By Izzy MacLeod
On Saturday 9th August, Castletown and Community Free Church came together to mark the approaching retirement of Howard Stone, after over three decades of service.
Moving away from his background in biomedical science, Howard completed his studies at the Free Church college in Edinburgh in 1992 before being inducted to the parish of Olrig, Watten & Bower in 1993. In 2014, the church formally became Castletown & Community Free Church —a rebirth that reflected its growing role in the community. Under his leadership, Castletown & Community Free Church has been actively involved in the life of the village, reflecting Christ’s heart for the lost and demonstrating its faith in practical service.
During his time in Castletown and in addition to his work there, Howard has overseen Thurso & North Coast Free Church and Helmsdale Free Church during their vacancies and has continued on as interim moderator of Wick Free Church. He also took on pastoral care of Lybster Free Church after Jim Morrison’s retirement in 2017. His influence and pastoral care have spanned several communities across the region, underscoring a ministry defined by the love of Christ, a longing to reach those who are lost coupled with a devotion to the people of Caithness.
On the day itself, there were two gatherings so that all who wished to attend were able to. There came first a celebration at the local village hall with a church gathering in the late afternoon for the congregation and associated churches. Family, friends and congregation members from across Caithness gathered to express their gratitude to Howard and Christine as well as to give thanks to God for all He has done through Howard’s ministry. Remarks were given by Jerry Taylor of Thurso & North Coast Free Church, James Ross from the Wick congregation and from Isabel MacLeod, the eldest daughter of Howard and Christine. Ann Manson spoke on behalf of Castletown & Community Free Church with presentations made by each speaker, as well as an additional presentation from Lybster Free Church. All shared their thankfulness for Howard’s steadfast devotion to Christ, to his ministry and his enduring service; a service which, rooted in love, resilience, and commitment, has sown deep roots in the life of the church and the village. There was encouragement given to Howard that even though the congregation remains small, there have been many who have gone through it and now, saved through faith in Christ, have gone on to serve God elsewhere.
In true Free Church style, there was tea, coffee and cake after the event, with an opportunity for conversation and fellowship. Howard and Christine would like to express their thankfulness to all who came along, to those who gave so willingly, to the congregation that have become a family to them and, most of all, to God. God led Howard and Christine to serve in Castletown back in 1993 and will continue to guide them still in Howard’s retirement.