The induction of Rev Ian Hall to the pastoral charge of Knock & Point took place recently. An excellent congregation gathered from near and far for the occasion. Rev David Blunt, North Uist & Grimsay, presided over the meeting, and preached a very relevant sermon from 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” Mr Blunt noted that ministers are to be servants of the Gospel, of the Church and of Christ.

The charge to the minister was given by Rev Greg MacDonald, Cross,  speaking from Deuteronomy 4:5 “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it”

Mr MacDonald laid stress on the need for ministers to deliver exactly and only what the Lord has given to them from the Bible. Yet this is not done in a robotic manner, but with an eye to the people of the Lord entering the Promised Land.

Then Rev Alan Blaney, Stornoway, addressed the congregation, from the words of Acts 8:6 “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” Mr Blaney focussed on the centrality of preaching, the collective hearing and accepting of the Word by the congregation, and the confirmation, embedded in Scripture of its own authority.

The sweet strong singing of psalms was led by Mr John Maclean, North Uist & Grimsay, and Dr Andrew Naylor, Harris. After the service, Mr Hall greeted the congregation at the door, and the gathering relocated to the nearby Sandwick Hall for the reception. A sumptuous fare was provided both by caterers and baking donations from across the Presbytery. A superb induction cake was displayed and then cut by Mr & Mrs Hall. Greetings from friends near and far were read, presentations were made to the new minister, his wife, and family, as well as to the interim-moderators. Mr Hall replied on behalf of his family, and invited three men to speak, Mr Don Macleod, deacon, Knock & Point, Mr Murray Mackay, elder, Partick, and Rev Greg MacDonald, Cross.

A most enjoyable evening then concluded with worship, singing from Ps 98 and 133, reading from 1 Corinthians 13, and prayer from the new minister of the congregation. Oh that the Lord would indeed choose to visit from on high, and bestow abundant blessings on the whole district, as this new ministry begins!