Tuesday evening of 14th May witnessed what must be regarded as a unique event in the history of our African Missions—the Ordination and Induction of Rev. Petros Mzamo to labour in our S. Rhodesian Mission. A large congregation from many parts of the Church met in the Church at Inverness and followed with the deepest interest this development in our Foreign Missions work. Mr. Mzamo received his education entirely in the mission schools of our church in S. Rhodesia and prepared for the work of the Christian Ministry under the supervision of Rev. Jas. S. Fraser, M.A. When our deputites, Revs. R. R. Sinclair and D. MacLean were on a visit to the mission field last year, they examined Mr. Mzamo in the subjects of his divinity course and in their report to the Synod pronounce themselves well pleased with Mr. Mzamo’s proficiency in every aspect of his training. Mr. Mzamo was then brought over to this country by arrangement of the Foreign Missions Committee to receive license and be ordained and inducted to his life’s work among his own people by the Northern Presbytery. Mr. Mzamo arrived in this country by air on 24th April, and quickly endeared himself to our people as a young man who gives every promise of long and valuable service to our mission cause. He has worked for many years on the teaching staff of our mission schools and conducted public worship, and therefore brings to the work of the ministry long experience in the Church’s service.
At a meeting in the afternoon of Tuesday, 14th May, at 4.30 Mr. Mzamo was licensed by the Northern Presbytery in the Inverness Church. At the adjourned meeting that evening at 7, the Moderator Rev. R. R. Sinclair, presided and preached an appropriate sermon from the words of I. Cor. iv. verses 1 and 2: “Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” The clerk then gave a narrative of the proceedings, and the Moderator put to Mr. Mzamo the questions usual on such an occasion which Mr. Mzamo satisfactorily answered. The Moderator read out the Formula which Mr. Mzamo then signed in the presence of the congregation, and going on his knees was ordained to the office of the sacred ministry with solemn prayer and imposition of hands. The Ordination prayer being concluded, the Moderator in the name of the Presbytery and by authority of the Divine Head of the Church inducted him to labour in the African Mission Stations of the F.P. Church in S. Rhodesia. The right hand of fellowship was then given by members of Presbytery in token of their earnest prayer for the Lord’s blessing on his labours in the foreign field.
Rev. D. A. MacFarlane then addressed the newly ordained minister in appropriate and affectionate terms with helpful advice suited to his circumstances and position. Rev. Wm. Grant addressed the congregation present, referring to early labourers in the African mission, notably Rev. J. B. Radasi and Rev. J. Tallach, and at present Rev. J. S. Fraser, and desired all interested in the progress of the gospel to remember in prayer all those who are serving on the foreign field. Members from other Presbyteries of the church were present and to these an opportunity was given to convey their good wishes to Mr. Mzamo, Revs. J. Colquhoun, convener and D. MacLean, Clerk of the Foreign Missions Committee; Revs. Wm. MacLean, Ness, Lewis, D. Campbell, Edinburgh, and D. J. MacAskill, Lochcarron. The service was then concluded with praise and prayer, and before taking his seat on the Presbytery, Rev. Petros Mzamo met and shook hands with the people at the door as they retired. Rev. Petros Mzamo returns to S. Rhodesia on 6th June (D.V.) his presence is sorely needed in his native country to help the hard pressed staff in the foreign field. He returns with the prayers and good wishes of our people, who will follow with close interest the course of his ministry. May the Great Head of the Church abundantly bless the labours of Mr. Mzamo and use him as the means of strengthening His cause in S. Rhodesia.—A.F.M., Clerk of N. Presbytery.