July 18

David’s faith was intellectually robust but never obscurely academic. His Christianity was
a thoroughly practical and realistic faith that he eloquently communicated both in his
preaching and in pastoral ministry.
At a celebration to mark his 25 years here, the late Walter
Geddes, elder of this parish, spoke of David’s sermon
content being “comprehensive and topical and delivered with
easy eloquence and he speaks his mind on subjects close to
his heart.”
For 27 years David MacFarlane graced the pulpit in this
church, in Eddleston Church and, for a number of years at
Lyne and Manor. It w as of the utmost importance to David
that parish worship should be marked by dignity, good order
and thorough preparation on the part of those leading it.
As he began to look for his first charge he was furnished
with glowing references from the ministers who had been his
‘bishops’ during his student and probationer assistantships.
“His pulpit work is marked by careful preparation and great earnestness and sincerity”
wrote one.
David certainly graced the church but in his own unique way, he graced so many aspects
of life. He was a gracious man.
His graciousness touched me deeply. After he retired from Eddleston with Peebles Old,
David and Penny moved to Perth and there they remained throughout the ministry
immediately following his own, and for the first part of my ministry here. But with David
and Alasdair both still in Peebles, and with Iain in Fairmilehead, there were thoughts of
returning to Peebles. Before the return, however, David wrote to me the most beautiful
letter, asking if I would mind if he and Penny returned to the town. I shall always
treasure that letter for it summed up the graciousness of a very gracious man.
On their return, Penny and David once more became part of Peebles Old. I often
wondered what he must have thought of what I was doing to his church but he was
unfailingly generous in his support and encouragement.
Peebles Old looks as it does today, largely due to David MacFarlane’s vision. The
rearrangement of the chancel, the remodelling of the North Aisle, the new organ console,
the choir stalls – David’s determination, tact and drive made all of these happen. Nor can
we forget the building of the Church Centre as a splendid replacement for the halls that
stood where Halyrude Court now is. How fitting that, after his retirement, the Kirk
Session renamed the Church Centre, the MacFarlane Hall.
Beyond the life of the congregations, David MacFarlane’s impact on the community was
immense. Grieving families, troubled households, struggling individuals were touched by
gracious and profoundly concerned ministry. Whether it was the middle of the day or the
middle of the night, David would be there, because matching his passion for the Gospel
was his passion for people. Equally, he shared to the full in folks’ joys and celebrations.
He was a celebrated and prolific after-dinner speaker, though many who were entertained
by his addresses over the years might be surprised to learn that it didn’t come as easily as
his polished presentations may have suggested. But he had a wonderful gift for
communicating … and entertaining, even among relative strangers.
Following in the footsteps of Christ he felt at ease being where the people were … in
homes, on the streets, in the hostelries, yes and even in the queue in the chippie.
Andrew relates: ‘We once attended the induction of a colleague where the purvey on offer
was extremely modest. Custard creams I think.