Douglas Campbell is inducted to Dunfermline Free Church

After a break of over 50 years a Free Church minister is now present again in Dunfermline.

Neil MacMillan went to Kirkcaldy, Alasdair I. Macleod to St. Andrews, and now there is a third preacher for our denomination in Fife.

Surely it was good that Neil should have orchestrated this night and Alasdair been Moderator.

                                    Neil MacMillan                                                                                 Billy Graham

We might have informed Alasdair and his family before they arranged a visit to the Edinburgh Festival but we are human and they gave up their pleasure in exchange for coming to St. Andrews Erskine, Church of Scotland which I suspect would put even the most prestigious festival venue in the shade.

This was a night of people-children-parents -ministers- presbytery worthies-memories - extended greetings in Xhosa (thank you Mr Graham) -presentations-prayers-worship and confidence in God.

Neil was unapologetically and modestly forgetful about when it all started and who achieved what and all that had gone before but rather this was to be about tonight and days to come.

Douglas and Julia and their family were now among the people of Dunfermline who make up this small congregation and are awaking up this morning to move ahead. No manse, no church building but faith that God has already worked these things out and what is required will be provided in its time.

                      

                Douglas Campbell                                                             Douglas Campbell - Dunfermline Free Church

Alasdair preached a thrill of a message from 1st Peter 2:5 with all its Old Testament temple symbolism but now the congregation here, as with us all, are approaching the altar to give God the sacrifice of our own lives through Christ.

                                                                                 

Principal Emeritus Clement Graham was likely to have been the last Free Church minister regularly preaching in Dunfermline all those years ago and, although illness kept him away tonight, he provided, via Donnie Jack, the "Formula" to be signed. More poignantly he sent through to Douglas the text that had been laid on him as a young newly inducted minister "see to it that you complete the work you have received from the Lord" Colossians 4:17

Encouragements and thanks were also given through Alex MacDonald of Buccleuch & Greyfriars and Tom Gordon of Dunfermline Free Church.

 

                                    Alex MacDonald                                                                                 Tom Gordon

This was a night of the Free Church at its very best and loveliest.

Willie Ford