The 72nd Free Church School in Theology, held at Carronvale House, Larbert, proved once again to be a spiritual blessing to all who came. Attendees came from within the UK, along with men from Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Singapore.

The Committee are to be thanked for putting together a number of excellent papers.

The School opened with a paper on Rev John Brown of Haddington, given by Rev E T Kirkland (Ballyclare & Doagh). It surveyed the life, ministry and importance of Brown for his own and succeeding generations.

Tuesday and Wednesday were both very full days, notwithstanding the two longer lunch breaks.

After the usual half hour of prayer followed by breakfast, Jonathan Arnold, General Secretary of the Trinitarian Bible Society, spoke on the 500th anniversary of Tyndale’s translation of the Bible. It was beneficial to be reminded of Tyndale’s work, which was undertaken within a hostile context and yet persevered with until his death. Rev Craig Dennison (TBS) then dealt with preaching through the book of Judges, which is too often taken from a wrong perspective. Mr Dennison demonstrated the pastoral and doctrinal topics found within Judges.

Rev Matthew Higgins leads one of the devotionals at the School in Theology.

After lunch, Rev Thomas Buchanan (Brora), gave a superb examination of the Active and Passive obedience of Christ. He demonstrated conclusively that the whole life of Christ and the one work of Christ are essential to our salvation, as opposed to erroneous views that are held in certain circles.

The passage for exegesis was 1 John 5:1-5. It was given by Rev Aaron Lewis, Crosslanes Chapel, who brought out the major doctrines of the passage that are essential for a proper understanding of the text.

Rev Jorge Ruiz Ortiz, Spain, concluded the day by leading us in worship.

Book reviews are of course an interesting part of the School. Various men bring attention to material that proves beneficial. We are always thankful for those who take time to read and review.

Rev Peter Ratcliff presents a Book Review at the School in Theology.

Rev James MacInnes, Lochalsh & Strath, dealt with the topic of Reformed Evangelical piety, in both theory and practice. A lively discussion followed, which is part of the whole experience of the School.

The subject of the Second Coming was ably handled by Rev Graeme Craig, Ayr, who demonstrated the error and contradictory nature of the pre-millennial school.

The final paper was given by Rev Ian Hall, Knock & Point, on the Minister’s Self-Watch. It was superbly handled and drove home the central matter, concluding that there is nothing more or greater than the ministry of the Word.

The Chairman, Rev Harry Woods, Brora (retired), closed the School with appreciations for the papers, the staff, and the work of the Secretary, Rev Andrew Allan, Partick, who plays a necessary rôle in ensuring the smooth running of the School. Rev Allan was thanked for his years of service and his replacement is Rev Raymond Kemp, Scalpay. Rev John Keddie retired from his rôle as Treasurer of the School, and was replaced by Rev Thomas Buchanan. Mr Woods expressed the thanks of the whole school to Mr Keddie for his service.

Enjoying at meal and fellowship at the School.

The overall cost of the School not being prohibitive, the accommodation being acceptable and the location being pleasant, the 73rd School is planned for 6-9th Sept, 2027, DV, when a further programme of fascinating and beneficial topics has been arranged.

The annual SiT has proven to be stimulating and refreshing for all who attend. It proves the breadth and depth of reformed fellowship that exists. For a weary minister it is a haven, and a time to be refreshed in the Lord’s great work. The closing speaker reminded us that serving the Lord is enough.

Enjoying a time of fellowship towards the close of the day at the School.

Please note that the papers given can be found on Partick’s SermonAudio and YouTube channels.