Rev. James MacFarlane
1923-1926, Evangelism
James MacFarlane was born and raised in
Hamilton, Scotland, where he came to know the Lord in 1879. As a young man, Mr. MacFarlane
had been a miner in his homeland. His training in the Brethren assemblies prepared him
well for the Lord's work. After ten years of learning and witnessing, the Lord called Rev.
and Mrs. MacFarlane into full-time service in 1889.
After a far-reaching evangelistic ministry
in Scotland, Mr. MacFarlane came to Philpott Tabernacle in 1923. The keynote of his
ministry throughout his years in Hamilton continued to be "Evangelism". Mr.
MacFarlane's messages were characterized by spiritual depths and penetrating analysis of
the Word of God.
Pastor MacFarlane pioneered the radio
ministry of Philpott Tabernacle with a fifteen minute daily program on the Maple Leaf
radio station.
He is fondly remembered by many as a
pastor with a keen interest in people. His visits to the sick and the shut-ins were very
much appreciated. He also published a book while in Hamilton entitled The Lord's Prayer.
The MacFarlane's one daughter, Agnes
Henderson, was a long-time Hamilton resident.
In 1926, Mr. MacFarlane left Philpott
Tabernacle and went to Victoria Avenue Gospel Church, which later became Victoria Avenue
Baptist Church. Many of the members of the Tabernacle
followed Mr. MacFarlane at this time. He later served as the pastor at Charlton Avenue
Baptist Church until his retirement.
He lived in Hamilton until his death on
March 21, 1947 at the age of 85. Mrs. MacFarlane passed away at the age of 89 on April 19,
1958.
Rev. James N. Millar served as assistant
pastor during Mr. MacFarlane's time at Philpott Tabernacle. He continued as interim pastor
until the arrival of Dr. Hottel at which time he resumed the role of assistant pastor.
The missionary outlook of the Tabernacle
continued during this time. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Jensen sailed for Africa in 1923.
- Dr. Peter W. Philpott, 1896-1922, Solid Bible Teaching
- Rev. James MacFarlane, 1923-1926, Evangelism
- Dr. Hottel, 1926-1928, Christian Education
- Dr. Louis Talbot, 1929-1932, Love
- Dr. William Ward Ayer, 1932-1936, Organizational Development
- Rev. Donald Mackay, from 1938 to 1943, Pastor
- Dr. Peter Hoogendam, 1943-1956, Bible Teaching
- Rev. Alex B. Stein, 1957-1975, Outreach
- Dr. Arthur Paterson Lee, 1976-1979, Brotherly Love
- Rev. Lewis H. Worrad Jr., 1981-1992, Bible Teaching
