Induction of Rev David Campbell to Edinburgh
On Friday, 19 July 2013, the Southern Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland met in Edinburgh at 6.45 pm for the Induction of Rev David Campbell to the pastoral charge of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland congregation in Edinburgh. The Court was depleted in its ministerial ranks and members felt sorry that Rev J MacLeod and Rev J L Goldby were not able to be present. A congregation of about 250 people gathered from many parts of the Church.
The Moderator, Rev K M Watkins, preached from Ezekiel 47:10, “And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many”. The address was most appropriate for the induction of a minister to a pastoral charge.
In the presence of the congregation, Mr Campbell took solemn vows and made promises, in respect of the sacred obligations of the Christian ministry, subscribing his name to them. It is significant that Mr Campbell’s great uncle, Rev Donald Campbell was inducted in the same building, to the same pastoral charge, in 1951.
The newly-inducted minister was addressed by the Moderator from Matthew 4:19: “And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”. Rev R Macleod addressed the Congregation from Ephesians 6:18-20: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak”.
Ministers from other Presbyteries spoke for their respective Presbyteries: on behalf of the Outer Isles Presbytery, Rev J R Tallach; and on behalf of the Northern Presbytery, Rev N M Ross. They and Rev D W B Somerset were associated with the Southern Presbytery.
Having been interim Moderator of the Edinburgh Congregation since the passing away of Rev Hugh Cartwright, the writer formed a close bond with the congregation there. As they mourned the loss of a pastor and friend he mourned with them in the loss of a brother minister and friend. Now, as they are relieved and joyful on the occasion of Mr Campbell’s induction, he rejoices with them in the tender bond of Christian sympathy and love and he feels sure that that joy is shared among those who seek the good of Christ’s Church in Scotland.
(Rev) R Macleod, Clerk of the Southern Presbytery
Theological Conference
This year’s Theological Conference will be held, God willing, in St Jude’s Free Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29-30. It is expected that the following papers will be read, all of which will be in public:
Theological Writings of Hugh Martin
Rev D W B Somerset Tuesday 2.30 pm
The Intercession of Christ
Rev David Campbell Tuesday 7.00 pm
Martin Luther’s Theology
Dr R J Dickie Wednesday 10.00 am
The Response of the Churches to Evolution
Dr A H Ross Wednesday 2.30 pm
The Covenant of Grace
Rev Roderick MacLeod Wednesday 7.00 pm
Rev K D Macleod is to act as chairman.
(Rev) J R Tallach, Convener, Training of the Ministry Committee
Removed by Death
We note with sadness the death of Mr Angus MacRitchie, an elder in the Ness congregation, on August 30.