The beginning of a new year provides an opportunity to look back on the year that’s now past. Here’s a report from our own congregation written in early 1941, looking back at church life in the midst of World War II, with services taking place during black-outs and 20+ of the congregation’s young men serving in the armed forces, one of whom was a prisoner of war in Germany.
Consolidated Catalina Mk II of No. 240 Squadron RAF, Stranraer, March 1941 (Imperial War Museum)
Report of Session, 1940
The year 1940 has now closed and as a Session we would look back over our Church life in that year.
We would acknowledge first of all our deepest gratitude to Him who is our King and Head for his continued goodness to us. “The Lord of us hath mindful been.” [Psalm 115 v 12, Scottish Metrical Version]
The storm of war still surrounds us, and great damage has been done to many parts of our land, but God in His goodness has thus far spared us the destruction and sorrow that air-raids bring.
Naturally the war has affected our Church life to a considerable extent; over 20 of our young men are now serving with the Forces, one of them being a prisoner of war in Germany; the black-out has affected the attendances at evening meetings; and essential duties have called some of our people to Sabbath work. The requisitioning of our Hall has made the work of some of our organisations more difficult. But in spite of these difficulties the work of the Congregation has been carried on with a measure of success.
The Lord’s supper has been dispensed twice; and during the year eight new members were received into full Communion in the Church. The attendances at the Sabbath services have remained farily constant, and the evening service seems to be more suitable than the afternoon one. Session would appeal to those who are somewhat dilatory in their attendances to make a greater effort to come to the ordinances of God’s House.
During the year we have administered the ordinance of Baptism to two infants, while in the same period five of our members have been called to their reward. They were, Mr. Thomas Arthur, Mrs W. Murray, Mrs. John []ah, Mr. Andrew Hamilton, and Miss Jane []ay. To the relatives and friends in their bereavement we, as a Session, would extend our deepest sympathy.
The Prayer-meeting has continued and has been fairly well attended, and many have expressed the help they have received at these fellowship meetings.
The Sabbath-school too, has been carried on, and we are glad to know that the attendances have been improving during the year. The school has had to meet in the Church during the year because of the taking-over of the Hall.
It is with regret that we have to report that the C. Y. P. [Covenanter Young Peoples’] Society has not been able to continue its meetings owing to so many of its members being in the Forces, but we hope that when peace comes again that this Society will continue its fine work among the young people.
The W. M. A [Women's Missionary Association] held their regular meetings; while the ladies of the congregation have on several occasions sent parcels of comforts to the men who are on military service, and for these many letters of thanks have been received from the boys.
Our minister [Rev. J. Moffett Blair] has received the permission of Session and Presbytery to engage in Army Hut and Canteen work, and has has been engaged in this work for some time now as a voluntary worker in this area.
We must all realise more and more the need for faith and trust in God. He alone can support us in these troublous days. And if we look to Him to do great things for us, we must also be ready to consecrate ourselves to His service, and to show by our lives that he is our Saviour and our Lord.
For more information on Stranraer in WWII, see the book ‘Stranraer in World War II’ published by Stranraer & District Local History Trust (3rd edition, 2017).