This Supplement appeared with the Summer 2009 edition of the Messenger to mark the retiral of our Minister for the past twenty years, John M Watson.

John M Watson LTh
Minister
Aberdeen St Mark's Church
1989 - 2009

Personal tribute from
Rev Andrew Christie

In 1986, whilst I was Minister at Ferryhill North Church, I was asked to be Interim Moderator at St Mark's Church. I readily agreed to take it on as my family had been members of the South Church and St. Mark’s for fifteen years prior to me becoming a Minister.

After two years and nine months of a vacancy, during which time the late Rev. Sam Ballantyne did a sterling job as Locum, we welcomed the Watson family into our midst. John was ordained and inducted into his first and only charge where he has served St Mark’s faithfully and well for twenty years.  St Mark's has been richly blessed under  his ministry  and with his family.   We have a lot to be thankful to God for in providing us with John.

I count it a privilege that we have had John at St Mark’s and to have had him as a brother in the Ministry of our Lord.  Like myself, I’m sure John would say that his ministry among us was enhanced by having a wonderful wife.  In Jennifer we have had an excellent Manse wife and we should give thanks for all she has done in assisting John.

Knowing how hard a fight we had the last time with the Presbytery of Aberdeen to keep St Mark’s open, we should be eternally grateful to John for us being restored to full status. He has safeguarded our future and we need to ensure by our support in the years ahead that his efforts were not in vain.  I know John will always regard this congregation with a great deal of love and affection and would like to wish John and Jennifer a long, healthy and happy retirement.

1989

After three years without a minister St Mark’s, on 16th June, saw the Induction of Rev John Mutch Watson as Parish minister. A young Lynn Yacamini presented Jennifer, his wife, with flowers and the congregation met Garry and David, their sons.  I think it would be fair to say that John ‘hit the ground running’  and at that point did not realise that the whole of his career in the Ministry  would be at St Mark’s. John’s first Christening was Stuart Andrew on 24th September 1989.

John & Jennifer at their
welcome ceilidh.

Does anyone recognise
the man on the right
pictured with John?
And the (cute) wee boy?

1990

John introduced the Easter Dawn Service. Marion Dey led the first meeting of the Summer Club and the theme was Around The World In 5 Days.   The Circle of Care was started with Margaret Donald as convenor and as John retires she remains as convenor. The Projects Committee was formed (the original name being Special Projects Committee) with Anne Donaldson as convenor, to raise £30,000 for the Centenary celebrations and she also is convenor as John retires. The first Talent Scheme took place.

1991

John and Jennifer opened the Manse for the first of many Manse Coffee Afternoon and Plant Sales.  St Mark’s had a Flower Festival in October and bus loads came from Oban, Perth and Elgin, it was very successful.  John and Jennifer, both keen thespians, started St Mark’s Drama Club; their first production was Police in Boots. The Drama Club supports St Mark’s and makes a substantial donation every year to the Church. Godspell was performed in the church by the Drama Group. The Christmas Service was televised and seen by 8½ million viewers in Britain, Holland and Germany. John’s interest in Christian Healing started in 1988 in Paisley and he introduced Healing to St Mark’s.

1992

This was St Mark’s centenary year; Leona McConochie designed the new St Mark’s Logo. To mark this anniversary the congregation raised £30,000 and on 20th March Princess Anne attended a service taken jointly by John and the Moderator of Presbytery, Rev Bob Tyre.  A Land Rover was given to Princess Anne for Save The Children. The remaining money bought a Video Endoscope which was donated to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The Dome was floodlit.  A New Pulpit Fall was commissioned. A Social for new members.  St Mark’s Hill Walking Club founded.  A Songs of Praise service was televised with an audience of 7½ million viewers.  John conducted the marriage of his son Garry to Lynne.

 1993

This year did not bring good news.  The Dome needed urgent repairs at an estimated cost of £180,000,  St Mark’s was facing a daunting task, one that was to take until 1997 to complete.  Rachael, John’s granddaughter, was born and he had the privilege of christening her.  John took members of his congregation to Israel. Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was performed in the church by the Drama Club.  John started St Mark’s Men’s Club and the first meeting was in October. The second Talent Scheme took place. David Watson admitted to membership of the Church. Congregational Social. First  Stewardship campaign took place. John started the fundraising for the Dome by preaching the parable of the Talents. Little miniatures churches handed out for fundraising. The Congregation compiled a book of poems. Top o' the Kirk Quiz started.

 At the Sea of Galilee on a
visit to the Holy Land

John, Jennifer & David
Men's Club presentation 2009 AGM

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