A great representation of the Free Church congregation of Stirling was joined by a number of friends from within the Glasgow & Argyll Presbytery and beyond at the induction service of the Rev Angus Lamont, on Saturday 19th November in Bannockburn High School.
The service was conducted by the Rev Dr Rodger Crooks, Resident Supply Minister at Lochgilphead and Tarbert. Rev Iain R. Morrison, Oban, preached an appropriate sermon on Acts 1:9-11 – the concern of the disciples following the ascension of our Lord: after being with Jesus for three years, they were suddenly on their own! What were they to do now? Under the leading of the Spirit, they were to be Christ’s witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and to the ends of the earth.” That included the British Isles and the city of Stirling!
The congregation had become vacant earlier in the year with the departure of Rev Iain MacAskill to the Northern Presbytery. Angus, on returning earlier in the year with his wife, Anita, from service in Peru, had provided resident supply to the Stirling congregation for several months.
Having satisfactorily answered all the questions required of him, Angus signed “The Formula” and was officially inducted to the charge and given the right hand of fellowship by members of all the Presbyteries represented.
Rev Kenny Boyd, minister at Govanhill, Glasgow, a friend and fellow student of Angus, gave words of welcome and encouragement to the newly inducted minister. Rev David Meredith, who had been the vacancy’s Interim Moderator, addressed the congregation in suitable terms. Mr Kenneth Ferguson, Session Clerk, welcomed Angus to the congregation and presented him with a gift. One of the youngest members of the congregation, Millie Rose Mahato, presented Anita with a beautiful bouquet. The company then moved to the cafeteria to enjoy hospitality provided by the congregation.
Report and photos by Evan Macdonald.
