Compiled by Faith Action

DEATHS

Rev James Charles Gregory formerly Hamilton: Blantyre: St Andrew’s on July 7 Rev Angus H Haddow formerly Methlick on August 30 Rev C Breda Ludik formerly St Andrew’s Lhanbryd & Urquhart on September 7

RETIRED

Rev James Dewar from Juniper Green on September 30 Rev Ruth D Halley from Edinburgh Greyfriars Kirk on August 4

DEMISSIONS

Rev Lorna Tunstall from Clyne l/w Kildonan & Loth Helmsdale on September 30

Eldership

Cheviot Churches: Ordained: Catherine Mabon, Rae Redpath and John Stobart

Dunbarney and Forgandenny Church: Ordained: Alison Jolliffe Admitted: Elizabeth Dalgetty

Glasgow Springburn: Ordained: Elizabeth Allison, Margaret Galloway and Janet Logan

CORRECTION

Airdrie Jackson: Ordained: Lynsey Telford

Long service

Ayr St Leonard’s: Jean Ferguson (30), Joan Gibbs (30), Anne Noble (30) and Carole Stewart (32)

Dalserf: Bruce Archibald (51), Hilton Brady (34), Eric Budgell (34), Rita Fairley (32) and John Grove (51)

Glasgow Dennistoun New: Anne Marie Benedetti (40), Jim Blair (56), Alex McCall (30), Angela McCall (32), Forbes McCallum (61), Jim McCallum (51), Isabel McCrudden (35), Brenda Rennox (35), Ian Roberton (58), Alastair Ross (53), Walter Scott (57), Ted Smeal (59) and Jean Smith (41)

Lochmaben: Sandy Grant (47), John Innes (32), Tom Russell (42), Ian Scott (36), Willie Sloan (39) and John Wilson (50)

London Crown Court: John Mowbray (50)

Monifieth: Stewart Brown (40), Henry Chapman (40), Ian Clapperton (30), Malcolm Gordon (40), Lindsay Hood (50), Peter Howie (50), Jane McArtney (40), Ed McIntosh (40), Ewen Robertson (40) and Drew Scott (40)

Sandhead: Stoneykirk: Gillian Lynn (30) and Isobel McCulloch (30)

Obituary

With the death of the Rev John Leslie Goskirk at the age of 85, the Presbytery of Sutherland has lost a well-known and loved servant of the church and his community. Born and schooled in Glasgow, he commenced an apprenticeship in architecture. However, he soon accepted God’s call to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and studied at Glasgow University.

Already familiar with the area, having stayed with an aunt for many summer holidays, he answered the call to become the minister of Lairg, where he was inducted in June 1968. Later that year he married Myra Fisher. In 1970 Lairg was linked with Rogart. He was minister for both parishes until his retirement in 2010.

A much-loved member of the community, he found time for so many and of all ages, ranging from the children in the local primary schools, the Cubs, the Girl Guides, Sunday School and children’s holiday clubs. He was a member of many local clubs and societies, in many serving on committees and boards. Leslie had a good singing voice, much appreciated by congregations as he led worship and by the Lairg Gaelic Choir, of which he and Myra were members for many years.

While Leslie was actively involved in a wide range of village activities he is going to be most fondly remembered as the dedicated, caring compassionate parish minister that he was. In the wider Presbytery of Sutherland, Leslie served faithfully as Moderator, Clerk (for 29 years) and as convener of countless committees. Even after retiring as a parish minister he continued to serve until the end in a variety of roles in the Presbytery, where his encyclopaedic knowledge will undoubtedly be missed.

He is survived by two sons, two daughters and a grandson.

The Rev Mary Stobo