Induction at Kinlochbervie
The Northern Presbytery met on Friday evening of 20th November at Kinlochbervie Church to ordain and induct Rev. J. Tallach, M.A., to the pastoral charge of the Scourie & Kinlochbervie congregation. The wet night had little effect upon the large gathering of over 200 who filled the church, many coming from places as far distant as Wick, Inverness and Aberdeen. Rev. D. A. MacLean presided as Moderator. Rev. R. R. Sinclair, Wick, preached from the appropriate words of Psalm ciii, verse 21: “Ye ministers of his who do his pleasure”, dwelling in his sermon on the two matters in the text, the ministers of Christ in their peculiar character, position and consecration to their work; and their service, in which the good pleasure of God would prosper in their hand. Mr Sinclair spoke mainly of their work as preachers in proclaiming the doctrines of God’s Word; as shepherds in feeding the flock with sound doctrine, practical godliness and spiritual consolations of the Gospel; as ensamples in enforcing their message by a godly walk and conversation; and as watchmen, watching over the souls of their people and labouring in doctrine and prayer, that they might give in their account with joy and not with grief. When divine worship was concluded, the narrative of the proceedings in the Call was given, the stated Questions put by the Moderator and answered satisfactorily, and the Formula signed. Mr Tallach then kneeled and the Moderator by solemn prayer and the imposition of hands ordained him to the office of the ministry, and thereafter inducted him to the charge of the congregation in the name of the Presbytery and by authority of the Divine Head of the Church, giving Mr Tallach the right hand of fellowship in which he was followed by the members of the court. The newly settled minister was then addressed in suitable terms by Rev. A. F. MacKay and the congregation by Rev. A. MacPherson. The congregation was then dismissed and as the people departed Mr Tallach had an opportunity of shaking hands with them at the outer door of the Church.
A pleasing feature of the evening was the presence of Rev. F. Tallach from Aberdeen who briefly spoke of the pleasure it gave him to witness the settlement of his brother in the charge. Mr F. Tallach has recently recovered from a serious operation. Both are sons of the late Rev. J. A. Tallach, our former esteemed minister of Stornoway; another brother, Dr James Tallach, has recently gone out to labour at Mbuma Hospital in our Rhodesian Mission. Messages were also read from Rev. D. A. MacFarlane and Mr J. MacLennan, Dingwall, and from Rev. D. B. MacLeod, London, their former minister. Rev. M. MacInnes, Ullapool, and Rev. J. W. Ross, Lochcarron, who were present, also briefly expressed their good wishes for the success of the newly inducted minister.
The people of Scourie and Kinlochbervie congregation richly deserve the settlement of a young minister over them, for they have shown deep practical interest in the affairs of their own congregation. In the interval since their previous minister departed for London, they purchased a substantial Church which they completely renovated and built a handsome manse, both at Kinlochbervie, and are now in process of repairing and strengthening their church at Scourie. May Mr Tallach’s ministry among them be greatly owned by the Great Head of the Church in turning away many from unrighteousness to the wisdom of the just.
A.F.M.
A Weighty Charge
Thursday, 18th August 1768.
“At Exeter today, I spent some time with that excellent christian, good old Mr Brewer, and, in the course of our conversation, I experienced much of the divine presence. Among other matters, he mentioned some particulars, spoken in a charge lately given at the ordination of a young dissenting minister, which I put down here, as they are too good to be lost. “I cannot conclude,” said the old ambassador of Christ, “without reminding you, my young brother, of some things that may be of use to you, in the course of your ministry.
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Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessings resulting from his righteousness, atonement, and intercession;
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Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit, except it be, where your subject necessarily requires it; or when the truths of God are likely to suffer by your silence;
- When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you; endeavour to preach more to the hearts of your people than to their heads;
- Do not affect too much oratory. Seek rather to profit, than to be admired.”
In the afternoon, returned to Broad-Hembury.”
—Diary and Selection of Hymns of Augustus Toplady, page 54.
Gospel Standard Baptist Publications 1970.
Jewish Mission
Services have been commenced by the Rev. H. R. Moshe Radcliff in Battlefield Primary School, Carmichael Place, Glasgow, S.2, on Sabbath afternoon at 3 p.m. There are many Jewish People in the vicinity, and it is hoped that in the Lord’s goodness they will be drawn to hear the Everlasting Gospel. The prayers of the Lord’s People are requested.
Ordination at Bracadale
On the 24th November the Western Presbytery met at Bracadale Church for the purpose of ordaining and inducting Mr Donald John MacDonald, probationer to the pastoral charge of the congregation. The Church was packed for a good number came from long distances in spite of the inclemency of the weather. The Call, which was most harmonious, was signed by eight members and one hundred and thirty adherents. Rev. Alexander Murray preached from II Cor. iii. 2, and thereafter the ordination and induction was conducted by the Moderator, Rev. John MacDonald, Staffin. The probationer, after having answered the questions satisfactorily and signed the formula in the presence of the congregation, was solemnly ordained and inducted to the pastoral charge. Thereafter he was given the right hand of fellowship by the members of Presbytery. Our prayer is that the ministry of the newly-inducted minister will be richly blessed and that he will have many souls for his hire.
J.C., Clerk.
Date of Portnalong Communion Changed
We would draw the attention of readers to the change in the date of the Portnalong communion. The Bracadale Kirk Session have decided that the communion will now be held on the 3rd Sabbath of April (D.V.) and not on the 1st Sabbath of April as formerly.
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Northern — At Dingwall on Tuesday, 26th January 1971, at 3.30 p.m.
Southern — At Glasgow on Tuesday, 16th February 1971, at 6 p.m.
Outer Isles — At Stornoway on 12th January 1971, at 3.30 p.m.
Increase in Price of Magazine
We regret to announce that it has become necessary to increase the price of the Magazine to 6 new pence as from 1st January 1971. This increase is due to the rising cost of printing, etc. We trust that readers will continue to support the Magazine as they have done so loyally in the past, and that they will bear with this added burden of subscription cost.
Greenock Manse Purchase Fund
The Deacons Court of Greenock congregation report that this Fund is now closed. All debt on the Manse is now cleared. The minister, and office-bearers, and congregation, would like to record their sincere gratitude to all who contributed, over the years, and by doing so helped forward the Cause of Christ in Greenock.
— T. MacRae, Clerk to the Deacons’ Court.
Death of Elder in Canada
It is with deep regret we record the death of Mr Thos. Macdonald, elder for Winnipeg, who passed away at Eston, Sask., on 10th December 1970. To his sorrowing family we extend sincere sympathy. A fuller notice of this worthy man will, in due course, appear in the magazine.