Ministers

James Macleod
1885-1907
Ordained and inducted on graduation, MacLeod had already become a firm favourite having led worship as a student from the first day of the congregation. He married one of James Fleming’s daughters. He was known as a gifted preacher and lecturer. Sadly he died of cancer aged 47.

Archibald Lamont
1908-1912
He was an experienced minister who had served as a missionary in the Far East and had worked in parishes in South Shields and London. Archibald Lamont’s time at Wardie was often contentious and he was frequently absent from his post. He left for South Africa in 1912.

James Baikie
1912-1922
He came from Ancrum, known as a scholar, author and gifted preacher. James Baikie was a sympathetic man with a bright and cheerful personality. After several periods of ill health he moved to Torphichen.

John Douglas
1923-31
John Douglas established a very strong, positive relationship with the congregation and worked tirelessly as a parish minister. Unfortunately he died of TB in 1931.

Albert Kissling
1931
A “live-wire” filled the post in Wardie. Albert Kissling was an ordained American minister who was studying at New College. Unfortunately he felt it his duty to return home to Florida to the congregation who had supported his studies.

James Rennie
1932-1961
James Rennie did not always have an easy time at Wardie and at an early stage of his ministry contemplated moving on. It is a measure of his personal resolve, and of the respect and affection in which he came to be held, that his ministry here lasted almost 30 years.

In the period immediately following the settlement of 1929 whereby Wardie became part of the Church of Scotland, James Rennie had the very difficult task of leading the congregation towards a new system of management which would conform to the “Model Constitution” being adapted widely across the land. He was successful in effecting this change prior to his departure, also leading the members through a process of refurbishment and improvement of the building.

A man of deep faith and integrity, James Rennie was known as a somewhat stern and uncompromising figure although he also had a warm sense of humour. He is remembered, not least, for his preaching, his work on HMS Lochinvar (a Nissen hutted camp on Wardie playing fields in WW2) and his part in founding Industrial Chaplaincy in Scotland. Poor health led to James Rennie translating to Bridge of Allan in 1960.

Thomas Thomson
1961-1990
Thomas Thomson was an energetic and dedicated minister who always had time for everyone and forgot nothing. He was an inspired preacher and excelled in his pastoral work.

He continued and developed the work initiated by his predecessor. The Kirk Session of 70 and the Congregational Board of 100 (including the Elders) met regularly. A large Sunday School, Bible Study Group,Youth Circle were all established and well attended. Music played an important part in worship with both Junior and Senior Choirs involved on worship.

Financially the church was in good shape with extra fund-raising for special needs as and when appropriate. Mr Thomson retired in 1990 after 29 years of ministry.