Croy, Church of Scotland (1763-1766)




In 1763 James Calder set aside two days for 'personal humiliation and prayer' because of the coldness he felt in his congregation. Tokens of divine blessing multiplied at the parish communion shortly after, while, at a communion in neighbouring Inverness sometime later, as many as 200 attendants from Croy were among the partakers. One day in September Calder visited 'five distressed families', while a work of grace was also evident among his own three beloved sons, each of whom went on to become respected ministers in the north. At the year end Calder could look back and say:

'This by-past year has been happier than usual with respect  to my flock, there having been some more remarkable instances of conversion-work than usual, and more confirmation and con­solation, and spiritual prosperity and vivacity, among the Lord's people in this place and this neighbourhood, so that this has been a jubilee year to some - a year that will be remembered and celebrated to    the praise of free grace through all the years and ages, if I may so phrase it, of a never-ending eternity.'

The following year was even more successful and Calder called 1766, 'the happiest year of my ministry'.  

 

From 'The Diary of James Calder', by William Taylor, 1875, page 36. Summarised by Tom Lennie in 'Land of Many Revival', pages 154-5.

Additional Information

The church was built in 1764, obviously as a result of the revival.


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