NEWS: A Window to the Soul

MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
18 February 2010

A CHURCH is to install a new stained glass window in memory of a popular minister who served the community for almost 40 years.

The congregation of Queensferry Parish Church has raised £16,000 in memory of the late Rev John Carrie, who died at the age of 64 in 2008, just months before he was due to retire.

As well as being much loved, Rev Carrie also founded an annual charity crossing of the Forth Road Bridge which has so far raised more than GBP 1 million.

The majority of the £16,000 has been used to fund the window, and the rest will go towards other tributes, including a special plaque and a third-world teaching bursary. A street may also be named after him.

The church has secured planning permission for the memorial window, featuring an image of the good shepherd, in his honour.

Current minister Rev Sean Swindells said: "It was felt that this particular choice reflected John's ministry and the congregation would identify with the symbolism."

After discussions with the committee and Rev Carrie's family, the church decided to employ Perthshire-based specialists Roland Mitton to design the window.

The plaque will overlook the Forth Road Bridge, where Rev Carrie held his annual Christian Aid Bridge Cross for nearly 40 years. Rev Swindells said: "It was not permissible to have a plaque attached to the Bridge, so we had one placed on a bench in the viewing area, which has been temporarily removed for the winter.

"The plaque reads: 'In Memory of Rev. John G. Carrie, Minister of Queensferry Parish Church from 1971 to 2008. The inspiration behind the Annual Christian Aid Forth Bridge Cross'."

Some of the remaining money will be used to support teacher training in Kenya. David Mbae, an old friend of Queensferry Parish Church, singled out a young woman called Kananu Njagi for the first bursary, and she is now training at the Kericho Teachers Training College, Kenya.

Rev Swindells added: "We are delighted to report that the public appeal has raised GBP 16,120, a magnificent sum in a time of recession, and a sign of the respect and affection in which John was held ."

The church has approached the city council to put Rev Currie forward to have a street named after him.