Scots-born kirk thrives in NZ

The migration of evangelical clergy from Scotland to the so-called New World in the mid-19th Century spawned proud traditions that persist to this day 11,000 miles away in Australasia.

Invergowrie scribe Donald Abbott writes: “In 1848 two shiploads of Scottish Free churchmen and women, mostly from Portobello, sailed for New Zealand, led by their minister the Rev Thomas Burns, formerly Church of Scotland minister at Monckton, Ayrshire, who had joined colleagues and had ‘come out’ at the Disruption of 1843.

“With his family he had left the security of the Kirk and his manse as well as safe remuneration. These settlers on the South Island built their first church in Dunedin, Otago – named after Edinburgh as well as their homes – and huge development resulted including provision of a university, assisted by income from a local gold rush.

“The current church is the third building and close to the site of the original. It is a magnificent building with a wonderful museum and archive attached, and a huge separate church hall – all with most beautiful grounds. A good number of the artefacts are dedicated to their first minister who was the brother of our bard Rabbie Burns. The New Zealand book The Finger Of God At The Disruption harks back to the hardships of the Disruption in Scotland and several congregations bereft of a church building, viz:

‘Aged men in mauds of grey, ‘Bareheaded stood to hear and pray, ‘The storm is out, the wind is up, ‘God’s Israel sits in mire and clay, ‘Rain-drenched we take the sacred cup, ‘Shivering with cold we turn to pray.’ “There are three services held every Sunday – one in the Scots Presbyterian tradition and the others in participating local languages with an instrumental band and separate service for youngsters.”

Mr Abbott adds: “All of every denomination are made most welcome here and Scots in particular feel right at hame. A most inspiring and fulfilling experience!”