A group of former students from the class of ‘83, from Colegio San Andres, Lima, Peru visited the Free Church of Scotland offices this week.
Nine classmates joined former staff and friends in Edinburgh to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their graduation and to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr John A MacKay, the founder of Colegio San Andres.
One of the former students, Pablo Gutiérrez, spoke about the double anniversary, saying: “It’s a coincidence but it’s also God’s providence.”
He added: “It’s a dream come true to be here.”
Pablo gave a speech to fellow former students and guests reciting a phrase by the late Dr John A MacKay, ‘Tomorrow’s way passed through yesterday’.
The visit to ETS was co-ordinated by Catriona Macdonald, a former teacher at Colegio San Andres. She said the group of nine were set to go sightseeing and taste Scottish food during their trip to Edinburgh.
Catriona Macdonald said: “It’s really great to see some former pupils from Colegio San Andres here in Edinburgh. They are so grateful and appreciative of the educational impact on their lives and the school has a place in their hearts.”
Among the guests was Rev John MacPherson, who said, “the links between the Free Church of Scotland and Peru go back more than 100 years, through the sending of missionaries to Peru. Everything is now in Peruvian hands – churches and schools. It’s a fraternal relationship.”