Preaching for the last time to the St. Mungo's congregation on Sunday 21st November 2004 was mixed with emotion. As the Locum minister Bill has been with us for some 15 months and we all had come to love and enjoy his services and stories. The Sunday School was always a large part of Bill's service, with the children's address regularly surprising the youngsters with very topical stories which always led to that all important Christian message.

The links in the left hand panel give only a flavour of the stories, Jacob and Esau, Names on the Door, Jump for Joy, and the Nativity play all due to Bill and the Sunday School teachers.

In appreciation of Bill's devotion to the children they all presented him with a souvenir photograph of the time he measured their heights and marked them on the organ door. See names on the door for the full story.

Outwith the Sunday Service Bill was a true shepherd, always looking after his flock. Many of our congregation have been lifted by his welcome smile and hand of fellowship during home visits, comfort  when not so well in hospital, and strength when facing loss of a loved one. He has helped new members through a comprehensive series of new communicant classes, encouraged all the Church Groups and activities, and left us with the "One a Day" booklet with its series of inspirational readings that quickly give an idea of what the bible is all about. Perhaps that helped Helen Rankin, to a second time win of the Newsletter "Know your Bible" competition, for which she received her prize from Bill during the Sunday Service.

Also as part of his final service in St. Mungo's as our Locum, Bill presented 30 year Elder long service certificates to Ian Dickson and Jim McMillan, in addition to that recently presented to Eric Marchant.

Finally a very special presentation to Church Officer Len Cox, who made sure Bill was on time and organised, if that could ever be managed, for our Sunday Services. Always there with a new battery when the microphone failed, or a friendly word when the order of service wavered. A prized one page copy of how to take off, fly and land a Lancaster bomber to remind Len of his past service in the RAF.

If anyone can lay hands on a Lancaster, Len will promise to follow the instructions and fly over St. Mungo's on Battle of Britain Sunday.