rev. W. Grant’s Dissent.—
Dr. Johnston moved that the dissent of Rev. W. Grant be taken up at a private meeting of Synod after the public meeting. Mr. James Fraser seconded. This was agreed to. Rev. D. J. Matheson moved that the Synod meet in private after the Benediction. Mr. D. Walker seconded this. Dr. R. MacDonald moved that the Synod meet tomorrow, Thursday, in public at 6 p.m. Rev. F. MacLeod seconded this, which was agreed to. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.
THIRD PUBLIC SEDERUNT.
The Synod met on Thursday, the 19th day of November, 1936, according to terms of adjournment, within the Inverness Free Presbyterian Church, at 6 p.m., and was duly constituted.
Mr. Alex. Stewart’s Retiring Allowance.—
Rev. D. M. MacDonald moved that Mr. Alex. Stewart, Vatten, be granted an annual allowance of £30. Rev. E. MacQueen seconded the motion, which was approved.
Supply for Fort William.—
Rev. N. MacIntyre moved, “That the Rev. D. Beaton be allowed to engage a student, when required, for Fort William.” Rev. D. M. MacDonald seconded, and this was agreed to.
Kames Kirk-Session Meetings.—
Rev. N. MacIntyre moved, “That the Kirk-Session of Kames be granted authority to meet as a Kirk-Session in Glasgow.” Mr. Jas. MacKay seconded this motion which was agreed to.
Mr. K. Matheson.—
Rev. D. J. Matheson reported that owing to the ill-health of Mr. K. Matheson, Dingwall, the Northern Presbytery would not make application for his appointment as part-time Missionary to Kilmorack.
Mr. Alex. MacLennan to supply Beauly and Daviot.—
Rev. D. J. Matheson asked the Synod’s approval to Mr. Alex. MacLennan being asked to supply Beauly and Daviot, every alternate Sabbath, as a temporary arrangement; and that a gratuity be granted to him. The Synod gave their approval to this arrangement.
Mr. Alex. MacLennan’s Gratuity.—
Rev. E. MacQueen moved “That Mr. MacLennan be given a gratuity of £30, and if necessary, a bonus from the time he began his services until the next Synod.” This was seconded by Mr. S. Fraser and agreed to.
Sympathy Extended to Rev. D. Urquhart.—
Rev. W. Grant moved the following motion, “That the Synod send to Rev. D. Urquhart, Winnipeg, an expression of our sincere sympathy with him in his recent painful bereavement.” Mr. Urquhart as our Deputy to Winnipeg congregation and Missionary to the Jews there, sailed from Glasgow three weeks ago. The following day, his sister, Mrs. Macaskill met with an accident which proved fatal. The unexpected news awaited Mr. Urquhart on his arrival at Toronto. We feel much for him in his sorrow and pray that he be abundantly blessed in his labours.” This expression of sympathy said Mr. Grant, extended to the sorrowful husband and family, aged mother and others in the bereaved circle.
Rev. R. R. Sinclair seconded this motion and said that he wished to associate himself with the statements made by Mr. Grant. He had been a student with Mr. Urquhart and felt very deeply with him in his bereavement.
Sympathy in connection with three elders, deceased.—
Rev. E. MacQueen said, “Three most worthy men have been taken from our midst very near one another, that is, Mr. John Stewart, Lochcarron, Mr. George MacKenzie, Inverness, and Mr. Finlay MacDonald, Shieldaig. I knew Mr. MacDonald for over forty years and found him a most sympathetic, honest and upright Christian. I knew Mr. Stewart also for over forty years, who gave every evidence, when I first met him, of being a lover of the Lord’s cause and in his family circle a most loving husband and a dutiful father. Ever since I knew him, I found in him a warm-hearted Christian. The last one I am to mention, Mr. George MacKenzie, was an elder in my own congregation. I did not know him until I came to live in Inverness, and I must say about him that he was a most consistent and loving man; and it might be said about him what the Lord said about Nathaniel, “An Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile.” Rev. E. MacQueen then moved, “That the Clerk of Synod send a very sympathetic letter to each of the three families of the worthy men just mentioned.” Rev. N. MacIntyre seconding this motion said, “It is very sad to think we are without those members whom we respected and loved. I often think that those who have got Home are to be envied, for we cannot doubt but that those three men are with Christ.”
£10 Allowance to Rev. D. Urquhart.—
Rev. N. MacIntyre moved, “That the usual allowance of £10 given to our deputies to the Colonies, be given to Rev. D. Urquhart.” Rev. R. MacKenzie seconded this and it was agreed to.
Mr. Alex. MacDiarmid’s request for Extracts.—
The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Alex. MacDiarmid, Missionary, requesting extracts of the Synod’s Finding in the Breasclete Case. Rev. D. Beaton moved, “That the Synod grant Mr. MacDiarmid’s request and that the Clerk send an Extract of the Minute.” Rev. A. Beaton seconded and it was agreed to.
Document from Breasclete.—
The Clerk presented to the Synod a document from Breasclete to which were appended several signatures. Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “That it be returned and that the Clerk should ask them to send it up in the proper order.” This was seconded by Mr. M. MacAskill and agreed to.
Paragraph in Magazine anent documents for Synod.—
Rev. E. MacQueen pointed out that many of the people were not well versed in the Law regarding such documents, and moved, “That a paragraph be inserted in the Magazine instructing people as to the proper procedure in such cases.” Mr. D. J. MacKenzie seconded this and it was agreed to.
A Private Meeting of Synod was to be held immediately after the Benediction. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.
FOURTH PUBLIC SEDERUNT.
The Synod met on Friday, the 20th day of November, 1936, according to terms of adjournment, within the Inverness Free
Presbyterian Church, in public at 1.30 p.m., and was duly constituted.
The Clerk called the Roll.
Payment of Typists.—
Rev. N. MacIntyre moved, “That £2 10/- be paid to each of the typists.” Rev. F. MacLeod seconded this which was agreed to.
Payment of Officer of Court.—
Rev. D. Beaton moved, “That £2 10/- be paid the Officer of Court. Rev. D. J. Matheson seconded this which was agreed to.
Mr. Alex. MacDiarmid’s increase of Salary.—
Rev. M. Gillies moved “That Mr. Alex. MacDiarmid, Missionary, be granted £5 increase of salary.” Rev. F. MacLeod seconded this and it was agreed to.
Honorarium for Mr. Macaulay.—
Rev. D. M. MacDonald moved, “That Mr. Murdo Macaulay be granted an honorarium of £8 for this year.” Mr. K. Macaskill seconded this which was agreed to.
Accommodation for Mr. Alex. MacDiarmid.—
Rev. E. MacQueen moved, “That the Synod recommend that accommodation be provided for Mr. Alex. MacDiarmid in South Harris and that the Outer Isles Presbytery instruct Session of South Harris to see to this.”
Presbyterial Visitation to Northton, Harris.—
Dr. R. MacDonald moved, “That the Synod of the F.P. Church, instruct the Outer Isles Presbytery to make, at the earliest convenient time, a Presbyterial visitation to the congregation of Northton, Harris, to explain to them irregularities in their petition to Outer Isles Presbytery and assure them of the sympathy of the Synod and that all possible will be done to provide supply for them. Also that Clerk of Synod be instructed to acknowledge receipt of their petition.” This was seconded by Mr. Kenneth MacDonald and agreed to.
The Case of Rev. R. MacInnes, Uig.—
The Rev. N. MacIntyre moved, “That the action of the Outer Isles Presbytery be approved of in declaring Mr. MacInnes no longer minister of this Church, for the following reasons:—
(1) That he appealed for admission to the Church of Scotland.
(2) On account of the declaration he made to the Uig Free Presbyterian Congregation, on 31st May, 1936, to the effect that he was severing his connection with the said congregation.
(3) On account of the letter sent to the Clerk of Presbytery on June 4th, 1936, wherein he stated that he could be of no use to himself or to the Free Presbyterian Church by remaining in it.”
Rev. D. Beaton seconded the motion which was unanimously agreed to.
Rev. R. MacInnes’s request for copies of Letters.—
Rev. J. A. Tallach moved, “That Mr. MacInnes’s request to Outer Isles Presbytery for copies of his letters, be not granted.” Mr. James Fraser seconded this motion which was agreed to.
Loan on Uig Manse.—
Rev. E. MacQueen stated, “What I said before the Finance Committee was this—that if Mr. MacInnes would sign a receipt, drawn up in legal form, that the £400 should be given by the General Treasurer.” Rev. N. MacIntyre seconded Mr. MacQueen’s motion.
Expression of appreciation to be sent Uig Congregation.—
Rev. D. Beaton moved, “That the Clerk of Synod be instructed to send to the Congregation of Uig (Lewis) an expression of their appreciation of their faithful stand for the Cause they represent and the Synod assures them of their interest in their spiritual welfare.” Rev. D. N. MacLeod seconded this motion and said, “I do not know the Uig Congregation, but only by what I have been told regarding them, and indeed I must say I admire them. They had something very trying to stand, because it was not long since they joined us. That itself is enough to show and prove their faithfulness which I hope will be true of them and be a distinct mark of them to the end.” This motion was agreed to.
Appeals for Building Funds in Magazine to be regulated.—
Rev. D. Beaton moved, “That appeals for Building Funds be not repeated after one insertion but in exceptional cases and a statement be sent to the Magazine, monthly, of the balance of debt of congregations of their Church building funds, by congregational treasurers.” Mr. Angus MacLeod seconded this motion which was agreed to.
Supply for Borve and Mr. Peter MacLeod’s salary.—
The question of supply for Borve was discussed, and Rev. F. MacLeod moved the following motion, “That Mr. Peter MacLeod being appointed to that district (Borve) temporarily, it is not necessary that another be appointed—and that he be paid at part-time missionary flat rate of salary.” Rev. D. J. Macaskill seconded the motion which was agreed to.
Appointment of Day of Humiliation and Prayer.—
Rev. F. MacLeod moved the following motion, “That the Synod appoint Wednesday after the second Sabbath of January, 1937, as a day of humiliation and prayer, for the state of religion in our own midst as a Church and the low state of religion in our Nation.” In speaking to his motion Mr. MacLeod said, “It is not very long since our nation was engaged in a terrible war. It is now evident that the nations are preparing for what must be more terrible than what took place in the past. There are some here who took part in what is past, who never expected they would again see this nation engaged in war. But it is evident that the nations of Europe are preparing for a war that is causing deep anxiety to men in high places. We believe these things are the judgment of God upon the nation. That is not acknowledged at all by our rulers, but, as a Church, we have no hesitation in saying that it was the Lord in His judgment who visited the nations from 1914-1918. And the Lord is revealing to us now that He will bring His judgments upon us if we repent not—’Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.’ The reason for a day of prayer is that we would humble ourselves and acknowledge that we have sinned.” Rev. R. R. Sinclair seconded the motion and said, “Our Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, in their public capacity, make little or no reference to the need for the aid and guidance of God in regard to our national anxieties and troubles.” The motion was approved.
Next Meeting of Synod.—
The Rev. N. MacIntyre moved, “That the Synod meet again in the Hall of St. Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday, after the third Sabbath of May, 1937, at 6.30 p.m. (D.V.).” Rev. F. MacLeod seconded this motion which was agreed to. The Moderator intimated accordingly. The meeting was closed with praise and prayer.