Langholm Old Church Parish Magazine
No.139 Price 1/8p - with LIFE AND WORK - 8d LOCAL MAGAZINE ONLY March 1973.
Minister: Rev. Tom Calvert, The Old Manse, Langholm. Tel. 256.
Session Clerk: Mr. Archibald Findlay, Langholm Lodge. Tel. 453.
Clerk to Board: Mr. E. C. Armstrong, Town Hall, Langholm. Tel. 255.
Treasurer: Mr. Robert C. Craig, 5 Rosevale Place, Langholm
Organist and Choirmaster: A. Douglas McBay, Dip. Mus. Ed., R.S.A.M., A.R.C.O.
Church Officer: Mr. W. Elliot, 3 Buccleuch Terrace.
Hall Caretaker: Mr. M Tweddle, 17 John Street, Langholm
Text for March - "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver". Proverbs 25. 11.
The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of the words we speak. Here in our text Solomon tells us that "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold set in pictures of silver".
The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes says about the words we speak, "there is a time to speak and a time to keep silent". And in the Book of Job, Eliphaz says, "Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou has strengthened the feeble knees". The Psalmist says, "Let the words of my mouth sand the meditations of my heart be now and always acceptable in thy sight". And again, "Set a watch O Lord before my mouth, keep the doors of my lips." St. Paul says, "let your speech be always with grace". And St. James says that unless man has learned to bridle his tongue, that man's religion is vain. And the most striking thing ever said on this subject was spoken by Jesus when he said that for every idle word a man shall speak, he shall be called to give an account on the Day of Judgement. And that by our words we will be justified and by our words shall we be condemned.
First, the importance of speaking word in season.
A word in season means a word of sympathy and understanding, a considered word. In his Autobiography Dr. Nathaniel Micklem says of his colleague Fearon Halliday, that he was a man of most remarkable gifts, intellectual, psychic and spiritual. He was a Gold Medallist at Trinity College, Dublin, and had read through Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, thirteen times. But his outstanding quality lay not in his intellectual gifts but in his uncanny power of reading a man's face and divining secrets of his heart, and had a curious sympathy which made all those he met in railway carriage, or on a bus, or in a hotel respond to his affectionate probing, and by the words of understanding and encouragement he spoke. No one can tell how many people he helped to stand on their feet again. All this he did by the use of words and silent listening and all he met and talked with were able to keep their feet and proceed on their chosen way.To be able to speak the right word when people are passing through times of sorrow or struggle is a gift, like as was said of Job, "Your words have set men on their feet". To have. the gift of speaking or writing a word of encouragement and hope when someone is feeling like giving up the struggle is a great gift.
Canon Anthony Deane tells us in his Autobiography that he was set on the way to success as a writer by a comment made by one of his prep school masters at the foot of one of his essays. It was simply this: Excellent; read all the good English you can and you will one day be a great writer." While Canon Dick Shepherd has told how he was discouraged by a schoolmaster who kept calling him a blockhead and that he would never get anywhere in life. It wasn't until he went to Cambridge and was told by a Don that he believed he had a great future that he really felt life was worth living.
My mind goes back to the Dunkirk Evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940. Standing among hungry and tired soldiers in the sand-dunes of Le Panne, watching our ships out at sea being shelled from the land and bombed from the air, I thought it was the end. Then a senior army officer wearing a monocle spoke to me. He told me of the thousands of soldiers who had been ferried over the channel to the English coast, and how well everything was going. He left me feeling that we were winning the battle rather than being chased and defeated. His words to me were indeed a word in season. Like apples of gold set in pictures of silver.
My second point is that some words are best unspoken and unrepeated.
"The tongue" says St. James, "can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be".
And this is why some words are best left unspoken and unrepeated. It is told of a Greek philosopher that he asked his servant to prepare the best dish possible. The servant prepared a dish of tongue, saying, "It is the best of all dishes, because with it we may bless and communicate happiness, dispel sorrow, remove despair, cheer the faint-hearted and do a hundred things to uplift mankind." Later the philosopher asked his servant to provide the worst dish he could. A dish of tongue again appeared on the table. The servant said, "It is the worst dish because with it we may curse and break human hearts, destroy reputations, promote discord and strife, and set families, communities, and nations at war with each other".
He was a wise servant, because the tongue, words, can do all the things he claimed. It was with screaming words that Hitler led the German people into the last war, words complaining of injustices and claiming superiority of race.
Many of the words we hear are best never repeated because for one thing they are often only half the truth. The happiness of David Livingstone was wrecked by idle words spoken about him. He had gone into the interior and decided to leave his wife Mary Moffat at the coast as he felt her health was not good enough to withstand the risk of malaria fever. Then people began to talk, saying the Livingstones didn't get on well together, and so he had left his wife behind. These evil words stung the great man so that he sent for his wife to be brought where he was working right away. She came and was dead in a fortnight with the dreaded fever.
Yes, and words once spoken can never be recalled. "Boys flying kites haul in their white winged birds, You can't do that way when you're flying words. Thoughts unexpressed, may sometimes fall back dead, But God Himself can't kill them when they're said." Words of anger are best written in a letter and the letter never posted. This was Abraham Lincoln's policy: If a man acts stupidly, lets you down badly, annoys you, write him a letter giving him a piece of your mind, and then tear the letter up, for by doing so you have got the matter off your mind and that is all that matters.
Over 60 years ago Edward Benson was Archbishop of Canterbury, and he was a man of very fine qualities of character. After his death his son found a drawer in his desk labelled "Letters", and inside the drawer a notice which read, "Not to answer for 24 hours any letters which on any account make my heart beat faster". For you see people in his position often got biting letters of criticism, and he knew that if he replied immediately he would do so with anger and resentment. And his rule was that such letters ought not to be written or if written never posted.
Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold set in pictures of silver is true of words of kindness, forgiveness and love.
Never miss the chance of speaking a kind word, for kind words never die. Lord Collington was one of Nelson's most trusted and capable Admirals. He is remembered for his bravery, and winning many battles but also for something else, something rather odd. When he went ashore and went for a walk in the country, he would fill his pocket with acorns, and whenever he saw a piece of land clear of weeds he would drop in one or two. It was because he lived in the days when battleships were built of oak, and he wanted to make sure that Britain would always have enough oak trees to build the ships she needed. An acorn costs nothing but it can produce a huge oak tree. So with kind words, they cost nothing, but they can make the world seem a friendlier place for people and bring healing to sore hearts.
The same is true of words of praise and appreciation. The late Dr. Archibald Alexander, a much loved Presbyterian minister of St. John's Wood, London, published an article entitled, "The Duty of Praising People". In it he remarks about how different we all feel after a word of praise, how even a dog wags its tail with delight when he knows we are pleased with him, and he points out that we work much harder in an atmosphere of appreciation. Then he goes on to quote James Lane Allen from "The Choir Invisible". "You remember the woman who broke the alabaster box for the feet of the Saviour while He was living, the most beautiful of all appreciations. You know what we do, let our fellows carry their crosses to their calvaries, and, after each has suffered his agony and entered his peace, we go out to him and break our alabaster boxes over his stiff cold feet. I have always hoped that my religion might enable me to break my casket for the living, who alone need it, and who always do need it".
This is true for simple ordinary folk and also for great national leaders, a word of praise and appreciation spurs them on with the task in hand. Drawbell, in his book, "Dorothy Thomson's English Journey", tells the vivid story of Winston Churchill, in those dark days of 1940, when after Dunkirk we stood alone and took the whole weight of the Nazi attack. At that time Dorothy Thomson broadcast from America telling us what the Americans thought of the brave stand our nation and people was making, and praising our Prime Minister for his valiant stand and the inspiration of his courage. Mr. Churchill didn't hear the broadcast as he was engaged in some important meeting at the time. But when later he heard a recording he expressed his regret he had missed it. It was a few days afterwards when he was spending a weekend in the country with some friends. The strain of his office was heavy upon him, and that weekend the courage he had shown to the public seemed to have left him. His eyes were clouded and he was very silent. Then someone said, would you like to hear that American woman, Dorothy Thomson? He was interested. Yes, he replied, I heard about the broadcast but that was several days ago. We have a record of it, his friends replied. And so they played it over and the little group listened in silence. When it was over an obvious change had come over the Prime Minister, his eyes were shining, he sat up erect and alert, and said, "Do people really feel like that about me?" In that dark hour our great national leader was sustained and recovered by a word of praise. Recovered in his courage and poise by the knowledge that other people across the Atlantic were praising him, believing in him, praying for him.
Words of kindness, words of praise and appreciation are like apples of gold set in pictures of silver.
Prayer for us all after pondering over the text for March.
God be in my head, and in my understanding. God be in mine eyes, and in my looking. God be in my mouth, and in my speaking. God be in my heart, and in my thinking. God be at mine end, and at my departing. Amen.
LETTER FROM THE MINISTER
Dear Fellow-Member,
Welcome to our newly appointed Organist
On Wednesday, 21st February, the Kirk Session appointed Mr. A. Douglas McBay, Music Master of Langholm Academy, as Organist and Choirmaster. The appointment was later confirmed at a meeting of the Congregational Board. Mr. McBay comes to the task of organist of the Old Parish Church with wide experience and high qualifications. He has already commended himself to our people by services rendered during the illness of our late Organist Mr. James Cecil Carmichael. His qualifications include Dip. Mus. Ed., R.S.A.M., A.R.C.O. He is a Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, American Guild of Organists. I give below in this Parish Magazine an appeal from Mr. McBay for people of all ages to come forward and join the Choir, and I trust there will be a big response from young and older people who love our Church and love good music and singing. In the name of the congregation and minister of the Old Parish Church of Langholm I extend to Mr. McBay a warm welcome.
Family Service on 25th February as appointed by the General Assembly.
On Sunday, 25th February Family Services were held in Parish Churches throughout Scotland, when a declaration was presented in support of family life, in the belief that positive affirmations are called for in the more complex society to which God in His goodness has brought us.
I am deeply grateful for the response and support of our people of all ages in the Service last Sunday morning. First the children and staff of the Sunday School, with Shona Lockie reading the Lesson from Exodus 20, "Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee".
Second came the Boys' Brigade with Gavin Graham reading the Lesson from St. Luke 2, telling how Jesus lived in the home at Nazareth subject to His parents, and how He increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man. Ramsay Johnstone, the Captain of the 1st Langholm Company of the Boys' Brigade then spoke of the origin of the Brigade under Sir William Smith, and of the work done down the years in helping boys become good citizens of the land. Thirdly, the Young Wives Fellowship took their part, with Mrs. Margaret Hudson reading the Lesson from Ephesians in which parents are counselled not to provoke their children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Fourthly came the Woman's Guild, when Miss Ella Glendinning read the Lesson from 2 Timothy in which Paul reminds Timothy of all he owed to his mother and grandmother. And the final part was taken by the Over 60 Club representing the grandparents, when Mrs. Mackie read the Lesson from Psalm 103, in which we are asked to "forget not all His benefits". The Over 60 Club members sang the hymn, "I need thee every hour". The Boys' Brigade sang their favourite hymn "Will your anchor hold". I was very much encouraged by the good attendance of young parents, and wish to thank all who took part including Mr. McBay at the organ, for making this Service a memorable one.
Guild Sale of Work
The Woman's Guild annual Sale of Work takes place on Saturday 31st March and will be opened at 2.30 p.m. by Mrs. Barbara Barclay of Shillahill, formerly of Hopsrigg. I am appealing to all our organisations and people to give this effort their fullest support, by gifts, donations and attending. Each year the Guild gives to the Church Treasurer over 300 to help meet our annual allocations to the Church of Scotland, and also gives generous financial support for the upkeep of the Hall. With allocation demands increasing, our local expenditure in maintaining the church and hall increasing, we will, I am sure, find the Guild wanting to increase their support.
In the past few years there has been a marked decrease in the number of gentlemen present on the day of the Sale of Work, and I am asking members of the Kirk Session, and of the congregation to give us their fullest support by their presence at the Sale of Work.
Those who cannot be present please send a donation to Mrs. L. Ewart, President, at 31 Henry Street, or Mrs. Lawrence, Treasurer, at Erkinholm Terrace or Mrs. Calvert at the Manse.
Stallholders are as Follows:
Cakes - Mrs. Morrison, Pathways and Mrs. Woolnough, Charles Street. Very Nearly New - Mrs. Graham, Old Irvine Farm, and Mrs. Coltherd, 81 Townfoot. Work and Novelties - Mrs. Mackie, 3 Holmwood Crescent and Mrs. McLennan, Francis Street. Parcel - Mrs. Porteous, 7 Holmwood Gardens and Mrs. Cairns, 13 Eskdaill Street. Tombola Mrs. Jean Erskine, 3 Rosevale Place and Mrs. Watt, Rosevale House. Produce Mrs. Ethel Murray, Tarrasfoot, Miss Ella Glendinning, 56 Caroline Street and Mrs. Wood, Potholm. Sweets - Miss Mary Graham, Whita Cottage. Sunday School - Miss Jean McVittie, 5 Wauchope Place. Paddy's Market - Mrs. Mitchell, Elizabeth Street and Mrs. Douglas, The Parsonage.
Annual Congregational Meeting
The annual meeting of the congregation takes place this year on Sunday, 18th March, immediately after the Morning Service. At this meeting the Church Treasurer will submit an audited Statement of Accounts. The Clerk to the Board will report on maintenance work and repairs due to the church and hall, and on the progress on the organ rebuilding. The Session Clerk will report on Kirk Session matters. The Guild, the Sunday School, and the Boys' Brigade will also be given a place on the agenda for reports. Vacancies on the Board will be filled.
Classes for First Communicants
Classes for young people wishing to become members of the Church will be held in the vestry on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. commencing Sunday, 1st April. I will welcome the attendance of all interested in Church membership.
Church Services
On Sunday, 25th March the Morning Service will be conducted by the Rev. J. M. Annand, B.D., minister of Dryfesdale Parish Church, Lockerbie on a pulpit exchange arrangement.
The 9.30 a.m. Half-Hour Services will commence on Sunday, 1st April.
Appeal to aid victims of famine following drought across India
All ministers of the Church of Scotland received a letter last week from Dr. Ronald Selby Wright, Moderator of the Church of Scotland, appealing for all congregations to contribute to Christian Aid to help people living in Maharashtra and Rajasthan parts of North West India. This area where our missionaries John McLeod and Chris Wigglesworth are working has been struck by the worst drought in a decade where rains have failed three consecutive years.
Consequently the crops have failed, and owing to the shortage of water the cattle are dying. People are moving away from their homes in the villages in tens of thousands and crowding out the cities of Poona and Bombay. The Church of Scotland Overseas Council is appealing for funds to help in digging wells and in feeding and medical projects. Contributions to this urgent appeal can be forwarded through our Church Treasurer, marked "N. W. India Special Appeal".
Sympathy with the Bereaved
Mrs. Frances Irving, 6 Douglas Terrace, passed away on Tuesday, 27th February, at the age of 81. After a happy home and family life of 59 years, she passed away suddenly and peacefully. Our sincere sympathy with her bereaved husband William, and her family, William, Ronald and Elizabeth.
With warm greetings to all pur people.
Yours sincerely
Tom Calvert, Minister.
TREASURER'S REPORT
F.W. Offerings 1973 £ 137.26 1972 £111.37
Ordinary 1973 £55.36 1972 £65.87
Annual 1973 £12.10 1972 £10.00
Covenants 1973 £37.00 1972 £47.00
Total 1973 £241.72 1972 £234.24
Overall increase £7.48 Average Weekly Offerings £30 Weekly Average Cost of Salaries and Wages Alone £32
Parish Magazines And Life and Work. The Treasurer would be grateful if Magazine distributors would collect subscriptions for same and forward to him at the end of each quarter, i.e., March, June, September and December.
WOMAN'S GUILD
Guild meetings in February:
The meeting on Tuesday, 13th February had the attendance reduced by a heavy fall of snow. The speaker was Mr. Rodger Blamire, Rector of Langholm Academy, who gave an interesting talk about historic churches, illustrating his talk with beautiful coloured slides. Marjorie Statham sang unaccompanied a ballad of Mary Hamilton. Members of the Erskine Guild attended as guests. Miss Ella Glendinning proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Blamire and Marjorie Statham. Mrs. Harkness thanked the Old Parish Guild for a very happy evening and their hospitality.
On Tuesday, 27th February the Guild enjoyed a delightful talk illustrated with coloured films given by William McMillan. Mrs. Ewart, president, presided. The Lesson was read by Mrs. Jean Goodfellow, and the vote of thanks by Mrs. Forster.
The next meeting of the Guild on 13th March will be in the Erskine Church, when our Guild members will be guests. On Tuesday, 27th March our guild will hold the closing meeting for this session, when Rev. A. R. B. Alexander will be the speaker. The annual Sale of Work will be on Saturday, 31st March.
Appeal for Choir Members from Mr. A. Douglas McBay, Organist.
It is hoped that a church choir can be formed within the next week or two, initially, for the purpose of rehearsing "The Crucifixion" by John Stainer, which will be sung at a special Service around Easter. As members of the congregation will be aware, the organ is to be renovated and tonally improved and it is hoped that this music may be performed at a time when the work on the organ has been completed. Singers in all voices are urgently sought. Don't worry if you can't read music. What we need is voices coupled with an enthusiasm and desire to be involved. And do as good a job of work as we can.
If you are interested, can you find time to make your way up to the organ loft for a short meeting after the Morning Service on Sunday, 11th March, 1973. This, I assure you, will be a very short meeting to see roughly how many people will be involved and to try and arrange a time for practice. I stress this will be a very short meeting, so, ladies, don't worry about burnt tatties or a ruined Sunday joint. Meat is too expensive for that, just now.
Here is the date again: Sunday, 11th March, 1973, as soon after the Morning Service as I can get the closing voluntary played.
A. DOUGLAS McBAY,
(Organist and I hope, Choirmaster.)
CHURCH CALENDAR
March 11 -11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. R. Graham, 2 Eskdaill Street.
March 18 - 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. James Morrison, Pathways.
March 25 - 11 a.m. Rev. J. M. Annand, B,D., Lockerbie. 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. Ritchie Hyslop, 2 Waverley Road.
April 1 - 9.30 a.m. Half-Hour Service. 11 a.m. Rev. Tom Calvert. Flowers, Mrs. Jim Kyle, 2/3 Fernlee Terrace, St. Ives, Cornwall.
BAPTISMS
February 11 - Kerrie Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hector Barnfather, 21 Caroline Street.
IN MEMORIAM
February 27 - Mrs. Frances Irving, 6 Douglas Terrace. Age 81.
"I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." St. John 11. 25-26