By Malcolm Maclean
Saturday 22nd February was a welcome day for Knockbain Free Church due to the induction of Rev. Murdo Campbell, previously the pastor of Barvas Free Church, as minister of the congregation after a vacancy of about eighteen months. The Knockbain congregation were delighted when Murdo previously indicated his acceptance of their call, and they warmly welcomed him and his wife Alison and their children to the congregation.
The service was taken by Rev. Iain MacRitchie (Greyfriars Free Church) who preached an appropriate sermon from the words of the Great Commission given by Jesus to his apostles and recorded in Matthew 28. Iain pointed out three details in the commission: the mission is to make disciples from all nations; the method is to teach them all that Jesus had commanded his apostles; and the motivation is the promised presence of Jesus with them and subsequent pastors until he returns.
Afterwards the congregation and the new minister were addressed by Rev. Murdo Macleod (Nairn Free Church). He mentioned that Jesus in Gethsemane valued the presence of his disciples, a reminder that he desires believers to be together with him, even although he knows their weaknesses and wrong ideas at times. The new minister’s responsibility is to preach and pray and pastor whereas the congregation’s is to watch and pray for him, in what is often the lonely job of leadership, to turn up for church and prayer meetings (the single most encouraging thing they can do for him!), and to assist him with their fellowship and friendship. Different roles for minister and congregation, but teamwork in and of the Lord, based on his own divine example.
Afterwards, several speeches were made and presentations given. Gifts were presented to Murdo by David Macrae, an elder in the congregation, Murdo’s wife Alison was given flowers by Miss Helen Sharp, and vouchers were given to their boys by Seumas and Euan Grant. Presentations were also given to the interim moderator, Malcolm Maclean, and to the Session Clerk, Mr Iain Gray, for his diligence and hard work on behalf of the congregation during the vacancy.
Rev. Hugh Ferrier, minister of Stornoway High Free Church, a close friend of Murdo’s, gave a speech enlightening the congregation about their new minister. Hugh also preached for Murdo on the following Sunday morning.
Thereafter, those present joined with the congregation in enjoying food and fellowship. A happy day was brought to a close by the singing of Psalm 138:5-8.
The congregation has existed in the Black Isle for a long time and is grateful for the years of service given by previous ministers. They would value prayer by the wider church for their new minister and themselves as they step forward into fulfilling their call connected to the Great Commission in a growing community in the Black Isle.
Malcolm Maclean