Lorraine Brown shared these photos with me recently, mentioning she had found the old bible at St Andrews Parish Church. As can be seen from the inscription, it was the ministers bible, dating from 1880.
The bible was bought by the ladies of the newly formed Stonefield Parish Church that year in Glasgow Road. It was given as a gift to the minister, presented officially to him along with gifts of a gown and accessories, upon his arrival when ordained on 29th June 1880.
Thomas retired in 1919. As can be seen from the inscription, he donated the bible back to the church after leaving in May 1920. A communion table and chairs was dedicated in his memory in June 1930, to co-incide with the church’s Jubillee year. It is incredible to think that this bible is now nearly 140 years old.
Thank you to Lorraine Brown for sharing.