This service was held in St Jude’s Church, Glasgow as it was felt that the Dumbarton Church would not be large enough to hold the numbers expected to attend. After the Presbytery had been constituted, the usual proclamation was made at the door of the Church and, when no objections were made in terms of the Edict, it was agreed to proceed. Rev. A. F. MacKay, Inverness, was associated with the Presbytery. The Moderator conducted public worship and preached from Ephesians 3:8 “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Upon the conclusion of this most suitable sermon, the Clerk read the Narrative of Proceedings which led up to this Call. The usual questions were then put to the minister-elect and the formula read in his hearing. Rev. J. Brentnall, having answered the questions satisfactorily and indicating his willingness to sign the formula, subscribed the same in the presence of the congregation. He then kneeled and was ordained to the ministry with prayer and the imposition of hands according to the Presbyterian order. The Moderator then admitted the newly-ordained minister to the pastoral charge of the Dumbarton Free Presbyterian Congregation and, in token thereof, gave him the right hand of fellowship. In this, he was followed by all the members of Presbytery. Rev. J. Brentnall was then addressed by Rev. L. MacLeod, while the Clerk addressed the Congregation. At the conclusion of his address, the Clerk read a letter of good wishes from Rev. A. F. MacKay, Inverness. The proceedings were closed with singing and the benediction.
Dumbarton Congregation have thus had their first minister settled over them. It is a congregation which has shown most encouraging signs of growth in the past number of years, and the desire and prayer of the Presbytery is, that the Lord would abundantly bless both pastor and people with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which is so much needed in every part of the Lord’s Vineyard. The large congregation which attended the ordination and induction was an encouraging feature to all present.
Donald MacLean
Young People’s Conference — 1977
It is hoped to return to Kilravock Castle for the 1977 Young People’s Conference. The Conference will take place (D.V.) from 12th-14th April 1977.
The topic for the Conference will be “The Witness of the Church”, and four papers will be given. The speakers expected are Rev. J. W. Ross, Lochcarron, and the Conference Secretary. If time permits, it is hoped that a missionary panel and sessions on Psalmody can be included.
The cost will be £9.50 per person. Those wishing to attend should apply to the Conference Secretary, who will provide detailed information on the programme. A deposit of £2 should be forwarded with applications.
Rev. S. Fraser Tallach, Conference Secretary,
Free Presbyterian Manse,
Broadford,
Isle of Skye.
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Outer Isles: At Stornoway on 11th January, 1977 at 11 a.m.
Northern: At Dingwall on 25th January, 1977 at 2.30 p.m.
Skye: At Portree on 1st February, 1977 at 11 a.m.
Southern: At Glasgow on 22nd February, 1977 at 6 p.m.
Western: At Laide on 8th March, 1977 at 12 noon.
Dominions and Overseas Committee — A Special Appeal
Readers of the Free Presbyterian Magazine will have followed developments in Italy with great interest and no doubt will be encouraged to know that a Committee has been formed there, which adheres to the Westminster Confession of Faith. This Committee named “Fede Viva” is addressing itself in different ways to the task of presenting the pure gospel to a land plagued with Popery and Communism.
The Rev. John Tallach, who has been Church Deputy to Italy, and who has well acquainted himself with the situation there, would welcome the opportunity of giving more information about the Committee. “Fede Viva.” He thinks this could best be done by giving addresses on the subject to Congregations throughout the Church and it is hoped that the necessary facilities to implement this proposal will be forthcoming.
Involvement in evangelical work in Italy, under the auspices of the Free Presbyterian Church, is an opportunity which must be grasped. The contacts already made are sufficient to conclude that the Lord has called the Church to display Christ’s banner in that land of gross darkness. Although the Dominions and Overseas Committee in the normal way contribute towards mission work in Italy, we have Synod authority to make a special appeal for financial help towards a scheme to establish a Reformation Study Centre in Italy. As this Study Centre is urgently needed and the cost formidable, we do appeal to our people and all interested friends to give what help they can. Any monetary response to this special appeal should be sent to the Dominions and Overseas Fund, through the General Treasurer, or to any other authorised person, such as Rev. John Tallach himself.
While making this special appeal for money, we, the Committee, are well aware of the frequent calls upon our people to contribute toward’s the various funds of the Church. However as this, in our opinion, is a matter of exceptional importance, we deem it our duty to inform readers of the Magazine that they may as members of corporate bodies or as individuals help those in Italy, who now are emerging from the very long night of Popery.
D. Campbell
Convener of Dominions and Overseas Committee
“TO THE YOUNG MAN; I must first tell you that there is not such a glassy, icy, and slippery piece of way betwixt you and heaven as YOUTH; and I have experience to say with me here and to seal what I assert. The old ashes of the sins of my youth are new fire of sorrow to me. I have seen the devil, as it were, dead and buried, and yet rise again, and be a worse devil than ever he was; therefore, my brother, beware of a green young devil, that hath never been buried. The devil in his flowers (I mean the hot, fiery lusts and passions of youth) is much to be feared: better yoke with an old grey-haired, withered dry devil. For in youth, he findeth dry sticks, and dry coals, and a hot hearthstone; and how soon can he with his flint cast fire, and with his bellows blow it up, and fire the house! Sanctified thoughts, thoughts made conscience of, and called in, and kept in awe, are green fuel that burn not, and are a water for Satan’s coal”.
Samuel Rutherford