News & Events

11.11.11 marked a special day for Dumfries Free Church as the Rev. Calum M. Smith was inducted, following a very long vacancy. It was a day of anticipation and excitement as the congregation of Dumfries prepared for the evening, knowing by the end of the night they would have a new pastor to shepherd them. 
The induction service was preached by the Rev. Kenny Boyd, with Rev. Angus Howat addressing the new minister and the congregation being addressed by Rev. Willie Mackay. The singing was led by Angus Graham from Barvas and Rev. Alec Stewart, Maryburgh.
Around 150 friends and family from the four corners of Scotland gathered for the reception, which was held in St. George’s Hall. Presentations were made to Calum Murdo and the family, and also to the Interim Moderator, Rev. Mackay, and his wife. Speeches were made by the Rev. Colin Macleod (Leith FC), Rev. Calum Macleod (Shawbost) and Rory Stott (final year student at the FC College).
A wonderful, warm spirit of fellowship was present throughout the evening, which closed with the singing of Psalm 133 and prayer by the newly inducted Rev. Calum Smith.
We pray that God would bless Calum & Johan in their new ministry.

(submitted by Kirsteen Stott and Mairi Macaulay)

Calum Murdo is from Shawbost, Isle of Lewis. After leaving school, he studied Engineering in Stornoway and Glasgow, and was in the Merchant Navy for 8 years, sailing to many different parts of the world. He still loves the sea and goes fishing whenever he can. Latterly, he spent a couple of years working with the Stornoway Port Authority, before being led to the ministry. Prior to beginning his studies at the Free Church College, he completed a degree course in Rural Development studies through the UHI in Stornoway.

He is married to Johan, who is from Barvas, and they have 3 children: Joni (6), Marissa (4) and Danny (20mths). Johan worked in Gaelic Development and, in particular, the preparation of Gaelic educational resources prior to being a mum. She has been able to continue with this occasionally, as time allows.