THE SERVICE OF LAY WORKERS
Reference has been made to some of the laymen who helped the Portobello cause in the earlier days. Other names should also be mentioned of faithful servants who did their work well and have now entered into their reward.
One of the most outstanding personalities during the last quarter of a century was Thomas B. Noble. He simply lived for the church and gave every service he could; and for twenty years was the Secretary. He also served for many years as Secretary of the Sunday School, was a member of the choir, and an ardent Christian Endeavourer. His home-call in 1942 came as a heavy blow, and to this day his loss is keenly felt. Three oak communion chairs were designed and built to his memory.
Andrew Beattie was a close friend of Mr. Noble, and like him gave loyal service to the church in a number of departments, including the Sunday School, Choir and the C. E. Society. He was a deacon for a considerable time and for a while was Church Treasurer. His early home-call in 1944 was also a sad blow.
The work that J. C. Ross did when the church was founded has been mentioned elsewhere; but it should be said that he returned to Portobello later, and after some years in membership with one of the City churches he rejoined with Portobello and gave a further long period of loyal service as deacon and treasurer.
Mrs. Matthews was another outstanding personality who devoted her gifts to the church. Possessing a unique talent for music, she was appointed choir leader, and in this and other spheres gave extremely useful service.
Mr. W. Scott served as a deacon for a relatively short time, but his genial disposition very quickly won him a high place in the regard and affections of his fellow deacons. He gave valuable service to the choir, which was greatly appreciated.
There are still in our midst a number of members whose association with the church reaches back to forty years. There is Miss. Cleghorn, whose mother played a prominent part in the formation of the church. Mr. & Mrs. McDonald have also been faithful members all down these years; and Mr. McDonald has for long been a respected deacon.
Mr. & Mrs. Carmichael are another two members who have never faltered in their allegiance since joining the fellowship in 1907. Mr. Carmichael was for over thirty years Superintendant of the Sunday School, and for many years was leader of the Sunday morning Bible Class. He is now the senior active deacon, having been elected in 1908.
Mr. Robert Fergus was elected to the deacons' court in 1906, and is thus senior deacon, and has done fine work for the church, but ill-health has confined him to bed for a number of years. His interest, however, is as vigorous as ever, and it may be that in the Providence of God he is even now giving his greatest contribution to the cause he has loved so long; for his life is now dedicated to prayer, and although absent from the services he is ever present in spirit and ever carrying to the Throne of Grace supplication for blessing on all the work, and for those who serve. He is truly a Tower of Strength.
Mr. Alex Noble followed in his father's footsteps as Church Secretary, and held this office from 1902 to 1916, and served for many years more with much acceptance as deacon.
Other faithful menbers who have had long association with the church are Miss Mary Noble, Miss Dick, Miss Thurbon, the Misses Miller, Mrs. G. Kerr and Mr. J. Angus.
Three members have gone forth to serve in the Mission field: Dr. Hugh Craig and Dr. Vera Walker to India, and Miss W. Hadden to the Belgian Congo.
Twice has the President of the Scottish Baptist Union been chosen from this church: Mr. J. C. Ross in the year 1937-38, and the Rev. D. Merrick-Walker in the year 1931-32.
Two of our young men, James Heron and William McLean, are studying for the ministry; and James McLean is doing useful work for the London City Mission.
There are others who are and have been giving faithful service, and although their number is too great to mention separately, honour must be paid to them; for without them, their loyalty, and untiring devotion, there would have been no church, no progress, and no Jubilee.