Rev Dr Wayne Pearce has been formally inducted as the new minister of Stornoway High Church of Scotland.
The pulpit has been vacant since the retirement of Rev Willie Black in 2011.
Since then the church was rocked by a congregational split over in the denomination’s decision to allow gay ministers and the departure from Biblical teaching.
New minister for Stornoway church
14 February 2015
Rev Wayne Pearce and his wife, Margaret with children, Bethany and Mark
Rev Dr Wayne Pearce has been formally inducted as the new minister of Stornoway High Church of Scotland.
The pulpit has been vacant since the retirement of Rev Willie Black in 2011.
Since then the church was rocked by a congregational split over in the denomination’s decision to allow gay ministers and the departure from Biblical teaching.
A breakaway group of 250 left over the row. They have now formed a distinct congregation under the wing of the Free Church.
Mr Pearce is now the pastor for the remaining 90 or so worshippers at the Matheson Road.
He pledged to “put the Church back at the heart of our community.”
Mr Pearce added: “I am so thankful to the Lord for calling me to the High Church and to the congregation and wider Church of Scotland for their warmth of welcome, prayerful good wishes, enthusiasm and support.
“By the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, it is our goal to educate, edify and encourage our Church family at the High that we might bring the knowledge of Jesus and His glorious Gospel to those outside the Church by our words and works.”
Since 2010, he has been been the APC minister for Skye and Harris.
Rev Tommy Macneil, Moderator of Lewis Presbytery, led the induction service.
The charges to the new minister were given by Rev Ian M M Macdonald, former Interim Moderator of the High Church Kirk Session, while the charges to the congregation were given by the Right Reverend John Chalmers, Moderator of the Church of Scotland.
Also present were Rev Dr Angus Morrison, Moderator Designate of the General Assembly, and Rev Colin Caskie from Perth Presbytery.
Rev Terence Taggart, the newly inducted Priest at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Stornoway, associated with Lewis Presbytery for this special occasion, as did Rev Donald John Morrison and Rev Bruce McNicol from Uist Presbytery.
In line with tradition, Dr Pearce was ‘preached into’ his new pulpit by Rev Dr Angus Morrison last Sunday morning.
Dr Pearce is married to Margaret and they have three children between the ages of 11 and 22.