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Parish Minister: Rev. Dr. Bruce Gardner
Scotland has suffered a great loss of its distinctive cultures over this last fifty years. This makes the Common Riding all the more precious as a link with our nation's past, in which Community and Kirk lived in harmonious cooperation.
In the Lauder Common Riding, we see the reality of Old Scotland, which still holds true for today: those who value freedom must be vigilant to defend it..
We also see the camaraderie and self-respect it gives our young people, and particularly our young men, who are poorly served by most British culture at this time. It is for this very reason that there is a special dignity in Kirking the Cornet, where Church and People meet, as in Old Scotland, to seek the Blessing of God on our common life.
For that reason I am disappointed that the close family wedding of my niece prevents me from what should have been my first Kirking. However, I have responded in two ways. First I have appointed Rev. Warner Hardie, who led this service acceptably in the past, to be my substitute. Secondly, I write the following poem, which I offer as a sign of appreciation for the honour of being your Minister. I will return on Monday for all the rest of the Common Riding.
May God bless you: Safe oot, safe in! And may Marc and his Lass know he blessing and joy of God in their work and in their life (Psalm 121, verse 8)
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