On 27 October 2024, the congregation of Hope Church Coatbridge bid farewell to Rev. Ivor and Rosemary MacDonald after thirteen years of ministry. Mr MacDonald was moving to Skye to lead the Free Church of Scotland’s newly established Centre for Rural Ministry and to serve the congregation of Duirinish.
The Centre for Rural Ministry is a project designed to provide resources, support, and training for those engaged in rural ministry and to encourage more people to consider serving in rural communities across Scotland.
During the well-attended morning service at Hope Church, Alasdair Walker was admitted as a new elder, and Joe Fallon was ordained as a new deacon.
Following the service, the congregation gathered for a church lunch, including a cake decorated with items representing Mr MacDonald’s interests. Afterwards, Cameron MacIver, an elder, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Mr MacDonald’s ministry, highlighting the lasting impact he had made in Coatbridge.
Cameron began by reading a resolution from the Kirk Session, which commended Mr MacDonald for his new appointment and expressed deep gratitude for his 13 years of dedicated service:
“The Kirk Session congratulates Rev. Ivor MacDonald on his appointment as the Rural Missions Director of the Free Church of Scotland, a post for which he is uniquely qualified.”
“While saddened at their minister’s departure, the Session wishes to place on record their heartfelt thanks to Mr MacDonald for his 13 years of devoted service to the cause of Christ in Coatbridge.”
“Mr MacDonald’s preaching is well prepared, thoroughly Biblical, comforting, challenging and edifying and many have testified to how much they have benefited from his clear and fearless presentation of the truth of God. His pastoral work is of an equally high standard and Mr MacDonald’s commitment to the care of his congregation has been exemplary.”
“The number of people who have, in these thirteen years, become communicant members of the congregation, many by profession of faith, testify to the fact that God has honoured Mr MacDonald’s tireless efforts to promote the Gospel.”
“In addition to the above, Mr MacDonald has played a prominent role in the work of the Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll as an assessor minister to the Presbytery of Skye and Wester Ross and in the Committees of the General Assembly, without in any way diminishing the effectiveness of his work in the congregation.”
“As an all-round pastor, Mr MacDonald can have few equals, and the Session regards it as a privilege to have sat under his ministry. It is the Session’s great hope and prayer that he will continue to know the blessing of Almighty God in his new sphere of service.”
Cameron also shared his appreciation for Mr MacDonald’s ministry, particularly mentioning two sermon series that had deeply impacted him.
Graham Russell, a deacon, then presented Mr MacDonald with a signed card and a gift from the congregation, offering a few words of appreciation. Mary Wilson and Juliet Devoti followed with a presentation of flowers to Rosemary MacDonald, thanking her for her support and dedication to the church and its people.
In response, Mr MacDonald expressed his gratitude for the kind words and gifts, giving thanks to God for His care and provision throughout his time in Coatbridge. While excited about his new role, Mr MacDonald admitted feeling deep sadness at leaving the congregation and town he had come to love. He also spoke of the harmonious relationships within the Church Courts during his time there, for which he was particularly thankful.
As he closed, Mr MacDonald promised to keep the congregation in his prayers as they began the search for a new minister, and he reflected on the privilege it had been to serve in Coatbridge.