New minister for Mortlach and Cabrach Parish Church after seven-year wait
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A SPEYSIDE church has finally ended its seven-year search for a new full-time minister.
Rev Eddie Enslin (34) will be inducted into Mortlach and Cabrach Parish Church via an online service tomorrow, Thursday, October 8.
The South African has swapped the Dutch Reformed Church in Johannesburg to start a new life in Moray with wife Carlien and their collie, Levi.
Rev Enslin led his first Sunday service in Speyside on October 4, after completing his 12-month familiarisation placement at Pollockshields Parish Church, in Glasgow.
His arrival heralds in what is hoped will be a more stable period for the church.
Interim moderator the Rev George Rollo has presided over the church community since the Rev Hugh Smith gave his last sermon in 2013.
Rev Enslin is looking forward to serving the rural parish and becoming part of the community.
He said: "I am thankful that the leadership of the church have been able to adapt to the current circumstances, making it possible to be inducted over an online forum.
"This is something that would have been unimaginable a decade ago and the way the church has had to adapt in a very short time has been testament to the resilience – and at times stubbornness – of its members and leaders.
"I am hopeful for the future of the church because the change we are often so fearful of has been thrust upon us and we have seen that we were able to continue."
Rev Enslin said the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on communities should not be underestimated.
He said: "The fear, loss and emotional impact is far-reaching and there is a lot of work to do in showing the love, compassion and inclusion of Christ to communities deeply affected by this crisis.
"I hope as individuals, and as part of the bigger church, we can rise to the challenge."
The church community showed their appreciation for Rev Rollo's interim leadership, presenting him with a cheque and a bottle of Mortlach whisky.
Rev Rollo said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed being the locum minister at Mortlach and Cabrach. The welcome and warmth of the people was quite exceptional in a most beautiful part of the world.
"I'm delighted they have now got a young, energetic minister to take them forward in their faith and I wish them all every blessing in the future."
Liz Cameron, session clerk, said the congregation had been on a long and patient journey over the last seven years.
She added: "The congregational board and kirk session are delighted to welcome Eddie as our new minister and also his wife, Carlien.
"We are looking forward to having them in the parish for many years and I hope they enjoy living in this beautiful part of Scotland and have fun getting used to the local accents.
"We are sorry to see our interim moderator, Rev George Rollo, leave because he has been with us for most of the last seven years and has been a tremendous support to all of us in the church."
Meanwhile Aberlour Parish Church of Scotland will also welcome in a new minister later this month. Rev Andrew Kimmitt's ordination and induction will take place on Thursday, October 22.
