I Go to a Free Church of Scotland Church |
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History |
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The Free Church, as it is known in Scotland, was formed in1843. Large numbers of Christians left the established Church, because the State, often working through the local landowners, had power to tell them who had to be their Minister. Sometimes these Ministers were very unsuitable men. |
| There are some old buildings dating back to about this time. They are usually large and have high spires. There are others which were built less than 20 years ago. |
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The area where the service of worship is held is very simple. The cross is not displayed, but there may be a banner bearing the Latin words 'nec tamen consumebatur' which means 'however, it was not being burned up' with a symbolic picture of a burning bush. |
(Click to see an enlarged photo in a new window) |
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| This comes from the Old Testament of The Bible, Exodus chapter 3 verses 1 - 3 where we read about God speaking to Moses from the bush which seemed to be in flames but was not being destroyed. The 'burning bush' has come to symbolise God's presence. | |
| This denomination is very strong in the Western Isles of Scotland, where many of the services are in Gaelic. The biggest congregation is in the town of Stornoway. | |
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