Langholm Old Church Parish Magazine

N0.75                       Price 1/2 - with LIFE AND HOME - 6d LOCAL MAGAZINE ONLY                       JUNE 1967.

Minister: Revd. Tom Calvert, The Old Manse, Langholm. Tel. 256.

Session Clerk: Alexander Hutton, Savings Bank, Market Place, Langholm

Clerk to Board: Mr. E. C. Armstrong, Town Hall, Langholm , Tel. 255

Treasurer: Mr. Robert Black, 35 Eskdaill Street.

Organist: Mr. A. C. Mallinson, A.R.C.O., L.R.A.M., 72 Henry Street.

Church Officer: Mr. W Elliot, 3 Buccleuch Terrace.

Hall Caretaker: Mr Donaldson, 7 West Street.

Text for June, “And He went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptised; and there He abode”. John 10. 40.

In John l. 28. we read that the place where John at first baptised was called Bethabara, and it was to this place Jesus was wont to withdraw for rest and refreshment. It was in this placesthat John the Baptist had fulfilled his ministry of preaching and baptising, and it was to this place that Jesus had come right from the carpenter’s shop a few years previous. Here He listened to the stirring preaching of His cousin John, and it was here that He was baptised of John. And it would seem that it was here that there first came to Jesus the vision and inspiration to go out preaching the Kingdom of God, and after John pointed Jesus out as “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world”, Jesus went forth upon" His ministry. To begin with our Lord’s ministry was popular, crowds gathered round Him, and out of a great heart of compassion He sought to heal and help needy folk. Then came the miracle of feeding five thousand with the loaves and fishes which made Him more than ever popular, and the people came and tried by force to make Him their King. But the people were thinking in terms of an earthly kingdom and physical bread, and Jesus had to remind them that His Kingdom was spiritual. “The Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”. He told them that the bread He had come to give them was Himself, “I am the bread of life”. The crowds couldn't understand or appreciate this kind of preaching and one by one they began to desert Him.

For a time it looked as though He was going to be left alone, and turning to the Twelve He asked, “And will ye also go away?” Peter replied for them all, “Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God”. The assurance of the loyalty of the Twelve must have been very encouraging for Jesus, but now for the first time he had come face to face with disappointment and a sense of failure. And it was in this mood that He went away to Bethabara beyond the Jordan, so that in that place of sacred and happy associations of former days He might find rest and recovery for carrying on His ministry.

It is good for us to know that even Jesus knew the meaning of disappointment and a sense of failure.

Yes, because a sense of failure and disappointment is so common for people. It comes to us all at times. it comes to Sunday School teachers and they often ask if the time they spend over their class is doing any good. It comes to ministers in their Work when it all goes with so little response. Yes, and often through want of sympathy it comes to men and women in home life. It came to James Keir Hardie who dedicated his life to the betterment of miners in his day. And after doing so much to secure better working conditions and pay he found himiself faced with the ingratitude and misunderstanding of the very people he sought to help. And it is good to know that Jesus knew what it was to feel disappointment, that He knew what it was to find his good intentions were misunderstood and that the best of His life’s Work seemed to have been a failure.

Jesus knew of a place to which He could go when He was feeling disappointed, this place called Bethabara, a place where He could find recovery and renewal.

It was not a place of escape such as the Psalmist longed for, “Oh that I had the wings of a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest”. The Psalmist wanted to get away from the trials and struggles of life forever. Bethabara was not escape but a place to which Jesus could go and find peace and rest, renewal and restored vision; It was a place where He could find Himself re-equipped for the battle of life. When General Wingate planned the conquest of Burma with his famous Chindits, he based this campaign upon a Bible idea of the ancient cities of refuge which we read about in the Book of Joshua. Away in the midst of the Burmese jungle he planned to establish forts to which his soldiers when strained or ill might come, and where after being rested they could be refitted and sent back to battle with the enemy. Bethabara was a place like that for Jesus, not escape from the battle but renewal so that He might return and finish the work of His ministry.

Do we have a Bethabara in our life, a place to which we can go when we are feeling the strain of living, a place to go when our plans and hopes are a shambles, a place to which we can go not to escape but find recovery and renewal?

I would like to suggest a few Bethabaras that are within the reach of every one of us, to which we can go for recovery when the mood of disappointment or failure is weighing heavy upon us.

First, a happy home

Read the life story of Principal Robert Rainy of New College, Edinburgh, in the last century. He lived through a very stormy period of ecclesiastical controversy in Scotland, and was frequently and bitterly criticised by press, public, platform and pulpit for his views and leadership. The story is told of someone saying to him, however did he manage to maintain such wonderful poise and confidence in those days? His reply was short and simple, “I am very happy at home”. Men and women who have happy homes are best able to stand up to the strain of living and to meet defeat and disappointment on the road of life, A happy home is like what Bethabara was for Jesus, a place where we can find healing and recovery and renewed confidence for daily living.

Second, human friendship

Bethabara had sacred memories for Jesus of His great friend, His cousin John the Baptist. But now he was gone. Herod had beheaded him to please the whims of a night club dancing girl. And Jesus must have felt the loss of His great friend very greatly. But there must have been others who worked with John still there and Jesus enjoyed their friendship. To be back among old friends who had His cause at heart. must have cheered and helped Jesus. Human friendship meant a lot to Jesus in those days when the fortunes of popularity turned against Him. Robert Louis Stevenson once said “A true friend is better than the wealth of the world”. And that is why Emerson said, “A true friend is never known until he is needed”. In His dark and disappointing days Jesus had a few friends Who stood by Him and before going to the Cross He thanked them for all their friendship had meant to Him. “Ye are they,” He said, “who stood by Me in My trials”. I have read of a Glasgow business man who fell into ill health at a time his business was going down. But he recovered health and lived to see his business prosper again, and someone asked him however he managed to stand up to things, and this was his answer, “I had a friend”.

Many have found a Bethabara in their work.

Henry Martyn, the man with the gift of languages found this his relief. He was a Professor of Semitic Languages in Cambridge who gave it all up to become a missionary in India. Then he fell in love but Lydia broke off the engagement when he insisted upon going to India. Read the story of his pleadings with her and the embarkation at Portsmouth: the unexpected stop at Falmouth and his impulsive visit to her home again and the final pleadings. When Lydia’s final refusal reached him by letter in India. he was so stunned by the disappointment that he buried himself in his work. In times of disappointment, thank God if your have some urgent work you must do, for it has helped many a man to recovery from a sense of blighting sorrow and despair.

Finally, the Bethabara to which Jesus withdrew was a place hallowed by worship and prayer, and I am sure this meant much to Him.

Those who have suffered bereavement or sorrow of any kind, to worship in God’s House along with others who have faith in the eternal realities, can find healing and renewal. I can never understand why people who have suffered disappointment deny themselves the help and healing that prayer and worship brings. For Jesus when His Work seemed to be confronted with failure, went back to Bethabara, that place of worship and prayer, and found His faith renewed, and His early visions recovered. And what spending time in the quiet of worship and prayer meant for Jesus it can mean for us. The late Ramsay MacDonald, when prime minister, often went back to his native haunts. It was noted that when he saw trials coming in his life that he used to return to a place where somehow he was enabled to see his life’s task in true perspective. It was up in Lossiemouth where he seemed to feel the sacred presence of his departed wife more. Margaret MacDonald did at the age of 40 and had been a great spiritual influence over him, and up there they had often worshipped together, and had felt a wonderful sense of guidance and help at such times. “At Lossiemouth” wrote Ramsay MacDonald, “we enjoyed a communion in worship which we never missed, the simple Presbyterian Service, unsullied by gaudy display, used to soothe my wife, and it led her spirit far along her spiritual pilgrimage”. Life was often a disappointing business for Ramsay MacDonald, he was criticised and disliked in political life, but he was enabled to take his part and place with courage and sincerity by going back every now and again to a place where simple worship helped him to come near to God, and feel the reality of the things of the spirit.

Many of you are familiar with the story of Tubby Clayton, the Chaplairn in the First as World War who set up a rest house for our soldiers in Poperinghe, on the Western Front, and later founded the Toc H movement. In a room on the top of this rest house, with a carpenter’s bench for a communion table, he prepared a quiet place where men coming out of the mud and degradation of the trenches, could kneel in prayer. And we are told how that quiet room became a veritable Bethabara for thousands of men, and of how a man used to come there called Donald Cox, who later was to write in lines what that place meant for the men, lines which are now beloved by Toc. H. members all the world over

Here in a quiet room,

Pause for a little space,

And in the deepening gloom,

With hands before thy face,

Pray for God's grace.

Let no unholy thought enter thy musing mind,

Things that the world hath wrought

Unclean, untrue, unkind, leave these behind.

Pray for the strength of God,

Strength to obey His plan.

Rise from thy knees less clod,

Than when thy prayers began,

More of a man.

That is what worship and prayer can do, has done for men and women, enabled them to go back to the grind of ordinary life again less clod, more of a Man, more of a Woman.

LETTER FROM THE MINISTER

Dear Fellow-Member,

l very much regretted that the Guild Outing arranged for Saturday, 20th May to the Lake District had to be cancelled, but as there were names being withdrawn owing to the cold dull weather at the time, it was not possible to half-fill the coach. We are grateful to Mrs. Wood, the Guild Secretary, for all her work in fixing up meals and other arrangements. I am hoping that we may still manage to arrange an afternoon outing, and suggest a visit to Carberry Tower, Musselburgh, a meal there and a visit to the Church Training Centre, and then on to Edinburgh for a theatre show. That is a suggestion and if it appeals to many, don’t hesitate to let me know and we will call a meeting of the Guild Committee. Carberry Tower, for those who are not familiar with the name, is a huge house outside of Musselburgh, for resident training courses and conferences. It has a good catering establishment, and Guilds are welcomed to pay a visit, look round the premises and grounds, and have a meal.

Life and Work Road Safety Competition for Young Folks

The June edition of Life and Work on page 30 gives details of three competitions for young folks. One is to paint a road safety poster of own design, the second to submit an Essay or Poem. For both of these prizes of modern cycles are offered. Thirdly a family quiz for all members of the family. Any home with children, not taking Life and Work, should get in touch with Mr. Black who is arranging for extra copies.

The Little Elf and The Little Blanket

A few weeks ago I told the children a story in church about a little Elf and his little blanket, and added no moral but asked the children to communi- cate with me through their Sunday School teacher on what they considered the lesson the story taught would be. I have received eleven well written and illustrated papers and want to congratulate the children upon how they must have listened to the story. At the first opportunity I will award a prize for the best reply.

Sunday School Prize Giving and Flower Service and Summer Outing

The outing is on 17th June to Edinburgh. The time of leaving Langholm will be announced in Sunday School. On arrival in Edinburgh the Primary children will go direct to the Zoo where they will spend the day. The juniors and Seniors will join them after some sight-seeing.

The Annual Prize Giving and Flower Service will be on Sunday, 18th Iune at the 11a.m. Morning Service. Children are asked to bring flowers or a gift which will be received during the singing of the opening hymn, and later distributed among the sick, aged, and hospitals. The Service will be led by the chiltdsren. We regret we will not have Mr. William Stuart with us this year for the prize-giving, but I can say that he is all the time very much with us in spirit and mind. He is looking well in the Beni- reay Home, Lockerbie.

Boys’ Brigade Activities

The Boys‘ Brigade Mothers Committee organised a very successfull Car Treasure Hunt on Saturday, 27th May, when despite the dull wet night some 27 cars took part. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cairns and Mr, and Mrs. Jack Ross made a good job of planning the route extending over thirty miles.

As well as local support friends came from Lockerbie, Hightae, Wamphray and Canonbie. The refreshments provided by the Mother’s Committee were served by friends who have no official connection with the B.B. Company, including Mrs. Nan Valentine, Mrs. Mary Hudson, Mrs. Cathie Scott and Mrs. Margaret Irving. Mr. Jim Kyle, the Captain, and Mrs. Madge Kyle express very warm appreciation of the support given, and announce that the sum of £18 11s 6d was raised towards Camp Funds. The Camp takes place at Borgue from 1st to 8th July with Parents Day on Wednesday, 5th July.

Eskdale Old People’s Welfare Committee Outing

A very much enjoyed outing was organised by Mrs. Flint, hostess of the Over 60 Club to Barnard Castle a week ago. Fifty pensioners attended and were delighted with the visit to Bowes Museum and a good meal on the same premises. Another outing is fixed for 15th June for pensioners and older people of Eskdale and Langholm. The coaches will leave Langholm at 12.30 p.m., stopping at Dumfries, Castle Douglas, and arriving for high tea at the Mayfield Hotel, Kirkcudbright, at approximately 4.30 p.m. Any who have not given in their names to a lady visitor and who are interested in going, please let me know as soon as possible. There is no charge.

General Assembly

The General Assembly has been well reported in the Press and on T.V. It has not been an Assembly of outstandingly exciting debates, but many interesting topics have been discussed. One of special interest was the Plan and Basis of Union resulting from conversations between the Church of Scotland and the Congregational Union of Scotland. The Plan safeguards the position of women ministers in the Congregational Union, who at present hold five of the 131 charges, and also the future right of former Congregational Churches to have women ministers. The Plan and Basis of Union is being sent down to congregations and it is anticipated that by 1970 it may be accepted and effective.

Sympathy With The Bereaved

On 13th, May, Mrs. Jeannie Main Armstrong, 4 Douglas Terrace, passed away at the age of 82, after a good happy iife. We express our sympathy in bereavement with her family.

On 23rd May, Mrs. Jean Elenor Rae passed away at the age of 38. Jean was well known and loved througthout the Border district and beyond for her love of riding and part in public events. She rode in the Langholm Common Riding on 25 occasions, including last year, and this was an occasion that brought her special delight. Her character reflected a gracious outlook upon everyone she met, and a constant display of the spirit of good cheer. She was adored by her family, her bereaved husband Leslie, and her three children, Maureen, Della and Robert, and by Mrs. Carruthers her devoted mother. Through the past months of her growing weakness and suffering she has fought a great and brave fight to live. We are all very sad at the passing of a grand young life so much wanted, and express tenderest sympathy with her family and relatives.

On Monday, 29th May, one of the youngest members of our congregation passed away suddenly. Amanda, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Ellwood, 38 Waverley Road. Amanda was ten weeks old and was received into the Church in Baptism on Sunday, 14th May. Our deepest sympathy with Jean and George Ellwood.

We are all very anxious for the health and good recovery of our Elder, Mr. Matthew Douglas, also Miss Isabella Millar, and we pray God’s blessing upon doctor and nurse and relatives who are giving them devoted care.

May all who go on holiday during the next month enjoy good Weather and safe travel.

My kind greetings to all our people.

Yours sincerely,

TOM CALVERT, Minister.

INTIMATION

The Kirk Session is called to meet in the vestry on Wednesday, 14th June, at 7.30 p.m. followed by a meeting of the Congregational Board at 8.15 p.m.

CALENDAR OF SERVICES

June 11, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. David Hendrie, Cleuchfoot, Wauchope.

June 18, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. James Pattie, The Schoolhouse. The Morning Service will be the Annual Prize Giving and Flower Service led by the Sunday School children and staff.

June 25, 11 am. and 6 pm. Rev. Andrew Farms, B.D., Minister of Canonbie. Flowers, Mrs. L. Ewart, Wauchope Street. On this Sunday I am doing a pulpit exchange with the minister of Canonbie and Longtown.

July 2, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. T. Calvert, The Old Manse.

TOM CALVERT, Minister.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Collections for May, 1967

F. W. O. £56 11 0

Ordinary £19 13 6

Deed of Covenant £17 10 0

Annual Envelopes £29 10 0

£1 10 0

INTIMATION

The Kirk Session is called to meet in the vestry on Wednesday, 14th June, at 7.30 p.m. followed by a meeting of the Congregational Board at 8.15 p.m.

CALENDAR OF SERVICES

June 11, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. David Hendrie, Cleuchfoot, Wauchope.

June 18, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. James Pattie, The Schoolhouse. The Morning Service will be the Annual Prize Giving and Flower Service led by the Sunday School children and staff.

June 25, 11 am. and 6 pm. Rev. Andrew Farms, B.D., Minister of Canonbie. Flowers, Mrs. L. Ewart, Wauchope Street. On this Sunday I am doing a pulpit exchange with the minister of Canonbie and Longtown.

July 2, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. T. Calvert, The Old Manse.

INTIMATION

The Kirk Session is called to meet in the vestry on Wednesday, 14th June, at 7.30 p.m. followed by a meeting of the Congregational Board at 8.15 p.m.

CALENDAR OF SERVICES

June 11, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. David Hendrie, Cleuchfoot, Wauchope.

June 18, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. James Pattie, The Schoolhouse. The Morning Service will be the Annual Prize Giving and Flower Service led by the Sunday School children and staff.

June 25, 11 am. and 6 pm. Rev. Andrew Farms, B.D., Minister of Canonbie. Flowers, Mrs. L. Ewart, Wauchope Street. On this Sunday I am doing a pulpit exchange with the minister of Canonbie and Longtown.

July 2-11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. T. Calvert, The Old Manse.

BAPTISMS

May 14, Sharon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Martin, 92 High Street.

May 14, Amanda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Ellwood, 38 Waverley Road.

May 14, Caroline Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Corrie, 5 Rosevale Place.

IN MEMORIAM

May 13 Mrs. Jeannie Main Armstrong, 4 Douglas Terrace. Age 82.

May 23, Mrs. Jean Elenor Carruthers Rae, Holmfoot. Age 38.

May 29, Amanda Ellwood, 38 Waverley Road. Age ten weeks.

"I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” St. John 10. 28.

HAWICK PRESBYTERY NEWS

On 17th May, 1967 the Rev. David J. G. Docherty, Cowdenbeath West Parish Church, was inducted to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Hawick.

The Presbytery of Hawick is due to hold its next meeting in the Old Parish Hall, Langholm, on Wednesday, 28th May. The ladies of our Guild are asked as on former occasions to provide and serve refreshments to members of Presbytery.