Removed by Death
We note with sadness the death of Dr D R MacSween, Glasgow, on January 14. As we sympathise with his wife and family, we are conscious of the great loss to the Church.
A Heart for Africa
A number of reviews have now appeared, in various periodicals, of this biography of Jean Nicolson by Dolina MacCuish (Free Presbyterian Publications, 229 pages, hardback, £11.50). Some extracts follow.
The Bible League Quarterly summarises Miss Nicolson’s life story from her birth in Arizona until “in 1933 Jean Nicolson, accompanied by her mother, left Scotland to take up what was to be over 40 years’ service for the Lord with the Matabele people just 30 miles or so north of Bulawayo. This interesting book is not merely the story of Jean Nicolson, but it also gives a great insight into life in that part of Africa . . . where the primary school at Ingwenya . . . ultimately became a benchmark for other schools in Zimbabwe and southern Africa – largely through the efforts, under God, of Jean Nicolson.”
The reviewer continues: “Jean Nicolson was essentially a head teacher, yet she as well as all the other missionaries there, under the auspices of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, considered the school as a handmaid to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The spiritual welfare of those girls and boys, and the men and women too, were paramount in their hearts and thoughts.” The review concludes: “Jean Nicolson’s verdict on her long years among these courteous and lovable people was, ‘I’d live it all over again’. She had indeed, A Heart for Africa.”
The review in The Gospel Standard begins: “We knew Miss Nicolson. She certainly was a remarkable woman – a life of self-sacrifice, devoted to the Saviour.” The reviewer describes how “the book embraces the remarkable story of how the Free Presbyterian Church in Scotland was led to set up the mission in Rhodesia [as the country was formerly known]. Much emphasis was placed on education, but the great aim in the schools was that the Lord would sanctify the education of the African children, teaching them the knowledge of the truth, and with a desire that the Holy Spirit would bless it in bringing them to saving faith in Jesus.” He sums up: “The book is well written, in quite a lively style, and has preserved the faithful memory of an amazing woman – talented but, above all, blessed with the grace of God”.
The English Churchman reviewer was brought up in what is now Zimbabwe, and this clearly added to his interest in A Heart for Africa. He recalls that Miss Nicolson “had written a book about the founder of the work at Ingwenya”, which he reviewed; this was John Boyana Radasi (also published by Free Presbyterian Publications and still available). He comments that “the reader will readily note how many lives were changed as the Lord used this work to draw people unto Him: pupils, people living in the vicinity, including the fifth wife of the King Lobengula (who died after the Matabele War of 1893), whose own faith was a shining example to those about her”. And he refers to Miss Nicolson’s life as “a most extraordinary story” and refers to her “many, many years of selfless sacrifice and obedience to the call to mission work”.
Finally, the review in The Monthly Record of what it calls “this well-written short biography” gives a brief summary of Miss Nicolson’s life and the Mission in Ingwenya before concluding with the words: “a captivating story”.
Committee Meetings
Synod committees will meet, DV, in Inverness Free Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, March 16, as follows:
- 9.00 – 9.30 Church Interests Committee
- 9.30 – 11.00 Training of the Ministry Committee
- 11.00 – 11.45 Magazines Committee
- 12.00 – 1.00 Sabbath Observance Committee
- 2.00 – 3.00 Outreach Committee
- 2.00 – 5.00 Finance Committee
- 3.00 – 5.00 Religion and Morals Committee
- 6.00 – 7.30 Publications and Bookroom Committee
- 7.30 – 8.30 Welfare of Youth Committee
- 8.30 – 9.30 Dominions and Overseas Committee
(Rev) John MacLeod, Clerk of Synod
Bookroom Fund
By appointment of Synod, the Collection for the Bookroom Fund is due to be taken in congregations during February. W Campbell, General Treasurer