On a calm evening on Wednesday 3rd September, a sizeable congregation met in Stornoway Free Church (Continuing) for the Ordination and Induction of Rev. Alan Blaney to the Stornoway Congregation.

Public worship was conducted by Rev. Raymond Kemp (Scalpay), Moderator of the Presbytery of the Outer Hebrides, who preached an instructive and encouraging sermon from Zechariah 6:12-13, focusing on “the man whose name is The BRANCH”. Mr Kemp spoke on Christ’s Name, Work and Offices. He said that Christ builds the true temple of the Lord, which is the church. He is pleased to make use of ministers, who are poor, feeble instruments in themselves. The spiritual temple is built with living stones – people who rest by faith upon the foundation of Christ’s death for sinners. Christ is uniquely Priest and King, and also Prophet: we can be sure that the preaching of the Word will be blessed by the Spirit and so the church will be built, even in difficult times. God’s word shall not return to Him void (Isa. 55:11).

Following worship, the Presbytery proceeded with the Ordination and Induction. The following ministers were associated with the Presbytery: Rev. Maurice Roberts (Rtd), Rev. John Macleod (Rtd), Rev. Murdo MacIver (Inverness) from the Northern Presbytery; Rev. David Fraser (Rtd) from the Southern Presbytery. Mr Kemp then addressed to Mr Blaney the Questions appointed by Act of Assembly to be asked of Probationers before Ordination. Satisfactory answers having been given, Mr Blaney signed the Formula in the presence of the congregation. Mr Kemp then engaged in prayer, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the authority of the Presbytery, and with the laying on of hands by the ministers of the Presbytery, ordained Mr Blaney to the office of the holy ministry, and inducted him to the pastoral charge of Stornoway. Mr Kemp and the other members of Presbytery gave Mr Blaney the right hand of fellowship.

Rev. Kenneth Macdonald (Rtd) then addressed the newly-inducted minister from 1 Peter 5:1-3. He emphasised that preparation for preaching must be a priority. He reminded Mr Blaney that the congregation are first and foremost God’s people and that he should strive to be the example of what he wanted his congregation to be. Rev. Greg MacDonald (Cross) addressed the congregation from Romans 1:7. He said that believers are the “beloved of God”, and that the ministry is the primary means for bringing about our calling to be saints, enjoying the blessings of grace and peace. The proceedings were then brought to a close with the singing of the last four stanzas of Psalm 72 and the pronouncing of the Benediction.

The congregation were able to greet their new Minister, his wife Naomi, and their children Abigail, Benjamin, and Bethany, at the reception in the Cabarfeidh Hotel. After refreshments had been enjoyed, Mr Kemp read greetings to the Blaneys sent by various congregations and individuals. This was followed by presentations: first by Mr Donald Macdonald (Session Clerk) to Mr Blaney, then by Mrs Chrissie Maclean to Mrs Blaney, next by Mr Mark Macdonald (Sabbath School Superintendent) to the Blaney children, and finally by Mr Colin Crichton (Elder) to Rev. Raymond Kemp for his duties as Interim-Moderator.

Mr Blaney invited four men to speak: Mr Kevin N. MacDonald (Divinity Student); Mr Fabien Garat (Divinity Student); Mr Alan Mackenzie (Deacon); Rev. Greg MacDonald. The evening closed with worship conducted by Mr Blaney.

The settlement ends the vacancy which began with the translation of Rev. Graeme Craig to Ayr on 22nd November 2019. We pray that the Lord will bless the new ministry and make it fruitful in the sanctifying of His people and the saving of sinners who are as yet outside of Christ.

Rev Alan Blaney with his wife Naomi, and their children Abigail, Benjamin, and Bethany.