St John’s
is one of the oldest charges in the Scottish Episcopal Church,
the first Rector’s ministry dating from 1688, when the
post-Reformation Church in Scotland came to its- so far irrevocable
division into Presbyterian and Episcopalian denominations.
Among the clergy who have served in St
John’s since then have been:
George Skene, who served as a Chaplain in
the Jacobite army led by Charles Edward Stuart – ‘Bonnie
Prince Charlie’ – and whose portrait and walking
cane are kept in the sacristy.
John Skinner, Rector 1797-1841. His grandfather
was the famed John Skinner, writer of “Tullochgorum”,
the poet-priest of Linshart and friend of Robert Burns. His
father, too, was named John (1744-1816), and he became Bishop
of Aberdeen and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Bishop
John Skinner was one of the three Scottish Bishops who in
1784 consecrated Samuel Seabury as the first Bishop of the
Episcopal Church of the then new United States of America.
Of his sons, John was Rector of Forfar, and William succeeded
his father as Bishop of Aberdeen.
The Congregation of St John’s is drawn
from the people of Forfar itself, the nearby villages such
as Letham and Padanaram, and the countryside of Angus. (Some
of our families have been associated with St John’s
since the 18th Century.) In recent years, a number of new
members have joined – mostly people who have come to
live in this part of Scotland from other parts of the UK,
and whose different backgrounds and experiences have brought
a new enrichment to the Church family. All will bear witness
to a very friendly and welcoming congregation. Come and meet
us, come and share our worship and companionship. You, your
friends and family will be made most welcome.
Words of Invitation, words of Witness
. . .“Many of us think of church goers as people
who spend an hour every so often at a worship service on Sunday
morning. This is far from the truth. In many ways, Sunday
morning is just the tip of an iceberg – what isn’t
seen is the huge amount of caring and helping and serving
inspired in individual people by their sharing in worship.
That’s why we say that the spiritual life of the Church
is essential. Sadly, in an increasingly secular and selfish
age many of us can easily spend so much of our time and energy
trying to be rich in material things that we end up poor in
soul. The Church’s worship is essential to keep us aware
of the things of the soul, and remind us of the real riches
of our lives – loyalty, compassion, justice, kindness,
peace, goodwill to all” (A Member of St John’s)
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A FRIEND
IN AFRICA RECENTLY SENT THIS TO ONE OF ST.JOHN'S MEMBERS
THE GREATEST MAN THAT EVER LIVED
The Greatest Man in History
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
I feel honoured to serve such a Leader who loves us!
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