Free Church welcome to new minister

Mr Maciver took his final services in Knock Free Church, also on the Isle of Lewis, on Sunday 6 March and his congregation presented him and his wife Donna with special leaving gifts marking almost two decades of faithful service in Garrabost.

Scalpay minister and Moderator of the Western Isles Presbytery Rev Andrew Coghill will preach and preside at next week’s induction service, Shawbost’s Rev Malcolm Macleod will address the newly inducted minister and Rev Calum Iain Macleod from Back will speak to the congregation.

Rev James Maciver said: “It’s a great privilege to have been called by Stornoway Free Church to be their minister and I am looking forward eagerly to my ministry there, along with Rev Kenneth I Macleod as the Assistant.

“The town of Stornoway provides many opportunities, along with challenges, for the gospel and the congregation is already well placed to meet those. I hope to build on the excellent work already being done, following previous ministries in the congregation, and to see lives transformed by the power of God.

“The preaching of the gospel always excites me and, although by no means the only resource God has given to the Church, I am sure that preaching must continue to be regarded as the foremost means by which God extends his kingdom.

“Coming to a congregation that loves to have the gospel preached is therefore an exciting prospect. Donna and I are keen to be involved with every other aspect of the congregation’s work and trust that by God’s blessing we shall see Christ exalted, people saved and God’s flock edified.”

Following the induction, Point minister Rev Dr Iain D Campbell will become interim moderator of Knock Free Church.