Communions.
January—Fourth Sabbath, Inverness. February—First Sabbath, Dingwall; third, Stornoway; fourth, North Uist. March—First Sabbath, Ullapool; second, Ness and Portree; third, Finsbay and Lochinver; fourth, Kinlochbervie; fifth, North Tolsta. April—First Sabbath, Portnalong, Breaslete and Fort William; third, London and Greenock; fourth, Glasgow and Wick. May—First Sabbath, Kames and Oban; second, Scourie; third, Broadford and Edinburgh. June—First Sabbath, Tarbert, Applecross, Coigach; second, Shieldaig; third, Lochearron, Glendale, Helmsdale, Dornoch and Uig; fourth, Gairloch; fifth, Inverness. July—First Sabbath, Lairg, Raasay and Beauly; second, Staffin, Tomatin and Tain; third, Halkirk, Rogart, Flashadder and Daviot; fourth, Achmore, Bracadale, North Uist and Plockton. August—First Sabbath, Dingwall and Vancouver (Canada); second, Portree and Stratherrick; third, Bonar, Finsbay and Laide; fourth, Vatten, Stornoway and Thurso. September—First Sabbath, Ullapool and Breaslete; second, Strathy; third, Tarbert and Stoer; fourth, Applecross. October—First Sabbath, Tolsta and Lochcarron; second, Gairloch and Ness; fourth, Greenock, Lochinver and Wick. November—First Sabbath, Oban and Raasay; second, Glasgow and Halkirk; third, Edinburgh, Dornoch and Uig. December—First Sabbath, London.
SPECIAL NOTICE: All changes in above Communion dates to be notified to Editor, for 1957 (D.V.).
Day of Prayer.
The following motion was taken up at the Synod in May: Rev. R. R. Sinclair moved and Rev. D. MacLean seconded “That Wednesday, 25th September, be observed as a day of Humiliation and Prayer throughout the Church, because of our continued backsliding in our national life and of absence of signs of repentance.” The Synod approved this motion.
Jewish and Foreign Mission Fund.
The time has come round again in the Providence of God when we issue our annual appeal on behalf of the Jewish and Foreign Mission Fund. In doing so, we feel bound to express our thankfulness to the Lord, who has the hearts of all men in His hand, for His goodness to us in the past in moving the friends of the Cause to support this Fund so liberally, and to acknowledge the generosity of our loyal people, at home and abroad.
A great deal of useful work is being done in our Mission in Southern Rhodesia, calculated to raise the natives to a position in which they will be able to attend to their own affairs. The Government has shown its appreciation of our work, and, time and again, has given tangible tokens of that appreciation and of the respect in which our Mission is held by officials in high places. It is, however, to be remembered that our Mission exists first and foremost in order to bring the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus to our fellow creatures in that far-off land who have been for centuries sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. The salvation of even one soul would justify the continuance of our efforts in that direction, and we have reports of many who have become partakers of the great salvation. This year many of our people were eye-witnesses of one such being ordained to the work of the ministry, and some have to acknowledge that it was a heart-melting sight, which could stir us up to greater efforts in order to bring the Gospel to the poor heathen.
The incidence of expense in connection with this work is very high, causing a heavy drain upon our funds, and for the replenishing of which we can only look to the Lord in the hope that He will be pleased to move the hearts of men and women to give of that which He has bestowed upon them. This collection is to be taken by box in August and we expect our loyal people to contribute as liberally as the Lord will lay to their hands. On inspired Apostolic authority we read that the Lord Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts xx. 35.—John Colquhoun, Convener. August, 1957.
Additions to Mission Staff.
As intimated at the Synod, the Committee were glad to report that two young people had come forward to assist in the work of the Mission. These are Miss I. MacCuish, M.A., Dunoon, and Mr. J. Van Woerden, London. The former is going to Ingwenya to take over the work of Miss MacKay. Mr. Van Woerden who is a communicant in our London congregation, is going out as a Lay Missionary and Male Nurse and will commence his labours at Zenka.
While these additions to our staff are an encouragement, we would impress upon the teachers in the Church the great need which still exists and the opportunities offered in our schools. The following posts still await applicants:—
- Teacher for Secondary Education at Ingwenya. Work here commences at the beginning of January, 1958.
- Teacher to relieve Rev. James Fraser in the Teacher Training Centre at Mbuma. Mr. Fraser must be relieved from this work so that he can concentrate on the Church work.
- Teacher for Zenka school. This school with its 400 or more pupils requires an European teacher so that the standard can be raised thus relieving the congestion at Ingwenya.
These calls from the Mission Field carry with them their own sense of urgency and the Committee appeals once more for teachers to come forward to assist in the great work of spreading the Word of God in distant Rhodesia.
JOHN COLQUHOUN, Convener.
DONALD MACLEAN, Clerk.
The Jewish and Foreign Mission Committee.
Letter from Deputy to Australia.
c/o Miss Shaw, Flat 1,
82 Victoria Street, Grafton,
Australia. 24th July, 1957.
My dear Mr. Sinclair,
Thank you for your letter of the 25th ult. We were both pleased to get it. As you see from the above address we decided to stop-over in Australia. We considered it more convenient and less expensive. The whole voyage, and the train journey to Grafton have been very pleasant and we have cause to be thankful for the Lord’s preservation of and kindness to us during the past two months since we left home. The congregation here is small in numbers, but most loyal, and we find them very kind indeed.
Mr. Kidd who is 84 and Mrs. Scott who is 88 have been able to attend all the services so far, and it is very heartening that they are able to go to God’s house at their age.
It is our intention to proceed to New Zealand about the end of October, and stay there until the middle of March (D.V.) when we intend to return home.
Letters come from our loved ones regularly.
Remember us very kindly to all the friends as if mentioned by name, and with warmest regards from us both.
I am,
Your sincere friend,
D. J. MATHESON.
Letter from Rev. Petros Mzamo.
Mbuma Mission,
P.B.T. 198, Bulawayo,
3rd July, 1957.
My dear Mr. Sinclair,
The Lord carried me home safely, indeed, a thing which we ought to be very thankful for. The Lord is showing us His great mercies in providence. Oh! that we would be enabled to see His hand in all His dealings with us as individuals and as a Church.
I had a very pleasant voyage to Capetown. We had Cape rollers two days before arriving in Capetown. The boat rocked from side to side and forward and backward. However, there was nothing alarming. My boat anchored in Capetown at 6 a.m.
As soon as it stopped officers from the immigration, customs and declaration offices came in, and all passengers went through them. I had no difficulty in any of the offices.
My train left Capetown at 2 p.m. the same day of my arrival. I did not enjoy this journey by train for by now I was very tired of travelling and anxious to get home. The train pulled into Bulawayo at 5.45 p.m. on Saturday. I was met by Mr. Miller and Mr. Tallach.
I spent the week-end at Ingwenya. The Europeans and Africans in the Mission gave me a warm welcome. The services on Sabbath were well attended. I took all the services and the English service in the evening, and also evening worship with the students at 8 p.m.
I left Ingwenya for Mbuma on Tuesday morning. I stopped at Zenka for about three hours to see friends there. I reached Mbuma at 5 p.m. Everybody was anxious to see me back. The students lined up along the road to my house to welcome me back, and they were singing Psalm 133. My wife had prepared tea and invited all friends in the Mission white and black. They all came and my wife and Miss Finlayson were serving at table. We all enjoyed the occasion.
Last Sabbath we had communion here at Mbuma. It was a very refreshing and pleasant season. We had people from Ingwenya, Zenka and Inkai. There were so many people on Sabbath that we had two services in different classrooms going on at the same time in the morning and afternoon. We had to meet outside for dispensing the Lord’s Supper.
I hope you are still enjoying good measure of health. Remember me to friends in Wick.
Please convey my best love and regards to them all, and my special love to your sisters and daughter.
We are all keeping well and enjoying a measure of peace which we ought to be very thankful for.
May the Lord bless your labours at Wick.
Yours very sincerely,
PETROS MZAMO.
P.S.—Please post my books if you can.
* Books for Mbuma School from Mr. A. Henderson, M.A., Headmaster, Wick North School, have been forwarded.—R. R. S.
Synod Proceedings.
The printed Proceedings of Synod, May, 1957, will soon be sent out to congregations. The price per copy will be 2/-, and 3d for postage when single copies are sent out. Copies can be had from Mr. John Grant, 4 Millburn Road, Inverness.—Robert R. Sinclair, Clerk of Synod.
Acknowledgment of Donations.
Mr. J. Grant, 4 Millburn Road, Inverness, General Treasurer, acknowledges with grateful thanks the following:—
Sustentation Fund.—Mr. E. M., Carnigrich, Harris, £2; Mr. M. A. McL., Talisker, No. 5 R. D., Feilding, New Zealand, o/a Struan Congregation, £5.
Foreign Mission Fund.—Anon., Tolsta, £2; Anon., Lairg postmark, £2; Mr. W. B., Lamond View, Stenhousemuir, £1.
Mission Transport Fund—Mrs. I. M., Myrtle Cottage, Dalchrechart, Glenmoriston, £1; Friend, Lochgilphead, per A. McP., £4.
Home Mission Fund.—“A Friend,” Knock postmark, £1; Mr. H. McK., Craig Dunain, Inverness, £1.
Magazine Free Distribution Fund.—Mr. D. McL., Dechmont, 6/-; Miss M. M., Schoolhouse, Northton, £4 12/6; Wellwisher, 6/-; Miss C. McK., Foulis Terrace, London, S.W.7., 9/-; Mr. H. C., Scorraig, 6/-
The following lists sent in for publication:—
Broadford Church Building Fund.—Mr. J. MacLean, Treasurer acknowledges with sincere thanks: Two Friends, Broadford, £3; Interested, Dunan, £3; Anon. Friend, Glasgow, per Nurse Martin, £1; Friend, Ardineskan, £1; Mr. and Mrs. A. MacLean, Auckland, New Zealand, £5; Mrs. M. McL., 3 Drinan, Elgol, £1.
Dingwall Church Building Fund.—Mr. D. Matheson, Treasurer acknowledges with thanks: Miss C. McK., Gairloch, per A. McL., £2; Friend, Edinburgh, £1; Mrs. McL., Inverness, £2; Miss McA., Inverness, £2; Friend, Gairloch, £2; Friend, Inverness, £1; C. M., Edinburgh, per Mrs. McL., £1.
Fort William Manse Building Fund.—Mr. I. Matheson, “Tanera,” Fort William, Treasurer, acknowledges with thanks: Dr. N. G., £2; Mrs. Zeigler, Texas, £3 10/7; Mrs. McK., Airdrie, £1; Mrs. G. Plockton. £1 10/-.
Gisborne, New Zealand, F.P. Church Building Fund.—The following donation thankfully received on behalf of the Treasurer, Mr. M. MacPherson: Mr. and Mrs. J. McL., 20 Diabaig, £2.
Glendale Church Repairs Fund.—Mr. A. MacLean, Treasurer, acknowledges with grateful thanks: Friend, Glasgow, £5, per Rev. J. C.; Friend, 10/-; F. F., Glasgow, £1.
Halkirk Congregation.—Rev. W. Grant gratefully acknowledges £1 from “A Friend,” Midlyth for Trinitarian Bible Society.
Laig and Creich Congregation.—Rev. D. M. MacLeod acknowledges with sincere thanks £1 from Miss S., Glasgow; and £1 from Miss L., Glasgow, for Congregational Funds.
Lochcarron Manse Building Fund.—Mr. G. Ross acknowledges with thanks: A Communion Friend, £10/-; A Communion Friend at Beauly, £20.
Lochinver Congregation.—The Treasurer acknowledges having received from Davidson Scott & Co., Solicitors, Inverness, the sum of £50 for Lochinver Congregation in respect of the legacy of the late Miss Mary MacKenzie, Assynt House, Stornoway.
London Church Building Fund.—Rev. J. P. MacQueen acknowledges with sincere thanks the following: Mr. R. McB., Raasay, £2; A Friend, Glenelg, £2; An F.P. Friend, Inverness, £1; Miss C., Inverness, £1; Miss K. McL., S. Arnish, Raasay, £1 10/-; A Friend, Raasay, £1; A Portree Friend, £5; W. M., Halkirk, in loving memory of a beloved daughter, £5; F. F., Glasgow, £2; A North Tolsta Friend, £2; A Staffin Passer-by, £1; A Friend, Inverness, £1.
North Harris Congregation.—Mr. D. Morrison, Treasurer, acknowledges with grateful thanks £5 from a “Wellwisher” for Congregational Purposes.
Raasay Congregation Car Fund.—Mr. John Gillies thankfully acknowledges the following: Mr. and Mrs. McL., Glasgow, £2; Mrs. A. G., £2; D. McL., S. Arnish, £5; R. McB., Inverarish, £2; C. M., Mill Place, £1 10/-; R. F., Mill Place, £1; J. G., Cottages, £1; M. N., Portree, 10/-.
Staffin Manse Building Fund.—Mr. D. Gordon, Treasurer, acknowledges with thanks.—A. McA., per A. G., £1; A Friend, per Rev. J. C., 10/-; Staffin Congregation, £89 5/-.
Uig Congregation.—Mr. M. MacLennan, Treasurer, acknowledges with thanks £1 for repairs from Anon., Knock postmark.
Ullapool Congregation.—Mr. A. Corbett, Treasurer, acknowledges with thanks £2 for Sustentation Fund from Mrs. H. McK., Drummond Street, Tain, per Rev. D. N. McL.