Revival Brora 1922

I was carrying out some research for an Historian yesterday in Brora
Here is some interesting stuff from the local paper of 1922.

Northern Times, 20 April, 1922 p8.
Col 2.
Brora News.

Presentation to Mr Dowie, Evangelist " at the usual Evangelistic Meeting held in the Fisherman's Hall, Lower Brora on Saturday evening. Mr Dowie of Aberdeen who is now leaving the District was presented with a roll of treasury notes from the public of Brora, as a token of esteem for the helpful addresses he delivered at the recent revival meetings in their midst. The Rev D Thomson in making the presentation on behalf of the subscribers thanked Mr Dowie for his valuable services both at the Open Air Meetings and elsewhere. Mr Dowie in reply said that this came unexpected but he hoped they had derived some lasting benefits through the Meetings held in the past and that they would continue to hold them under the guidance of the Rev Mr Thomson and helpers in the future.

Special Easter Communion As the result of the revival meetings held in their midst, a scene unparalleled in the history of the Parish, if not in the Highlands, was witnessed in the Clyne United Free Church, Brora at the morning service on Sunday last. A special Easter Communion was held at which the Rev Mr Thomson, Minister officiated. There were 195 persons partook of communion, the average communicants number about 100, but on Sunday there were 80 new members belonging to the United Free Church. 30 belonging to the Free Church who partook of it for the first time. As the revival only started after the New Year it speaks volumes for the good work done for the Master that so many young people belonging to different denominations should sit down together for the first time. The scene was a most inspiring and impressive one and will long live in the memory of all who witnessed it.

Lettie update 2

Lettie

Abhain Leataidh
58.02 degrees N
4.23degrees W
NC 680058

Pity there is no Earl of Lettie. But the Lethandy, Perthshire is a possibility, any connection??

Music

For all those getting bored with the Scottish scene ( Notice no tartan on this site try Scottish family history for tartan.) here is a photo to get you smiling.

Will the angels play Fender guitars in heaven when the harps are laid up?




Curtesy of Calvarychapel.com

Music praise...

Psalm 150 says.

Praise God in the sanctuary...
with sounding of the trumpet...
with harp with tambourine and dancing...
the strings and the flute...
clash of cymbals...resounding cymbals...praise the lord



The Free Church of Scotland is know for its Psalm only singing, in Scottish churches.

John Macdonald ( The Apostle of the North) 1779-1849 Ferrintosh, was a Gaelic spiritual verse writer and Free Church minister. Interesting to have an hymn writer in a Psalm singing denomination.

Opposition to Hymns and instruments is not restricted to this arm of the Presbyterian Church. But James Begg was a promoter of the use of Psalms and no instruments.

In 1866 the Free Church voted 3 to 2 for the use of hymns. In 1869 Begg was unsuccessful in Curtailing hymns. In 1872 the Church accepted the New Hymn book 213 votes to 61. In 1877 Prof Bruce wished to have their Own Free Hymn Book with Begg supporting a defence of no change in the position.
Then in 1892 the assembly withdrew permission to use instruments for worship and uninspired Hymns in public worship- the current position- as far as I know!

Here are some dates of interest.
There are 350 currently used Hymnals in the UK

Moravian Hymns (8) 1501
Hymns and Spiritual Songs Sinclair- Caithness 1750
Glassite collection of songs 1749
Scotch Baptist Psalms and Spiritual Songs 1786
Psalms and Hymns 1866
Baptist Hymnal 1900
Scottish Psalter 1923
Methodist Hymnal 1933
Youth Praise 1966
Sing to God (S.U.) 1971
Mission Praise 1 1981
Songs of Fellowship 1991
Source 1 1999
Church of Scotland CH4 2005

There is a long heritage of Hymns and spiritual songs in Scotland. Unfortunately some denominations have put their heads and legal books in the sand. Scripture shows us and instructs us to sing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs and to use various instruments.

Make a joyful noise!

Many years ago their was a compliant in a church about new types of instruments being used in worship. It was not felt right and proper to use instruments that synthesised the sound of proper musical Instraments. When was this 1980? 1990? 1966? No the 12 Century when the pipe organ was introduced!

Lettie update 1

"Rogart" (Rogh ard) is the Gaelic for the very high land. (hi-land)

Lettie seems to be confusing?

Spelling I have come across recently

Leataidh -Sheep Club
Lettie -river
Lettaidh
Lettaid -As in deeds

A comment recently to my wife suggests that the grave at LETTIE is in fact an old joke. But I am not deterred yet.

Lettie's grave

Post to the grave

Not much but what lies behind the story?

Seasons in the sun...

The Sutherland broom is fully yellow as we near the end of May. I think it flowered a few weeks later than the last few years. It has been a wet spring and this may have delayed the flowering.

Marking the lambs
Our Saturday walk took us to parts never before viewed. Most crofters here have marked their lambs ready for the hill again. I helped some one last week to mark his flock. The separating and counting, the "branding" and other unmentionable aspects! Marking lambs is a diary marker of the year on the croft. Its the recognition of spring new life the lengthening of the day and a shaking off of the winter and its darkness. Where you live does have an effect on you. Living in the city the winter is just colder. The central heating keeps things constant. In the Highlands? The wet is wetter and for longer. The wind seems sharper the darkness deeper. But the spring time does come.

I have often felt that Lairg as a place shows off the extremes of the Scottish weather. When its cloudy and grey Lairg seems desolate depressed dying on its feet a miserable place. But in the sun it rises like the butterfly from its crusty skin in to beauty and life. When the sun shines on the water at Lairg and the granite of the dam sparkles its the place to admire.

Yet conversations in the last week or so excite me regarding the life of the Church here in Sutherland.

Yes there are historic trenches, misunderstandings but, there are meeting of various church brands there are people praying and equipping themselves for something. There is an expectation of something good. Its like the spring is turning the broom yellow after it lay dormant for so long.

"The fig tree is budding the vine beareth fruit..." will soon come to pass.

As we walked up the hill we came across the signpost clearly marked as Lettie's Grave. Its indicated on the map but I do not know anything about him. I saw him because there is reference to Earl of lettie.
Have you ever got that fascination to find out about something. The curiosity gets the better of me and I commit to find out who he was and what he did in Sutherland. This will be at the same time as I search out for mission work of the 17, 18 and 19 Century in Sutherland. There is a lost heritage in the Highlands, of those reaching the people of the North for the gospel. I dont suppose Lettie was a missionary but he may of spoken to a mission worker many years ago.

Scottish Baptists were working in the Highlands before the Free churches existed! and that will surprise a few in the Highlands and further a field.

Anyway Dornoch library Northern Times I am coming your way.

Was this Letties house or just a sheep fank (pen, stell). Map indicates a sheep fold but the stone work and door posts and lintels suggest otherwise.

I will get to the music bit ...read on.

Near Lettie's grave. Who was he Earl of lettie?

Church leaders pray for revival. Inverness

I was encouraged by the meeting in Inverness on Thursday where church leaders from across the Church met to pray and engage. I am thankful for those people who are visionary and for those from Perth who instigated these meetings. I am even more convinced we will see a great happening soon...

Too busy...Still

Can you see the loch?

Just like it can be difficult to see, it can be difficult to hear.

I often heard people saying they were waiting for the Lord. It struck me that perhaps they had gone ahead or that they were just hanging around till God caught up!


I can see no place where Jesus was late. He may have not been where certain people wanted him to be at a certain time but he was never late. Yet even at the close of the day or early in the morning after a long previous day he had time to wait, to listen, to ponder, to meditate.

visionbyprayer is worth a look

Ann Lee ..who she? Shake, rattle, and roll...

Ann Lee

Ann Lee is one of interest to us in this quest, despite having no direct connection to Scotland or its Church.
Born 29 February 1736 in Toad Lane Manchester, to the blacksmith father John lee she lived with him until she embarked for America.
At the age of 23 she joined a group lead by James and Jane Wardley known as “"Shakers" ”an off shoot of the Quakers order.




Shakers... more than just kitchens and checked aprons.



This group was known for its moral discipline strictness blameless deportment and "“swiftness of their testimony against sin"”. From an early age she received visions and divine revelations.
In 1774 she moved to New York but before hand in 1770 she had been imprisoned with some of her followers for blasphemy, a charge that was far from the truth. Yes she had danced yes he had spoken in a strange tongue. She had confounded church scholars examining her, by speaking in 72 separate tongues.
One of her visions was of a burning tree , her call to a new church, and to take the church to America.
Her church growth was slow until 1789 when "“Charismatic"” new light Baptists appeared.
She was beaten several times and in 1784 as a result of beatings died.
There survives to this day groups of Shaker dissenters from the Quakers.
As a mother of spiritual things mother Ann was often testifying with a delivery of mighty power. Her conversation would quicken the hearers. She had suffered from those who were ignorant and one of the many stoning in which she was caught.
"“ While they throwing the stones I felt myself surrounded by the presence of god, and my soul was filled with love. I knew they would not kill me for my work was not done..."

The reason I make mention of her is that at the time society could not comprehend her or the Shakers and as a result turned to violence.

Today it would seem we are more tolerant and accept that her "“style"” was different, but of God.


Now think of this coming soon

Would your Church allow David to play the Harp!?

Busy Church...Quakers

Following on to a previous comment...

Quakers
The Quaker movement in Scotland can trace its roots back further than 1696. In 1650 there were Quakers in Leith, Edinburgh meeting for worship. In 1696 the biggest Quaker meeting was in Kinmuck, North West of Aberdeen near Blackburn. Meetings were held in Scotland from 1653 with George Fox paying visits to Glasgow Edinburgh Perth Fife and the Highlands in 1657. Robert Barclay(1648-1690) is one unsung original theologian who is recognised more abroad than his home country of Scotland. Born Aberdeen he became a Quaker at the age of 18 after a visit to his father in Edinburgh. With his connections in London he became governor of the colony of East Jersey in the USA, yet never went there and through his mothers side- a Stewart he had access to the future King James VIII ( James, Edward or III if you like!). It would have been interesting discussions. James, Catholic - Barclay, Quaker. Barclay was the first and only systematic exposition of Quaker theology,“ "Apology for the true Christian Divinity"”

Are church services too busy?

Busy?
You have had a hard week at work, you have had a busy schedule of evening activity. You have rushed to Church because you slept in after watching the late film- just to chill out.

And it would be so good to have a quiet time in a corporate meeting. But...

There is that "Sandwich service" where it looks like those leading are afraid to have silence in case the congregation think they have lost the place!


Contemplative-
Quakers, brethren, Baptists, Assemblies of God, Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches have over the years recognised the depth of fellowship in having a time of silence together in the "Worship time" at Church. To take time to reflect is so important especially when life seems to be busier and busier.

Just like the public reading of the Bible has a different impact on our lives, so too, could a time of silence in the public worship.

There is a time for joyous worship, and loud! And there is a time form silence.

Thanks for the variety in praise in the Christian Church.

Dornoch flowers on a summers day in May.

A thriving community of gardeners was seen in Dornoch on the Tenth of May with temperatures reaching 20.


Enterprise update

Good to hear that the Scottish Executive is going to package up the enterprise company shortfalls.


Churches that are Non- Presbyterian( and Evangelical)

An other interesting conversation at the weekend centred around the setting up and encouraging of Non-Presbyterian churches not in oppostion to the existing various Presbyterian but as an alternative expression of worship and praise in the community for those who:

• are relatively new to the area and have had the benefit of other expressions of worship

• for those in the Highlands who would prefer a contemporary church practice

• For those who are looking for an independent/or congregationalism authority in the church meeting

Before you get on your hobby horse there are many in the Highlands who would have a preference to non Presbyterian style of Church. It is easily forgotten that some of these Non-Presbyterian Churches existed in the Highlands before the now established and several Free Churches.


I am sure there is a need for a variety of expressions of Church praise in the Highlands. I am also encouraged with the recent signs of these expressions being promoted.

Adders in the Highlands

On Saturday I came across my first sighting of an adder the poisonous viper found in the Highlands more so when Spring turns to Summer.

Here you see it against the size of a foot so it was probably a fairly young one. In these parts they have been spotted as long as three feet.

This one was sun bathing at Ferrycroft, Lairg and our walking partner ushered me away from accidentally standing on it.

There was excitement in the group as none of us had seen an adder before. The weather has certainly changed. For how long?

The Mound...The Mound

The Mound at "the Mound" not Edinburgh.-Taken today!

Renovare May 2006 letter

I see the Renovare May 2006 letter by Richard Foster is available from the Renovare website. Left hand column front page. One could download the PDF if interested.

Highland Theological College

It's pleasing for the Highlands to note that the Church of Scotland General Assembly will be asked to confirm the Highland Theological College as an approved academic provider alongside Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews. This will be the first for 70 plus years. The distance learning facility will be made use of moreso if this approval is given at Assembly later this month.

I am looking for a list of Non-Presbyterian Evangelical Churches in the Highlands.

Does anyone have such a list or if started, would anyone be interested in submitting their Church to such a list?

Property for sale...What can the enterprise company do?

There are still many vacant properties in the Highlands, but there are less than in previous years.

Ross-shire was always a place of "self-builds" and that continues. The searching by incomers to buy up houses or crofts for the "Good life" living, second home, holiday home or to start a base for quiet living is stronger.















Is there a need for the enterprise company?
From an economic view generating the multiplier effect in a community does require a focal point or key business to hang on to services and the like. The enterprise companies have been helpful in many ways in assisting this growth. Despite the varying opinions of their worth and the re-evaluating of the Scottish Enterprise network, (all organisations need a review) there is still a need for localised channelling of resources to generate work income and wealth. How best this is carried out will be the ongoing debate.


Church enterprise company?
In a Church context how do we best channel our resources when there are so many Churches with a dozen or so worshipping together on Sundays, in different buildings in the same towns?

For so many I wonder if they know why they are part of a certain denomination, do they know why their Church believes what they do or why they take a certain stand on particular practice.



















If we had a fresh plot to build a house how would we set out the plan, what might we want within the boundaries and in the house itself? Utility room, decking, en-suites, breakfast bar?

Likewise for a Church to work be it an old one or a new one what key things are required?
I am thankful that the discussions I have had lately indicate that many are reviewing through necessity- their plans or more accurately their operations! This can only be a good sign.

With no vision the people perish.

It would be difficult just to pull resources. This method encourages doubts, concerns and mistrust.
If a clear presentation of a worthwhile work is promoted the people might grasp the vision and say let's support this work.

If I ask for £100,000 for a work I will do in the future would you support it? No.

If I explain a need to you which can be met in part and needs £100,000 you would be more likely to say I will support this work.

What then is the vision for the Church in the village, the town, in Inverness, nay in the Highlands????

Tell me of your Churches' vision!
or if you have not got one!

(By vision I don't mean a paper that was written two years ago and no one works towards. I mean everyone knows what the Church is trying to do and to this end most people are working towards that aim).

Labyrinth.......Take your shoes off.!

Prayer Labyrinth-Denver




I had never undertook a prayer labyrinth before.
It originates from Chartres Cathedral, North France coming from the Middle Ages. It consists as you would think of a maze of paths - ours was printed on heavy duty clothes, the originals were of stone, there is one in Ely Cathedral at the front door. After leaving all my belongings I had to take my shoes off!

Winding in towards God and rewinding out/forgiveness, the walk weaved in and out sometimes alone, sometimes passing others. Sometimes stopping to pray and reflect. A time to "Shut out the world". It was a reflective time providing peace.

For a blog on prayer view

visionbyprayer.blogspot.com

I am reminded of the news last year that those who pray have in general terms a longer lifespan.

Two observations from last year.

How do we engage the community?

My two observations of the last 12 months.

Bible Society - (England and Wales)

Sees a need to transform the culture as a way into people and the masses.
Ps.137 v 4 - How do we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Centres of influence - Arts, Media, Politics and Education to be challenged.

What would a society that takes the Bible seriously look like?

Imagination is a decisive influence on how people see reality.

What do you think people in this area see as real?

A. What is real when it comes to the way we live and behave?
B. What is real when it comes to ideas like God, Spirit and purpose?

What recent changes from the outskirts of culture have moved to centre stage?
A. Possibilities that all can have a voice or say!
B. Education for all people
C. Same sex marriages
D. Knowledge open to all via the internet
E ?

How can we impact the community where it is at a deep “heart and soul“ level? (We used to talk in terms of pre-evangelism?)

Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free S.John 8.32
- Booklet "Make Poverty History" is valid but what about the Bible poverty- Need to be back in focus? or so we fed them and then they died?

"Love Esther" is a rock tour of the UK. Starting in Bristol last year it is based on the story of Esther communicating the Word to the young of today.

Renovare.

In Denver, last June, at the Renovare conference of 5,000 delegates, I discovered the work of Renovare (Latin: renewal) who work across the denominations. This organisation has a lot to offer the Church.

A divine lunch - I had a great time over lunch with Rodger Fredrikson, American Pastor and William Vaswig "call me Bill" - Evangelical Lutherian Church of America. They had studied divinity in Edinburgh many years ago.
Well past retirement they were fully 100% on fire for the work of the Kingdom.

How is my Latin?....as good as my Greek

From the Conference last year.

Read and reflect?

Use of the Bible:

Discipline of Lectio Divina
Reading becomes part of the prayer. Tuning in.
Lectio
Taking up Scripture.
Meditatio
Engaging with the passage - What do I notice?
Oratio
The deep self touched, Thank you for this passage, remembering it during the day.
Contemplatio
Rest and silence and read again.



Similar to “Free Church Worship at home”? a Psalm, a reading, a prayer.

The purpose of reading is to get closer to God- “Zoe Life" not to gain further academic knowledge. How does this fit into my life where I am?

Spiritual Formation. A new discipleship Bible reading study together.
“Tell me what that says to you for me.”

Sunday walk

The best thoughts always come from a walk.

Yesterday while in the Sutherland hills we talked about how, especially in the smaller communities, if the Churches of the various denominations worked together what a tremendous work could be done. Yes many would have to leave their personal tastes at home but the work would surely move on!

Now if the locals agreed to work together...... would the denomination headquarters allow the future to grow and take shape as a unified organisation for Christ in the locality?