Aberdeen Church—Debt Paid
Our small place of worship situated at the corner of Summerfield Terrace and Park Road, Aberdeen, is now clear of debt. The final figure which includes the purchase price of £900, internal alterations and seating, and the somewhat heavy expenses of making the adjustments required by the city planning authority, came to £2000. It is remarkable that in the Lord’s providence this result should have been achieved so quickly. The first donation for the purchase of the property came in on 20th December 1968, and before a year had fully elapsed, the whole debt of £2000 had been paid off. At the outset, arrangements had been made by the Northern Presbytery to raise the purchase price by way of loan, but the negotiations had barely been completed when it became apparent that the loan need not be called for. The result is that a most attractive, pleasantly furnished room, large enough to seat up to 50 people without undue discomfort, in an accessible part of the city has now been provided, and here our Aberdeen people and the students attending University attend for public worship. We may add that the services are well attended, particularly by our students at Aberdeen, who are finding in the service of our own Church a centre of church life which to some extent compensates for the loss of home life with its comforts and privileges.
We wish to intimate, therefore, that the Aberdeen Building Fund is now closed. Expenses in providing supply for Aberdeen are quite heavy, and donations for this purpose will always be gladly received and acknowledged.
We wish to thank our people throughout the Church most sincerely for their generous help and to recognise once again the good hand of our merciful God upon us in granting success to this Church venture.
A. F. M.
Rev. Fraser Tallach’s Illness
We are happy to be able to report that Rev. Fraser Tallach who underwent a kidney transplant operation at the end of November has made good progress and is now out of hospital. There is much cause for thankfulness to the Lord for bringing Mr Tallach and also his brother safely through the transplant operation. We hope and pray that the Lord will continue His kindness to them and that they will be restored to a measure of health and strength, and to usefulness in the Lord’s Cause. We deeply sympathise with the family in the time of great anxiety through which they have had to pass, but trust that they have found out anew that the Lord is a present help in trouble.
Deputy to Canada and the U.S.A
News has reached us of Rev. Alex. Muurray’s safe arrival in this country on 9th December 1969, after six months as the Church’s Deputy to Canada and the U.S.A. We would thankfully acknowledge the Lord’s kindness to Mr Murray in His protecting care over him during his visit abroad and in bringing him back in safety to his congregation and family again. May his labours on the North American Continent be followed with a rich blessing from the Lord to the good of many souls, so that the cause of Christ may be built up in that part of His vineyard.
Scourie Church Renovation Appeal
The Northern Presbytery have given their cordial approval to this which has served the congregation from its inception, and it is still in a remarkable state of preservation. Nevertheless, the years have weakened it to the extent that it must be renovated at once if it is to remain serviceable. It has been decided to strengthen the walls with permanent materials and put on a new roof. With a few other replacements, the building will be classifiable as permanent and should serve the congregation for a long time to come. The Northern Presbytery have given their cordial approval to this appeal. Readers may remember that in the last few years our loyal and energetic people in Scourie and Kinlochbervie have built an excellent manse, and bought and renovated a fine Church in Kinlochbervie, largely by their own efforts. Already they have contributed heartily to the latest project, but as it is to cost £1000 we appeal once again to friends throughout the Church to give their generous support to the renovation of this place of worship.
On behalf of the Deacon’s Court,
Alex. McPherson, Interim Moderator.