Clerks of Presbyteries, Conveners/Clerks of Committees and all interested parties should note that all items of business intended to be placed on the Synod Agenda must be in the hands of the Clerk of Synod by Tuesday, 22nd March, 1994 (D.V.).
D. B. Macleod,
Clerk of Synod
with the Presbytery. After the Narrative of proceedings leading the Call had been read, Rev Lachlan MacLeod, the Moderator put to Mr Watkins the solemn Questions whose answers indicate that the Probationer promises to be, with God’s help, a true minister of Christ, and a wholehearted loyal minister of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. After Mr Watkins had signed the Formula, the Moderator came down from the pulpit and with the other ministers, laying hands on the head of the kneeling Probationer, did with most solemn prayer ordain him to the office of the ministry, and then inducted him to the pastoral charge of the London Congregation. All the members of the court then followed the Moderator’s example of giving the right hand of fellowship to the new pastor.
The Rev D. B. MacLeod then gave good advice to Mr Watkins and Rev A. McPherson addressed the congregation. Interestingly, both of them were former ministers of the congregation. The Clerk then read nine messages of goodwill, and the two visiting ministers conveyed the good wishes of the Western and Northern Presbyteries. Next, on behalf of the London Congregation, Mr Edward Greene, elder, made a presentation to Rev L. MacLeod in token of their gratitude for the way he had looked after their affairs during the vacancy, and also gave a welcoming present to the new minister and his wife. The service was then closed with the singing of Psalm 117 and the benediction, after which Mr Watkins went to the door to shake hands with the departing congregation. We can only pray that this new ministry in London will be blessed in the way of souls being saved, and saved souls nourished with the spiritual meat of the kingdom. May it please the Lord also to bring many from the great city into the London Congregation for their soul’s good and the building up of Christ’s cause!
Before leaving the church, the congregation were informed that by courtesy of the London Hospital, its boardroom had been made available for the providing of refreshments, and almost everyone walked along to it. They found that the ladies of the congregation had made an abundant provision, and that there was full opportunity to meet one another.
Resignation of Rev Lachlan MacLeod
This took place in the Presbytery which continued to meet after the service. Rev L. MacLeod tendered his resignation on health grounds, and with great regret it was accepted. The whole court joined in expressing their sadness at parting with and losing the services of one for whom they had the highest respect and brotherly affection. After Mr MacLeod had
left, Rev D. MacLean read an appreciation of his service to the Presbytery, and it was decided that it should be embodied in the minutes, a copy sent to Mr MacLeod, and sent to the Free Presbyterian Magazine along with the account of the Ordination Service.
Rev Lachlan MacLeod — An Appreciation
The Southern Presbytery at its meeting in London on Thursday, 16th December, 1993, felt saddened by the fact that the Rev Lachlan MacLeod tendered his resignation from the charge of the Greenock congregation on grounds of ill health. In these circumstances, the Presbytery felt that they had no alternative but reluctantly to accept Mr MacLeod’s resignation. The Presbytery agreed that an appreciation of Mr MacLeod should be entered into its permanent records in the following terms:—
Rev Lachlan MacLeod who is a native of the Isle of Skye was ordained and inducted into his first charge as a minister of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland at Uig in the Isle of Lewis on 29th January, 1953. There he laboured faithfully and with much acceptance for the period of 12 years. He then accepted a call to the Greenock congregation to fill the vacancy left by the lamented death of the late Rev James MacLeod. He was inducted into this congregation on 3rd March, 1965 where he continued his faithful and much appreciated ministry. His retirement now means that he has served over 40 years in the ministry.
Mr MacLeod was diligent in his attendance at meetings of Presbytery and took his full share of the work involved. He also served on many Committees in the Church. He also undertook visits as Deputy of the Church to New Zealand and Canada.
Mr MacLeod’s relations with members of the Presbytery were of a most cordial kind. He was indeed a brother beloved, and it is with sadness we see his seat on the court becoming empty. The Presbytery wish both himself and Mrs MacLeod, who has been a true helpmeet to him, the Lord’s blessing on his retirement. It is hoped that the Lord will enable him to continue to preach the joyful sound of the Gospel as opportunity arises.
Alex McPherson, Clerk
Centenary Video
It is proposed that a short re-run of the Church Centenary Video will be done at the initial cost of £11.50 per copy. If anyone would like a copy, please contact the Church Bookroom (041 332 1760) and place your order.
This is the last chance to obtain a copy at this price, thereafter the price will be increased.
Notice to Conveners/Clerks of Standing Committees
The Conveners/Clerks of all Standing Committees should note that all Committee Reports must be in the hands of the Clerk of Synod by Tuesday, March 22nd, 1994, for printing purposes (D.V.). These Reports should contain information of the work of the Committees during the year. Recommendations and proposals should be send up as separate items for the Synod Agenda.
D. B. Macleod
Clerk of Synod
Editor’s Fax Number
The Editor’s Fax Number has now been changed and is the same as his telephone number, i.e. 031 447 1920.