Dedication of the Bill McDonald Hall

 
Sunday, August 26, 2018, was a special day at Mayfield Salisbury: the day on which we dedicated and re-named the refurbished ‘upper hall’ to become the ‘Bill McDonald Hall’. To our delight a large number of Bill’s family were able to be present both at the morning service which preceded the dedication and at the dedication itself. In the service  our minister, Revd Dr Scott Mckenna, used prayers written by Bill, quoted him in his sermon and Bill’s widow, Patricia McDonald, read two Bible passages. Following the service a large crowd of worshippers joined Scott, Patricia and the family in the hall.
 
In his address Scott explained that Bill had been minister of Mayfield Church from 1959 to 1992 and that his ministry was marked by its fruitfulness, intelligence and pastoral concern. In 1989, Bill was also Moderator of the Church of Scotland. So earlier this year, the Kirk Session at Mayfield Salisbury agreed that it was right in some way to mark Bill’s successful and faithful ministry. The ‘upper hall’ was originally built as an extension to the main buildings in 1967, being opened in 1968 during Bill’s ministry, so it seemed appropriate, exactly 50 years on, to refurbish and re-name it in his memory. More than that, it was agreed that, as Bill was a man of ideas who enjoyed intellectual stimulation, a lectureship should be instituted in his name. The first lecture will therefore take place on Sunday 7 October 2018 and will be given, appropriately, by Bill’s son-in-law, Allan Little, a former special correspondent with the BBC.
 
In her reply, Patricia McDonald spoke very warmly about Bill describing how much his time at Mayfield and his ministry had meant to him. She thanked everyone for re-naming the hall and setting up the lectureship in his memory saying how surprised he would have been but also how pleased and grateful. Her words were greeted by warm applause. Many members of the congregation remember Bill’s ministry and remain indebted to him for who he was and the work he did here.
 
Scott then offered the following prayer and dedication:

 
It is indeed right, it is our duty and our joy,
at all times and in all places,
to give You thanks and praise,
Holy God, Eternal Mystery.
 
Heaven itself, the highest heaven,
cannot contain You,
how much less this church and hall that we have built!
 
Yet, we seek Your blessing for this space,
for the presence of Your Spirit in this place.
We give thanks for the work and witness
that has gone on here since these doors
were first opened.
 
Through all the work and witness,
through the joy, laughter, business, relaxation, tears and achievements to come,
through the love, care and kindness of old and young,
we pray Your Spirit, ever-present, will flourish.
 
In the name of Jesus Christ,
our Saviour, teacher and companion,
I re-dedicate this hall to the service of God
and re-name it, the Bill McDonald Hall,
that we may be inspired by his winsome Christianity,
his leadership, humility and wisdom.
 
We ask a blessing upon Bill’s family,
mindful of their pride, rich memories and love.
 
We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus.
 
Amen.
 
Patricia McDonald cut the celebratory cake, coffee and tea were served, and there was time for chat and fellowship with friends old and new. Children played in the hall and the garden, and the Youth Group barbecue swung into action, despite the rain, so that hot dogs were handed round to old and young alike! 

Further photographs can be seen in the Gallery