Religion in Botriphnie has a long, long history. It was dedicated to St Fumach, who, in early times (probably about 572 AD) had set up his mission here but the records of the Church of Scotland ministry don't start until about a thousand years later. The Ministers who have served since then are listed below. The information was provided by The Church of Scotland General Trustees and is taken from Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae, a publication which is updated from time to time and which lists Ministers of the various Church of Scotland Charges in Scotland.
1574 JAMES FARQUHARSON: presented to the vicarage of Pettary (Botarie) and Pettruthny (Botriphnie) on 26th Aug. 1574, vacant by the death of Sir Walter Bunsche or the deprivation of John Hepburne. - [Reg. Sec. Sea!, xlii, 67v.]
1574 GEORGE LESLIE, M.A.: Held this parish in conjunction with Mortlach from 1574 to 1576.
1574 ANDREW REIDFURD: Reader in 1574.
1586 ALEXANDER GORDON: Minister in 1586, with Glass also in his charge.
1599 DAVID HENDERSON: Held this parish in conjunction with Ruthven from 1599 to 1601; he went to Ruthven in 1601. Died Dec. 1622. Married Margaret Duff, who married (2) William Sanders, minister of Bellie, and had issue - Margaret; Joan; Bessie (married John Wilson, Haugh of Grange). - [Com. of Moray Decreets, 27th March 1632.]
1614 ALEXANDER ERASER: Educated at King's College, Aberdeen, M.A. (1604); was minister in 1614. At a visitation by the Presbytery on 30th June 1642, he was spoken of as a "good, popular preacher," and in "his life and conversation blameless," but was deposed on 26th June 1650 for subscribing a paper to George, Marquis of Huntly, against the Covenant and Ordinances of the General Assembly of 1638. He made repentance in his own kirk in Botriphnie on 16th Feb. 1651, "for these enormities for which he was deposed." He married Margaret, daughter of Patrick Gordon of Auchmenzie, and had issue - Jane (married Adam Leslie in Bowmakelloch).
The parish was vacant for four years. James Petrie, schoolmaster of Banff, was called unanimously on 4th Oct. 1650 and was taken on trials. Objections were made to his appointment by various individuals, and finally the Presbytery "resolved to stop the trials of the young man." - [Presbytery Book of Strathbogie, 221 et seq., Aberdeen (Spalding Club) 1843.]
1654 WILLIAM BURNETT, M.A.: A native of Aberdeen, he graduated from King's College on 8th July 1649. He was licensed by the Presbytery on 23rd March, 1653, Called unanimously that same year and Ordained on 30th Aug. 1654. Translated to Cullen, by the Bishop, on 6th Dec. 1663. Died in March 1681, aged 52. Sir James Strachan, Keith, preached his Funeral Sermon from Dan. xii. 3.
1664 WILLIAM SPEED, M.A.: Graduated from King's College, Aberdeen in 1656. Presented by James Sutherland of Balvenie and Ordained at Elgin on 17th and Admitted on 24th Aug. 1664. Translated to Ednam on 20th Feb. 1682. Deprived by Privy Council on 3rd Sept. 1679. He resided subsequently at Nether Byres, Ayton where he died before 23rd April, 1706.
1682 GEORGE CHALMERS: Born in 1654; educated at Marischal College, Aberdeen ; M.A. (1673); schoolmaster of Rothes, 1674-80; passed trials before the Presbytery of Aberlour, and recommended to the bishop for licence on 18th Sept. 1678; presented by Alexander, Master of Saltoun, in April, admitted and installed on 1st June 1682; did not conform at the Revolution, but was allowed to retain his office. Died on 24th Feb. 1727, aged 73. He married on 6th Jan. 1685, Margaret (died 14th March 1760), daughter of Henry Stewart of Newton of Boharm, and had issue - James, portioner of Newton of Boharm, and factor to the Duke of Gordon at Cairnwhelp in Cairney [father of Alexander C. mininister of Cairney], served heir 16th Aug. 1727, Alexander, minister of Glass; Helen (married Alexander Stewart of Lesmurdie), died in 1758, aged 72; George, died in 1700. - [Case of Greenshields, Tombst.; Pirie's Parish of Cairnie, 145; Jervise's Epitaphs, i.„ 11; Gordon's Chronicles of Keith, 449; Banff Sas., v. 344.]
1728 GEORGE GAMPBELL: Born 1698, eldest son of George Campbell, minister of Alvah. Educated at King's College, Aberdeen, 1712-16 and was elected schoolmaster of Marnoch 24th Nov. 1717, which he left in May 1719. Had his Degree from University of Edinburgh, 1721 and was licensed by Presbytery of Aberdeen on 7th Nov. 1722. Royal Bounty missionary at Cairney, 1725-8; presented by William Duff of Braco before 12th July 1727; ordained on 17th Sept. 1728. Died unmarried on 10th April 1773. He left £425 (or £625) to the Society for Propagation of Christian Knowledge. - [Moray Tests., S.P.C.K. Sermons.]
1774 ALEXANDER ANGUS: Born on 13th Aug. 1744, son of John A., minister of Culsalmond; educated at King's College, Aberdeen; M.A. (1762); licensed by Presbytery of Garioch on 27th July 1769; ordained to Tullynessle on 29th April 1772; presented by James, Earl Fife, before 6th Oct. 1773 ; transferred and admitted on 29th June 1774. Got a new church built in 1820. Died on 11th April 1829, aged 85. He married on 16th Sept. 1777, Katherine (or Catherine) who died at Aberdeen on 26th Oct. (or 28th May) 1836, aged 85. She was daughter of John Mair, minister of Rayne, and had issue. - John, M.A., LL.D., Commissioner of Requests, Calcutta, born on 8th Sept. 1778 ; Elizabeth, born on 12th Nov. 1779; Janet, born on 24th Aug. 1782 (married James Taylor, solicitor, Banff); Martha, born on 15th Feb. 1784, died on 20th April 1807 ; Mary, born on 1st Aug. 1785, died on 16th March 1808; Alexander, born on 15th Jan. 1787, died on 29th Sept. 1802; Jean, born on 6th Oct. 1789 ; Frances Helen, born on 12th Aug. 1793 ; George, M.D., surgeon H.E.I.C.S., born on 12th Oct. 1794, died at Aberdeen on 7th April 1872. Publication - Accounts of the Parish (Sinclair's Stat. Acc., x., xviii.).- [Tombst. ; Jervise's Epitaphs, ii., 10.]
1829 WILLIAM MASSON: Born Auchlee, Banchory-Devenick on 17th Sept. 1800, son of George Masson., farmer, Durris. Was educated at the Parish School of Durris, Grammer School and Marischal College. Graduared Master of Arts from Marischal Collage, Aberdeen on 30th March 1821. Licensed by Presbytery of Aberdeen on 24th June 1825. Ordained by them as Assistant to Rev. Dr. Ogilvie at Old Machar on 7th Nov. 1827. Presented to this Parish by James, Earl Fife, on 28th May, and Admitted on 24th (or perhaps 26th) Sept. 1829. The celebration of his 50th Anniversary in the Parish took place with great eclat. He died on 27th Nov. 1883. He was one of the majority of Presbytery who carried through the settlement at Marnoch in 1840. He married on 31st Dec. 1830, Bridget (died 7th June 1863), daughter of John Gill, linen merchant, Aberdeen, and had issue - William, born on 30th Nov. 1831, Margaret Bruce, born on 10th Aug. 1834; Mary, born on 24th March 1837, Archibald Fraser Duff, born on 22nd Aug. 1841, died on 29th Jan. 1880, Joanna, born on 20th Oct. 1844, died on 14th Jan. 1847. Publication - Account of the Parish (New Stat. Acc., xiii.). - [Tombst]
1879 ALEXANDER McKAY: Born Fochabers, on 22nd Feb. 1848, son of John M. and Charlotte Baxter; educated at Milne's Institution, Fochabers, and University of Aberdeen; M.A. (1872); licensed by Presbytery of Skye on 24th July 1874; assistant at Dalziel; elected on 28th Jan., and ordained (assistant and successor) on 20th March 1879. Died suddenly on 14th April 1930. {Charges united 16th Nov. 1930.)
A booklet of McKay's last sermon was published by the church and is reproduced below.
Publisher's Note
Rev. Alexander McKay, M.A., was parish minister of Botriphnie for a period of over 51 years.
He occupied the pulpit on Sunday, 13th April, 1930, and on the following day, amidst universal expressions of sorrow and regret, he passed peacefully away.
Mr McKay's last sermon is here reproduced at the request of friends and in the belief that it will be acceptable to his own people and to a wider circle of friends who also held him in high honour and esteem.
Rev, A. McKays Last Sermon
13th APRIL, 1930.
DIED 14th APRIL, 1930.Text:- "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me."
Rarely are words more wonderful than these to be found, even in Scripture. From many points of view may we consider them, and many truths may we extract from them. And if the longer we consider them, the higher they exalt our Lord and Saviour, so the better we understand them, the more must they change our view of life, our estimate of the world, and what life is in it. To consider them in the must general way, let us observe first of all in these words our Lord's prophecy regarding Himself - "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." Thus, brethren, does Christ predict for Himself a wonderful position in the world. His fame was to extend over every land. His name was to be known by all kindreds and tongues. Around Him all men would rally, and his leadership would all tribes and nations gradually acknowledge. Of their own free will they would do so. Such is the prediction Christ makes retarding Himself. And, brethren, if to our weak minds, slowly yet how surely, are the words being fulfilled. Over how many lands is His name already known. What earthly monarch has held more sway than Christ, our King and spiritual head, already holds? Whose name among the sons of men has His title more honoured and revered than is His? What leader has enlisted more faithful followers than have been, at least, some of His? Whose cause has had more willing martyrs. And, still is the Prince of this world being cast out, and Christ's name being glorified.
Secondly, brethren, let us observe the condition of Christ's sway over the world- "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." Christ must first be lifted up from the earth before He would draw all men unto Him. And what does He mean when He speaks of being lifted up from the earth? By His being lifted up from the earth, to what can He refer but to His death upon the Cross? Indeed, in the following verse we read that John spoke these words with reference to His death. And, brethren, if this is so, what a marvellous death was Christ's, and how different is He in the exercise of His power from every other being. How unique is Christ in the world. When are men most successful and when do they exercise the greatest sway over their fellow men? When, but while they are present in the body; when they are in the full exercise of their vigour and capacities; when they can move by voice, gesture, or look; when they have triumphed over their foes and overcome all their difficulties, and have proved themselves conquerors in the world! Then they draw others unto them.
On the other hand, brethren, what is their fate after death but oblivion, forgetfulncss, on the part of the children of men. With Jesus of Nazareth, however, how different, indeed how very contrary to this! "When He came to His own, His own received Him not." While He lived He was despised and rejected of men. Yea, He did many mighty works such as none other men did, yet they would have none of Him. They only scorned and persecuted Him. Only after He died did He become the trusted, the accepted of men. When He was lifted up, then He drew all men unto Him.
Now, brethren, if you ask how this could be, what can the answer be, but the virtue which His death hath wrought. In a two-fold way does Christ's death affect the children of men, and make an appeal to them which they cannot resist. In the first place, brethren, Christ lifted up. Christ stretched upon the Cross, Christ crucified on the tree, hath won gifts for men which His life could not give, and hath appealed to men in a way none others could. By His death upon the Cross, Christ hath purchased pardon and healing for all mankind. By His death does He give peace and joy to the believer, a peace and joy which the world cannot affect. And in view of this can we wonder that men, even all men, should be drawn unto him. But again, brethren, as men grow in spiritual stature from the Cross of Christ they lenrn the way to life eternal; how to regard this life while they have it: how to estimate the world and that which is in it: and does this not give it a power, an irresistible power in drawing men unto it? When you view the earth clad with verdure, blooming with its many colours, you seem to learn the lesson that life should be a time of gaiety; its work frivolity, its attending circumstances sunshine and loveliness, and all that gladdens the heart of man. When you see its fruitful fields, its abundant promise, its copiousness in all that man requires, you seem to hear the command, "Eat, drink and he merry; live in ease and enjoyment and present gratification," Yea, when you look out upon the world and behold who are seemingly the happiest, the most honoured, the most courted, are you not led to think that the favour of fortune is the highest favour you can have; that the gathering of riches is the highest object you can aim at; that success in the world is the highest motive by which you can be inspired, and that with the possession of these things, everything else may be achieved? A very different truth, however, does our text proclaim to us, and a different example does our Saviour show us. By His Cross would He have us judge of everything we see and thus form our lives. And what does it tell us but that self-denial is the way to happiness - to happiness that abides; that renunciation of the world is thee way to prosperity, a prosperity that will never fail: that the losing of the life is the way to find it. And it demonstrates to us that if we would put on the new man, we must first put off the old, and if we would attain to everlasting life, we must let the old life die, that "living unto the Lord, and dying unto the Lord" is the way to immortality and life with God. Christ's period of greatest success was not when the multitudes followed Him, attracted by His wonderful works. His period of highest glory was not when they offered Him their paltry praise, and would have taken Him and made Him a King. His real success in the world began when they nailed Him to the tree. His conquest over men began when they crucified Him up on the Cross. His glory commenced when they lifted Him up from the earth. It was he Himself foretold - "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me."
In conclusion, then, brethren, it remains with us to ask, how we ourselves stand with reward to these truths? For one thing, have we felt the importance of His gracious provision made to us as He poured out His soul into death for us, and thus have been drawn unto Him, or are we still among those alienated from Him and have no part or lot in His Grace and truth? If we have been drawn unto Him, then will we have realised the power of His death and all that it conveys, and we have partaken of those blessings that rlow from His redeeming sacrifice.
Again, brethren, have we learned to estimate everything by the Cross of Christ, to order our lives by the great doctrine it teaches, to imitate the example it shows? Do we look upon life with all seriousness, as a time of self denial, of ,self renunciation, of self crucifixion, that the new and higher life may spring up within us? Do we realise that true and abiding happiness is found in fulfilling God's will rather than in gratifying our own desires and imaginings, in seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, not in cherishing the frivolities of this world and yeilding ourselves to its enslaving powers; in confessing Christ before men, in bearing aloft His banner and showing forth His power, in being drawn into closer and closer fellowship with Him, in whom alone are life, and light, and joy, and peace. Then is He lifting us up with Himself, that we may at length be glorified together with Him?
Finally, brethren, if we are not being drawn unto Him who was lifted up, what then? What other can a life of emptiness, bearing no fruit in this life, carrying nothing with it to the life beyond, being neither to the glory of God nor for the good of yourselves or others, which can only issue into death eternal; Death with all its darkness and woe? Wherefore, brethren, look unto Him who died for you and be ye saved, who was lifted upon the Cross that He might draw all men unto Him. Die daily unto sin and live unto righteousness.
"Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Seek those things that are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God, and when Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory."
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The Rev. McKay seems to have been a much-loved man of the people, as can be seen by this poem by James Ingram. The Rev. McKay was the uncle of James's mother and James has a number of mementoes of the great man, including a barometer presented to him by the Botriphnie Bible Class in 1908.
A Dram or A Sermon?
Where the bonnie River Isla starts its journey to the sea
Lies the parish of Botriphnie, as rural as can be,
Set high in upper Banffshire amidst the whisky trail,
It encapsulates the beauty that in Scotland doth prevail. '
Twas here for half a century a minister renowned
Gave spiritual refreshment to everyone around.
He was always known politely as the Reverend McKay,
But locally as Sandy by those who called in by.
Within my mother's family, however, he was known
As respected Uncle Alex, a name to call our own.
Now Sandy was a bachelor, intelligent and charming,
At over six feet with a beard, he doubtless was disarming.
But it is clear that he preferred to be all on his own,
Though with his hearty housemaid he was never all alone.
The tale that I'm about to tell was told to me one day
At an Aberdeen reunion in the university.
A new incumbent in the kirk, the Reverend Doctor Stephen,
Was introduced, and greeted me as if I'd come from heaven.
All flustered, he could hardly wait this classic tale to tell
Of Sandy's loyal parishioners - how they responded well!It was winter in Botriphnie, the snow was falling fast,
The countryside like fairyland, but roads let nothing past.
Come Sunday, Uncle Alex saw a holiday in sight
But thought that he had better check to see if he was right.
So well before the service was scheduled to begin,
He shouted to his housemaid and asked her to come in.
'Would you g'wa doon tae the kirk an' fin' oot fa is there,
An' then come back and tell me an', if needs be, I'll prepare.'
So off she went down through the wood, battling with the snow,
And by the time that she arrived, her cheeks were all aglow.
To her surprise the only person present in the kirk
Was Jock McQueen, fae Aberdeen, not one to miss a perk!
Now once they had consulted, she told him just to wait
And hurried back up to the manse to tell her boss his fate.
When Sandy heard his faithful flock had been reduced to one,
He didn't think that Jock would find a sermon that much fun.
So realising things were such that both were in a jam,
He thought he could but offer Jock the option of a dram.
When told of this alternative, Jock knew which one to choose
And quickly set out for the manse with little time to lose.
Here both enjoyed communion according to the spirit
Of Scotland's national beverage from neighbouring Glenlivet -
An episode that goes to show that, even through a storm,
God moves in his mysterious way his wonders to perform.
But He is not quite finished yet, for winter is not past,
Since snow continued through the week to fall both thick and fast.
So, when the Sabbath came again, the Reverend McKay
Had little option but to send his housemaid back to spy.
This time she hastily returned, displaying agitation,
And this did only aggravate the Reverend's frustration.
'Fit ails ye, woman?' he enquired, as soon as she came through.
'Aw meenister,' she blurted oot, 'The kirk th'day is fou!'By James B. Ingram
1888 WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY: (FUF, 1452), died on 28 July 1938.
1927 SIMSON WALLACE: (FUF, 4SI) 1437 dem.???? on 11 Nov. 1930; died on 13 Nov 1940. His widow Jeanie Steel Hayne died on 23 April 1950.
1931 DAVID SILVER JOHNSTON, B.D.: (FES, V, 458, VIII, 28), transferred from Newhaven-on-Forth on 25 Mar. 1931 ; died on 7 Oct. 1946.
Sermon preached on Sunday, March 29, 1931, in Botriphnie Parish Church by the Rev. George S. Murr, M.A., M.B.Ch.B., B.D., D.Litt. (Edin.), Minister of Lady Yester's Parish Church, Edinburgh, on the occasion of the first Sunday following the Induction of the Rev. David S. Johnston, B.D., to Botriphnie Church and Parish.
TEXT from JOSHUA 1. 5,6 - "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage."
Joshua must be counted a truly happy man - and for this reason. He was given a clear and definite work by God to accomplish in life: "Moses my servant is dead. Now, therefore, arise go...." And as the issue shows he was enabled to carry out the enterprise of leading the Congregation of Israel into the Promised Land, to a successful issue. The tragedy of multitudes of people to-day is that they lack this clear and definite outlook on life. They have no goal to which they are tracing their steps, and they wander aimlessly through life, drifting, because they do not know what exactly their wish in life may be. The first thing we must achieve in life, if real happiness is to be ours, is to understand what work under God is best suited to our power and to bend all our resources to carry it out "not as men-pleasers, but as in the eye of Almighty God".But as he sets his hand to the task Joshua has his moment of doubt and hesitation. We can read this clearly between the lines of this Sacred narrative. Moses had cried in similar case "Wherewithal shall I save Israel", and was comforted by the assurance "Surely I will be with thee". Gideon, called later from humble labour to lead Israel cried that his family was poor in Manasseh and he the least in his father's house, But again came the message of comfort that God would be with him. And once again when Jeremiah was called to be a prophet in Israel his expostulation "0 Lord, I cannot speak", was met with the same message "Surely I shall be with thee". And so to Joshua came the thrice repeated promise "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage." And strengthened and heartened with this divine encouragement, he completed his task with entire success.
At this special service to-day, introducing to you in the ministry of this Church and Parish the Rev. D.S. Johnston, it may not be without interest and profit for us to consider first or all those qualities which Joshua possessed which caused him to be selected out for the leadership of Israel. For these qualities must be fundamental for all taking up positions of responsibility and in particular for all engaged in the work of the ministry. The outstanding quality Joshua possessed vas courage. He had at an earlier stage in the history of this people given evidence that he was endowed with this vital factor for successful leadership. As one of the spies sent out to reconnoitre he refused to join with the majority who sought to dissuade the people from continuing the forward march. He stressed the desirability of going on to possess a land "flowing with milk and honey" and encouraged the fainthearted to proceed. This quality of courage has perhaps never been better exemplified than in the history and career of the Vikings who came from Scandinavia to our shores a millennium since. I had the interesting experience of gazing at Oslo, at the Viking ship which was dug out some years ago, from the dry sand where it had lain intact for over eight hundred years. What a frail craft it seemed with which to breast the billows of the North Sea. What a courage those hardy Norsemen possessed to risk their All in these vessels to cross the ocean. I like to think that the blood of the Vikings flows within the veins of your new minister. For he has courage, and a minister to-day requires courage of a higher sort than mere physical courage, he must have spiritual courage to face the problems of the present, and overcome the difficultiea which might be met on every hand. We are faced to-day with those who are determined, as the Bolsheviks in Russia, to crush religion altogether out of the hearts of the people; we have others who are merely indifferent; while various groups are seeking in spiritualism and science those outlets for the spirit which can only be found in God. Our hearts are restless and will find no peace save in the Spirit of Christ. All these problems have to be faced and a minister requires courage to seek to solve them. Mr. Johnston is not avoiding the difficulties facing the Church of Christ to-day, but is making a very real and valuable contribution to their solution.
The second quality which Joshua undoubtedly possessed was knowledge - tact, discretion, judgement assessing rightly the unspoken thoughts of the people he led and using a psychology which solved the problems of leadership as they arose. Look how in the attack on Jericho he sent out scouts first of all to reconnoitre. When he he learned that "the hearts of the besieged were as water" he made his assault, but not till then - and success ensued. It is interesting to note in passing that these very walls which fell flat at the blast of the trumpets are being laid bare by Professor Garstang and his fellow workers at Jericho to-day. It is scarcely necessary to labour the point that Scotland has always had an educated ministry. Is there any country the wide world over where knowledge is better appreciated and learning better assessed at its true worth than in Scotland. Explore any Glen in our Scottish Highlands, for example, and almost every house you pass will have its history of scholarship. This schoolhouse gave birth to a Professor, this manse to a famous doctor, and that farmhouse and that cottage to explorers schoolmasters. Fired with the zeal for learning country lads have scorned delights and lived laborious days - and their names are written to-day on the scroll of national fame. But there is one danger in the complex machine which modern education has become, it is apt to stadardise youth as Ford and Morris have standardised the motor car.
Originality, clear thinking are what are required more than anything else to-day. These qualities Mr. Johnston possesses, and as the weeks pass and the months and the years you will come gradually to realise that you have with you in this Church one who possesses an original mind, whose prime quest is for truth, and who will throw a new light on the old gospel truths. His sermons will not be sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought but will take a vigorous grip on reality. But there was a third quality which Joshua possessed and without which courage and knowledge would have been of little avail to hold and lead the Congregation of Israel. I refer to sympathy; that quality wich Moses, his predecessor, possessed in so marked a degree that he was ever willing "to be accursed" that the people should be saved. Intellect without heart is like body without soul. It was sympathy which carried Christ to the Cross, sympathy for a wrong and ignorant wayward people - and His last cry was "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
To-day there are many lonely hearts in cities and in glens and quiet countrysides. Sorrow sooner or later comes to every home, there is a skeleton in every cupboard and there are wounds of the heart which even time does not heal. A minister to-day must tread softly as he enters the mansion or the cottage, for he knows that people look to him for help and comfort and encouragement in the hour of trial. Beloved you will find that Mr. Johnston, your new minister, will not fail you in this most precious seal of ministry, but will become a friend who will steadfastly point the way to the friend who is above all others, Jesus Christ the Saviour of Mankind. But do not let us forgot that Joshua did not move forward alone, The command from God came "Now, therefore, arise go... thou and all the Congregation of Israel." So to-day at the outset of a new ministray in Botriphnie it is only right that I should remind you that it is a fresh start for you all - as well as for the minister. There is a great merit in in making a fresh start. The Scottish people are often misjudged with reference to their season of rejoicing at Hogmanay and the New Year. It would be a profound mistake to suppose that it is only a time of heedless mirth. I make bold to say that part of the inspiration of New Year is that it is time for making good resolutions and many a pillow is wet with tears on New Years' Eve of which the world never knows. Make, therefore, to-day a new start, in the home, at your work and amongst your fellow men in village and countryside.
And first the home. Why are we so loth to show the love we have for our relatives and friends - not necessarily to wear our hearts on our sleeves for daws to peck at, but to imitate them in being most open with our expressions of love and regard. At a funeral recently one of the mourners was a brother of the deceasd. He had not spoken to him for ten years - but he came to the funeral! Would it not have been better to have paid the visit in the lifetime of both? If you have any desire to show your love and appreciation to another in the home circle, do it now, before the time comes when it may be too late. Carlyle often lamented after the death of his wife, Jane Welsh, opportunities he had failed to take advantage of, to show love and tenderness to his wife, opportunities which would never come again. "This moving finger writes and having writ moves on." May the writing be to the credit of us all.
But why not make this period an opportunity to review the way we do our work. Are we of the number, so great to-day of them who keep their eye on the clock and their ears open for the whistle to blow which tells them that the hour of toil is over? We should seek, if at all possible, some work in life which will be our pleasure as well, but if that be not possible then at least let us resolve to do that wish just "in a different way" and make it distinctive and a very part of ourselves, No matter how humble that work may be, it can be done with all our heart and soul, for she "who sweeps a house as for God' s laws, makes that and the action fine." I have often been impressed in the course of visitation in the city with the power to arrange even the furniture in a house; the pictures upon the walls; and the ornaments on the mantel-piece in such a manner that the total effect is distinctive and unique. It is within the power of each one to give our work distinction and to impress it with our own personality and thus make it our own. "Work while it is called day", said the Master, "for the night cometh when no man can work."
But once again I wonder if we realise how much our lives, our words and actions affect our fellows with whom we come in contact! The first thing a child does is to imitate those around, and this habit early childhood we carry with us through life - we are all consciously or unconsciously imitating others - their very walk and speech and behaviour. I have often been impressed by someone recalling a remark made perhaps years ago and forgotten by the speaker, yet treasured up - a remark made carelessly it may be, and yet one which has initiated a course of action for good or ill in the life of another. Let us make it our task in life to influence others for good, let our light so shine amongst men that they may take note that we have "been with Jesus".
Then for minister and congregation alike a new chapter has commenced and my earnest hope and prayer is that it may be a chapter fraught with rich blessing for this Church and Parish and all who dwell in this district of our land. I am by no means pessimistic for the future of the Church of Scotland. The Church will grow from more to more, for it is built on a sure foundation - even Christ himself. There is a greater appreciation to-day, perhaps more than ever before, of the Spiritual in the Universe. Like those "cosmic rays" which come out of the unseen and are so powerful that they can pierce several feet of solid lead, so there comes to us all, influence from the other world which is the only reality - for the things that are seen are only temporal, but the things that are unseen are eternal and do endure for ever. The message of Joshua applies with great force, therefore, to us all to-day as we face the unknown future "I will never fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of great courage." And if we link it on to the fuller revelation of the New Testament "I will not leave thee comfortless, I will come to you"; "Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world", then amid the changes and chances of this uncertain life we can remain calm and assured. If God be for us, who can be against us"; "All things work together for good to then that love God"
AMEN.
1947 ROBERT YOUNG DRUMMOND: Born at St Andrews; educated at University of St Andrews, M.A.; licensed by Presbytery of St Andrews on 3 April 1940; assistant Upper Largo, Johannesburg St George 1940-1; ordained as chaplain, R.A.F. by Presbytery of Cupar on 28 Aug. 1941 ; inducted on 23 Mar. 1947; died on 2 Feb. 1948.
1948 FORBES SCOTT TOCHER: (FES, VII, 709, VIII, 742: IX, 624, 751), formerly missionary at Ichang; inducted on 21 April 1948. D.D. (Aber. 1934). Retired on 28 July 1955; died on 15 Aug 1973. First wife Joanna died 1957. In 1965 married Helen Wilson, formerly a nurse at Ichang.
Dr. Tocher was an exceptional person, as were his two wives.
Forbes Scott Tocher was born in Whitehills, Boyndie, Banff on 9th Feb. 1885, son of Elspet Tocher and an unknown father, and was brought up by his grandparents, James and Agnes Tocher. He was educated at Fordyce Academy, graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1906 and B.D. from Edinburgh University in 1909. He was ordained a Missionary of the Church of Scotland and served at Ichang, China from 1909 until 1915 and from 1920 until 1948.
During the First World War he served in the Royal Field Artillery from 1916 until 1919, first as an enlisted Gunner and later as a Commissioned Officer. During his service he was awarded the Military Cross.
After WW1 he returned to Ichang and served there as a Missionary from 1920 until 1948. In November 1927 he carried out negotiations with Yangtze pirates to secure the release of a Captain Lalor of the steam ship Soiangtan, who had been kidnapped from his vessel whilst it lay at anchor about 30 miles from Ichang. For this, Dr. Tocher was cited as "showing a fearless determination and perseverance under the most difficult circumstances" and as a result was created CBE in 1928 and Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Aberdeen University in 1934.
His first wife, Johanna Forbes graduated from Aberdeen University with a first-class honours degree in Classics in 1903 and was immediately appointed assistant to the Professor of Humanity, thereby becoming the first female lecturer at a Scottish university. She taught at the mission school in Ichang until she returned to Britain with their daughter, Agnes, just before her husband was interned by the Japanese near Shanghai in 1940. Upon his release in 1945 he returned to his missionary work at Ichang until 1948.
From 1948 until his retirement in 1958 he served as Minister at Botriphnie Church. He retired to Cullen, where his first wife died and he later married his second wife, Helen Dickie Wilson. She had been matron of the women's hospital in Ichang and they were interned together by the Japanese in Shanghai. After WW2, she went on to work with refugees in Hong Kong. They were reunited in 1961 when he took part in a "This Is Your Life" programme about Helen, and were married in 1965.
1956 ANDREW STEPHEN: (FES IX, 246, 647), transferred from St Andrew's, Lhanbryde and inducted on 4 May 1956; transferred to linked charge of Ardallie and Clola on 19 May 1961.
1962 Dr. JAMES SOUTER STEPHEN: (FES IX, 630), transferred from Mortlach and inducted on 24 Jan 1962; became minister of linked charge with Boharm on 29 Nov 1970. D Iona m Richard Hugh Mitchell; d Elizabeth Joan m Michael John Eaton Wareham; retired on 15 Jul 1983; died on 29 Apr 1997.
Obituary
Rev. James Souter Stephen 1910-1997 (died 27th April). He was born in Elgin on 29th May, 1910. He studied at the University of Aberdeen, graduating M.A. (Hons.) in History and gaining his Doctorate in 1936. After five years with Unilever in Leeds, as a trainee, he returned to Aberdeen to study Divinity. At university he excelled at athletics and was involved as business manager of the annual students' pageant. James was ordained and inducted into the charge of Mortlach in Dufftown in July 1942. He served as minister there for twenty years. He was very interested in the development of the young and became involved in the setting up and running of local youth clubs. He also enjoyed playing the violin. In 1962 he became minister at Botriphnie. In 1970 the neighbouring charge of Boharm was added and he continued to serve both congregations faithfully until his retirement in 1982. He will be remembered as a gracious, faithful and much loved minister.
1976 JOHN ANGUS MACLEOD: (FES X, 38, 271 ), transferred from Cowdenbeath Cairns to St Rufus on 14 May 1976; became minister of united charge with Botriphnie on 16 Jun 1983; retired 24 May 1995.
1995 RANALD STUART ROBERTSON Gauld: Born on 18 Mar 1956 at Aberdeen, son of William Robertson Gauld and Vivian Vernon-Jarvis, educated Aberdeen Grammar 1961-74; University of Aberdeen 1974-77 (LLB), 1977-79 (MA), 1986-90 (BD); Solicitor 1979-85; Administrator, Tiberias, Israel 1985-88. licensed by Presbytery of Aberdeen on 27 Jun 1990 assistant Aberdeen Holburn West 1990-91; married 5 Jan 1993 Kay Frances Chalmers born 6 Aug 1959 daughter of Dawson Smith Chalmers and Frances Mary Grant; ordained by Presbytery of West Lothian and introduced as Associate ?? Linlithgow St Michael's on 25 Sep 1991; transferred to St. Rufus and Botriphnie on 5 Oct 1995.
1999 KAY FRANCES GAULD: Born 6 Aug 1959 at Buckie, daughter of James Dawson Chalmers and Frances Mary Grant; educated Banff Academy 1971-76: University of Aberdeen1988- 92 (BD); Union Theological Seminary and Jewish Theological Seminary, New York 1992-93 ??? University of Aberdeen 1995-98 (PhD); Clydesdale Bank 1976-88; licensed by Presbytery of Gordon on 27 Jun 1999???; asstant Rosyth 1993; Mid Calder 1994; married 5 Jan 1993 Ranald Stuart Robertson Gauld born 18 March 1956 son of William Robertson Gauld and Vivian Vernon-Jarvis; ordained by Presbytery of Moray and introduced as Associate (part-time) at St Rufus and Botriphnie 1 Jul 1999
