Tuesday October 15th 2024: Church of Scotland Moderator Designate 2025. Rev Rosie Frew photographed at Bowden Kirk, Scottish Borders.
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Our Gaelic weekend concluded in the impressive surroundings of Glasgow Cathedral for The Gathering of The Clans – a special service celebrating the importance of the Gaelic language to the history of Scotland’s largest city as it marks its 850th anniversary.
The service was conducted entirely in Gaelic by Rev Domhnall Micheal MacInnes with readings and prayers led by local school children and members of the Church’s Gaelic Committee. Fortunately we had the English translation on a screen.
Along with two familiar hymns translated into Gaelic (Be still, for the presence of the Lord and How great Thou Art) we were treated to a variety of beautiful Gaelic songs. Precentor Murdo Angus MacLeod led the singing of Psalm 137 in the traditional lining out style. Soloist Joan Morrison, winner of the Traditional Gold at the Royal National Mod in 2013, sang the hymn “Tha’n gradh seo cho laidir”. The Combined Gaelic Choirs of Glasgow sang Joseph Mainzer’s beautiful arrangement of Psalm 65 and the well-known Athchuinge (Invocation) under the baton of conductor and Mod Gold Medallist Kirsteen Grant. I brought the time of worship to a close with the benediction in Gaelic. Thanks to Very Rev Angus Morrison for his masterclass prior to the General Assembly!
We were then treated to a quick tour of the Cathedral by Ronnie the Session Clerk followed by refreshments.
Earlier in the day we enjoyed a very different style of worship when we joined our friend Angela at her church, St George’s Tron. By coincidence Rev Hugh Stewart of the Gaelic Committee was there too. Thanks to Rev Alastair Duncan and the congregation for their warm welcome.