FAMILY and friends were joined by guests as Tom Bonnar was ordained as Pastor of Sanquhar Congregational Church.

There had been concerns about the weather as road conditions would be challenging, but on the day itself the situation improved enough to enable people to attend from outwith the area.

Representatives from other churches were joined by many others who braved the snow to celebrate the occasion — Rev Sue Rayner led the ceremony while her husband, Rev Lee Rayner, was the presiding minister.

Mrs Rayner is a hospital chaplain at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Mr Rayner is Ministry Convenor of the Congregational Federation in Scotland.

They explained to those present why the act of ordination is such a significant step in the life of a church and prayers were said for both Tom and the church.

The reading was from Jeremiah 29 verses 10-14, a passage which holds particular significance for Tom, who spoke to the congregation about his calling.

This was followed by the ordination itself, a very moving occasion, as was the laying on of hands by church elders and visiting church leaders.

Rev Bill Hogg, Minister of St Brides Parish Church, gave a short statement on behalf of the other churches in Sanquhar.

Yvonne Campbell, General Secretary of the Congregational Federation, who had travelled from Manchester to be present, spoke words of encouragement to Tom and the church.

A spokesman for Sanquhar Congregational Church said: “The whole service was conducted in an atmosphere of commitment and celebration and ended with Pastor Tom delivering the Benediction at the close of the service.

“We pray God’s blessing on Tom as he continues in his ministry.

“I know he’d want this article to end by quoting his usual statement...’We’re open every Sunday morning at 11.30am — everyone welcome’.”