Submitted by Val Hiscock on
On a chilly but sunny Saturday 27th of January members of the Grand Bailiwick of Scotland gathered in the lovely setting of Holy Trinity Scottish Episcopal Church in Stirling to celebrate this important day in the life of the 0rder.
The congregation were welcomed to the Church by The Very Reverend Father Ian Evans ECLJ, (Chaplain General Emeritus of The Grand Priory of England and Wales) He was standing in for the Chaplain General Reverend Alexander MacDonald, who had taken ill the evening before. The Very Reverend Father Evans stays in Perth and is a regular attender at The Grand Bailiwick of Scotland events and a member of the clerical team.
Following the first hymn the opening prayer was led by the Chevalier Charles S. Borthwick, then followed two readings, from Genesis chapter 16 and the Book of Revelation chapter 1 by a very good friend of the Bailiwick and member of the Companionate, Reverend Margery Collin. The Offertory prayer was led by Senior Chaplain Reverend Colin McAulay and the prayer of Intercession by Confrere Craig Stirling-Brown OLJ, former member of the Bailiwick and now Secretary of the Commandery of Cumbria.
The Speaker for the afternoon was to be Mr Stuart McAra from Leprosy Mission Scotland, unfortunately due to ill health he had to call off at the last minute. The Hospitaller of the Grand Bailiwick Chevalier Dr Kevin Jones stood in and gave the congregation a talk on the work his committee and the Bailiwick have been doing over the past year in helping Leprosy Mission Scotland fight Leprosy.
The Grand Baillie H.E. Chevalier Roy Scott thanked all those who attended and stated that this was a great start to the year and looked forward to more events being organised to continue the work of the Order in Scotland. Following the end of this inspiring service the members of the Bailiwick went to the River House restaurant where lunch was served. This was a most enjoyable and successful day.