Rev. Iain Beaton (1939 – 2026)
The Rev. Iain Beaton passed away peacefully at home on 11th February, aged 87 years.
Iain was born in the Springburn District of Glasgow, of Skye parents. As a youth he attended the local Church of Scotland and joined the Boys Brigade. He spoke warmly of its influence in shaping his life.
When he was 24, Iain’s father was badly injured in a railway accident and died shortly afterwards. This was a devastating blow, and one he struggled with for some time.
Iain trained as a draughtsman and worked for various local companies. To gain more experiences he moved to Germany and often reflected on God’s providence in sending him there.
Shortly after returning home an event occurred that changed his life, and that of his mother, Chrissie, who was in her sixties. Iain’s young cousins, Sandra and Ewan MacNab, lost both their parents within a year as a result of two fatal accidents. It appeared as if the children would have to go into care, but Iain and Chrissie would not hear of it.
There was a poignant picture in a national newspaper of Sandra, aged 12, and Ewan, aged 6, leaving hospital hand in hand, walking towards their new future with Iain and Chrissie in Bishopbriggs. From then on, Iain was a father to Sandra and Ewan.
As a family they worshipped in Bishopbriggs Free Church where Iain became an elder. It was there that he met his future wife, Margaret Laing, a young doctor from Wick. They were married on 11th September 1981 by Rev. A. J. MacDonald.
After graduating from Glasgow University, Iain began studying for the ministry at the Free Church College in Edinburgh.
In 1983 the Lennoxtown Congregation was given Development Status by the General Assembly, and in November that year, Iain was ordained and inducted to the new charge of Lennoxtown Free Church by the Glasgow Presbytery.
Iain went on to serve on Presbytery committees and later as Moderator. For many years he was Clerk to the Board of Management in Maxwell House, the Church’s Eventide Home in Glasgow. He was also a Visiting Chaplain in Stobhill Hospital, a pastoral responsibility that was dear to his heart.
It was, of course, his work in Lennoxtown for the next 30 years that was his focus. He centred his life and ministry in faithfully proclaiming his Saviour’s love for sinners.
Two things stood out during those years. The first was the palpable love of the congregation for their minister, a love that never wavered. The people appreciated his preaching, delivered with clarity, warmth, and wisdom. Most of all they loved their minister because he made Christ very precious to them.
The second was that the congregation demonstrated their love for the Gospel by the annual remittances to Central Funds. Indeed, it was – and is – an inspiration to many.
As a pastor, Iain was always joyous, caring and an out-and-out trustworthy friend. There was a heart and a hilarity in his companionship. He was so even-tempered and gracious. Iain’s whole ministry was characterised by a quiet dignity, humility, and a deep sense of his own unworthiness. Reflecting on his life, Iain would say, ‘It was brim-full of God’s blessings.’
He was a familiar and popular figure in the community. Local people commented on his kindness and practical help, graciously carried out without fuss. Local folk showed their respect for Iain by their presence at his funeral service.
Five years ago, Iain suffered a severe stroke and, although he regained mobility, his speech never returned. Despite this, he was always at the church door, greeting everyone with a welcoming smile.
In December last year, Iain fell as he was leaving the house for church. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary, where he had surgery for a fractured hip. After eight distressing weeks there, Margaret took him home. He was glad to be home and at peace. In the early hours of the following morning, God called him to his heavenly home.
Iain often quoted the Lord’s words, ‘I am the bright and morning star’ (Rev. 22:16). For the believer, faith gives way to sight and he now sees the Morning Star and is enveloped in the brightness of his glorified Saviour.
Iain will be greatly missed by his wife, Margaret, a constant companion and encourager in the work at Lennoxtown. Sandra and Ewan will also miss him in a special way.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret, Sandra and Neil, Ewan and Catherine, Demi, Kelsey and Samantha, and the extended family.