Joy as new Free Church minister inducted
A CAMPBELTOWN congregation has its first on-site leader in more than two decades.
Last Saturday Reverend Dr Rodger Crooks was inducted as minister of Campbeltown Free Church.
It was a joyful celebration, especially as the congregation had not had a minister of its own, based in Campbeltown, for 22 years.
Dr Crooks was formerly a minister in the Presbyterian church in Ireland, ministering in the congregation of Belvoir, in South Belfast.
Reverend Ivor MacDonald, minister of Coatbridge Free Church, led the service, welcoming family, friends and members of the other churches in Campbeltown and the surrounding areas.
Mr Graham Moller and Mrs Flora Gillespie presented gifts to welcome Dr Crooks and his wife, Joan, to the congregation.
Presentations were also made to the Interim Moderator, Reverend Finlay Mackenzie, and his wife Christine, and to Calum and Liz Ferguson, to express thanks for their work in the congregation over the last five years.
Dr Crooks said he was honoured to be called to be minister of Campbeltown Free Church, which he had already found to be a warm group of friendly people of faith and that he looked forward to ministering to them.
Dr Crooks officially began his ministry last Sunday.
The congregation meets to worship each Sunday at 11.15am and extends a warm welcome to all.
Sunday School is held during the service, and refreshments are served afterwards.