1st Charge mentioned on MC

Post by **Anne H** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 1:48 am

Hi everyone!
In the minister's section of a 1916 MC it states the following....

James McGibbon
Minister Glasgow Cathedral
E. L. Thomson
Minister of Hamilton
1st Charge

I'm assuming the two ministers were by special request but does anyone know what 1st Charge might mean?

Regards,
Anne H

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:34 am

Hello Anne,

This Wiki regarding the Church of Scotland seems to cover the situation. See under Initial Training. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministers_ ... f_Scotland

When the training has been sustained, the candidate is free to seek a charge. The Church of Scotland does not ordain ministers without simultaneously inducting them into their first charge. This is because, theologically, ministers are ordained "to do" a task rather than "to be" a minister. This stands in contrast to some other denominations which ordain their clergy on completion of training.

Hope that’s it,
Alan

Post by **Anne H** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 5:06 am

Aah! Thanks Alan...that's very interesting! Now all I have to do is come with a reason as to why when the bride and groom seemingly both resided in Hamilton, did they all go to Airdrie to get married. (Possibly the bride's actual home parish).

Thanks again.

Regards,
Anne H