David’s Institution

It has sometimes seemed a long time since we had the quiet pleasure of knowing that Revd Canon David Paton-Williams had been offered, and had accepted, the Rectorship of St Columba’s.  However, on Monday April 25th, the day of his Institution finally arrived. The large congregation included visiting clergy, coming to support a fellow priest and also have a gander at him (David’s words). Columbans and lovely friendly folk from Leeds and other places afar off, gathered to give him a heartfelt welcome. The legalities were solemnly pronounced. David was presented with Bible, stole, oil, bread and wine, hymnbook and keys, weighty symbols of our invitation to be proclaimer of the Word, pastor, priest, healer, reconciler, celebrant at the Eucharist, sharer in praising God and extending hospitality. He seemed to undertake this extraordinary job-description with equanimity!

Bishop John uttered thoughtful words in which John Knox was invoked, reminding Scots and English of their similarities and differences of churchmanship. We prayed, exchanged Peace, shared Eucharist – which is surely the point of it all – and were blessed. The music was wonderful: the final verse of the first hymn, accompanied by organ and piano, threatened to raise the roof. The well-rehearsed anthems went well, the words of the David Ogden anthem, “Christ has no Body now but yours”, reminding us all of our vocation.

David and Jenny had been warmly welcomed and the event celebrated with a great party after the service. The was a wonderful beginning, full of joy and hope. Now, continuing in this spirit, we have the task of getting to know each other. We have among us new eyes and ears, insights and experience, to bring us encouragement, to help us move forward and serve God in Edinburgh and the world.

Deo gratias.

Words: Val Bland
Pictures: (c) Katherine McHale