Communions.
July—First Sabbath, Lairg, Raasay, Bealy; second, Staffin, Tomatin, Tain; third, Halkirk, Rogart, Flashadder, Daviot; fourth, Bracadale, North Uist, Plockton; fifth, Achmore, Thurso. August—First Sabbath, Dingwall; second, Portree, Stratherrick; third, Bonar, Finsbay, Laide; fourth, Stornoway, Vatten. September—First Sabbath, Ullapool, Breasclete; second, Strathy; third, Tarbert, Stoer.
Message of Sympathy to Winnipeg, Canada.
The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Inverness this 26th day of May, 1950, learn with profound grief of the severe sufferings through which the city of Winnipeg is at present passing from the disastrous flooding of the past few weeks. The devastation of large areas of the city, the innumerable families left homeless, and in many cases destitute, and the widespread suffering and sorrow, have awakened our painful concern, and move us to express our heart-felt sympathy with the city rulers and people in this time of unparalleled trouble. It is some relief, however, to learn that the severity of this disastrous period is gradually passing.
To the people of our Winnipeg congregation we desire to convey a special message of sympathy. It is our sincere desire that this painful dispensation may, under the divine blessing, result in a disposition to search the heart and turn afresh to the Lord. We should all take to heart the many solemn events by which a merciful Creator is addressing us, as individuals, cities and whole nations, in an age of abounding iniquity.
The Synod take this opportunity of expressing our deep interest in the highest welfare of our people, upon whom, we earnestly pray, the Lord’s blessing in all their spiritual and temporal concerns, may abundantly rest.
Arrangements for Church Collections.
“That congregations be authorised, where Special Fund collections clash with the collection of Sustentation Fund, to make such arrangements as local circumstances require.”—Synod Motion.
Day of Humiliation and Prayer.
The Synod have appointed the 16th day or 17th day of August, as convenient for congregations, to be observed as a day of Humiliation and Prayer, on account of the perilous times in which we live and the low state of religion and morality.
Appeal on behalf of the Edinburgh Congregation.
This congregation, which is presently without a minister, has found it necessary to purchase a manse. A suitable house at 30 Leamington Terrace, close to the Church, has been acquired at a cost of £3,350, but the Manse Purchase Fund only amounts to £881. It is estimated that, after meeting stamp duties and legal expenses, as well as costs of re-decoration and items of a similar nature, there will be a deficit of £2,700. With the authority of the Southern Presbytery, the congregation would earnestly appeal to all lovers of the cause for generous assistance to help in paying up the deficiency as speedily as possible.
All contributions should be sent to the Honorary Treasurer of the Manse Purchase Fund, Mr. Hugh MacDougall, 15 Gloucester Place, Edinburgh, 3.
JAS. MACLEOD, Moderator of Southern Presbytery.
JAS. A. TALLACH, Clerk of Southern Presbytery.
Student Received.
Mr. Donald Malcolm MacLeod, Plockton, has been received as a student for the ministry of our Church.—W. Grant.