News & Events

On Friday 13th November, a very large gathering from across Fife and throughout Scotland welcomed a new minister to the charge of Kirkcaldy, Kinglassie and Glenrothes Free Church of Scotland. After sixteen years as their minister, Neil MacMillan took up a full-time post with the Home Missions Board. The vacancy, created on 12th July 2009, was swiftly filled when Rev. John Johnstone, a native of Cumbernauld, accepted a call from the congregation to be their new minister. Since the anticipated crowd was too large for the Kirkcaldy Free Church, the induction was held in the nearby Viewforth Church of Scotland (a big Thank You to the congregation and their minister for their kindness).

The service was conducted by Professor John McIntosh, Moderator of Edinburgh & Perth Presbytery, who preached on Philippians 4:2 & 3, ‘Three Truths About the Church”. After John Johnstone successfully answered all of the required questions, he was ordained and inducted, and presented with the right hand of fellowship from his fellow ministers and presbyters. Alex MacDonald then addressed some advice to the new minister from 1st Corinthians 15, ‘The Things of First Importance’. The retiring Interim Moderator encouraged the congregation from Philippians 1:3-6 to consider “their Partnership in the Gospel”.

Presentations were made by the congregation to John and his wife, Sarah, and much-appreciated gifts were given to their three children, Rachel (5), Samuel (3) and Anna (1). Humorous and warm-hearted speeches were given by Iver Martin (John Johnstone’s father-in-law), Ricky MacDonald, Neil MacMillan and James Eglinton. After Douglas Campbell said the final prayer and grace, the large gathering repaired to Kirkcaldy Free Church for a substantial tea and a time of warm fellowship.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the night such a great success, and we wish the new minister, his family and the whole congregation every encouragement and blessing in this new chapter of ministry in Fife.

Bob Akroyd