Nearly 1000 years of service in eldership was celebrated at Morningside Parish Church in January. The Rt Rev Dr Russell Barr, Moderator of the General Assembly, took part in a service which included giving long-service certificates to 24 elders who, between them, had served for 928 years.

The Minister of Morningside Parish Church (and Dr Barr’s nominated successor), the Rev Dr Derek Browning, said: “We were delighted to mark so much faithful service. 13 of our elders were celebrating over 30 years of service and nine elders over 40 years of service. One elder had 50 years of service, and then there was Gordon Hendry’s magnificent 66 years of service. The congregation was delighted to be present at such a wonderful occasion. How fortunate we are to have so many faithful men and women who have served the Church in so many ways over so many years.”

The Moderator is pictured with Mr Hendry, Dr Browning and Robin Stimpson, Session Clerk