DORIS MESTON, much loved elder of Midstocket Church, Aberdeen died in April 2021 just short of her 89th birthday. She was well known at 121 George Street and among the wider church because of her long and varied involvement with ministers, candidates and those discerning a call.

She served the national church for many years as an assessor at selection schools, as well as serving on the Board of World Mission and Unity, the Board of Ministry, the Ministries Council and the Candidates Committee.

She participated in the ‘accompanied review’ process which saw her travel over the country to help ministers reflect on their ministry, their call and their gifts, and assess where they might benefit from further development. She was a commissioner at the General Assembly several times.

Locally, Doris was a long-standing elder of Beechgrove and then Midstocket Churches, Aberdeen and played a very active role in both churches. She was still active in leading worship, providing pastoral care and in property matters. She also played an active role in Aberdeen Presbytery, sitting on several committees, chairing the Property committee, and recently was still attending meetings on Zoom. She was on the staff of Christ’s College, Aberdeen for a number of years, where her support, guidance and encouragement was much valued by prospective students. Her good humour and cheerful manner often defused tensions and she sought positive solutions to difficulties and spoke out against whatever she perceived as unjust or inappropriate.

Doris was awarded the Maundy Money on the recommendation of the Very Rev Sir Iain Torrance, as Dean of the Chapel Royal, for her work on behalf of the Church in so many ways. She leaves a huge legacy of kindness and influence and her wit and wisdom and infectious personality will be remembered with great fondness.

The Rev Tanya Webster