Induction in Staffin
Despite fears that an induction arranged for a Tuesday would not command the numbers who would gather on a Friday, the Staffin church was filled almost to capacity on Tuesday, 20 November 2001 for the induction of Rev W A Weale.
Rev F Macdonald preached a very appropriate sermon from Deuteronomy 33:24,25, “And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days so shall thy strength be.” After the sermon was finished, the ministers from other presbyteries present, Revs A E W MacDonald, D J MacDonald, D A Ross and G G Hutton, were formally associated with the Skye Presbytery. The Moderator then gave a narrative of the proceedings in the Call to Mr Weale from the Staffin congregation, vacant since May 2000.
After Mr Weale had satisfactorily answered the questions put to ministers at their induction and signed the Formula, the Moderator prayed and inducted Mr Weale as minister of Staffin congregation. He was then addressed by the Rev J L Goldby on the words of Luke 19:13, “Occupy till I come”, and the Rev J R Tallach exhorted the congregation from the words, “Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom 12:11). Representatives of other presbyteries present spoke appropriately, and similar sentiments from Revs H M Cartwright, Edinburgh, K M Watkins, Sengera, and A J Macdonald, Farr, were conveyed to the congregation. It was gratifying to note a sizeable contingent present from Mr Weale’s previous charge.
After the service, and providentially in pleasant weather, the congregation moved on to the local hall, where refreshments were served. In their abundance and variety, the food reflected the warmth and the welcome which the Staffin congregation extended towards their new minister and their deep satisfaction at his settlement in their midst.
May the God of all grace and the Father of all mercies give grace and mercy to minister and congregation alike.
(Rev) J R Tallach