27th October 2012
My eldest son, Hugh, was inducted as minister to Thurso Free Church at the very north of mainland Scotland. This follows the death of Thurso’s previous minister, the Rev. Kenny Macleod just back in April. Hugh was very close to Kenny.
I have to thank my sister-in-law, Jean, for these photos.
The family drove up to Thurso and went into the school which was being prepared, and then onto the church. The school hall was also being prepared for Halloween!!
The church was packed
And after the induction and ordination, Hugh shook hands at the door
Then it was onto the school where the ladies had done a wonderful job of catering
Then it was time for Hugh to take control and invite some friends to say a few words.Dr. John Morrison, an old friend of mine who shares the same date of birth, did the introductions
Rev. Iain Macleay was minister in Rosskeen Free Church when Hugh became a church member. Hugh has a lot of respect and affection for Iain.
Rev. Colin Macleod of the Free North Church was Hugh’s minister in Leeth, Edinburgh when Hugh was in the church college. He said a few words.
Rev Alex Stewart was a close friend of Hugh’s at the church college. He also gave a speech.
And the Rev. Ronald Morrison of Alness Parish Church – a mentor and a great friend to Hugh. Hugh did work expereince with Ronald while at school.
The treasurer passed on a gift from the congregation.
These are pictures with various friends.
At the end there was a chance for some family pictures.
And the last clearing up.
I’m an incredibly proud dad. I thought the way Hugh handled the speeches was wise and gracious. He didn’t belittle and he gave credit and thanks.
Now we need to pray for Hugh’s ministry, for Thurso, Bettyhill, Skera and Portskera congregations and for the team ministry. Pray for growth and encouragement and for God to glorified in the far North.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
(
1 Timothy 4: 12 – 16)