Despite the wild weather, which on the day, cancelled inter-island ferry sailings, a good crowd gathered to witness and share in the induction of Rev. David Ferguson to the congregation of North Uist, Grimsay and Berneray on Saturday 14th September 2024.
The congregation had been declared vacant in June 2022, and Rev. Mark Macleod appointed Interim moderator. While a vacancy can be a difficult time, the North Uist congregation have been greatly blessed with a variety of willing preachers and have even witnessed growth in the congregation during this time.
In May this year, David made his first visit to preach in North Uist and was invited back within the month to preach again. A congregational meeting was called and was quickly followed with the signing and acceptance of the call. All necessary processes and procedures completed, the induction was duly appointed, and David, Catherine and Duncan moved to the manse at Carinish.
Rev. Iain Thomson, Moderator of Presbytery and Rev. Mark Macleod, travelled to Uist on Friday to beat the weather and ensure that proceedings could go ahead.
With his text from Romans Chapter 1, Mr. Thomson preached a challenging sermon befitting the occasion. Edicts read and the formula signed, members of presbytery that were gathered prayed over David, and it was good to see a former minister of the congregation, Rev. Ronnie Morrison, join with Presbytery in this duty.
Mr. Thomson then addressed David, and Mr. Macleod addressed the congregation.
Formalities over, the gathered group moved to the church hall, where a sumptuous buffet lunch was prepared. There was, as those who have visited the North Uist congregation would expect, no shortage of food.
During a break between courses, presentations were then made to David, Catherine and Duncan to welcome then to the congregation and a farewell gift was given to outgoing Interim moderator Mark Macleod. who will retain links to the congregation as David’s mentor.
Gordon Macleod, Assessor Elder for the congregation, and former colleague of David’s gave a speech, which with a fair smattering of poetic licence, provided some character details and information from David’s past appraisals from his work, ETS and the Board of Ministry.
Dessert was then served, and if you were still hungry, there was of course the Induction Cake, served with a cup of tea, with enough left over to be had on Sunday after the morning service.
We continue to pray for God’s Blessing as David, Catherine and Duncan settle into North Uist, and David begins his ministry.