Reverend says farewell to church after 41 years serving congregation

His retirement was marked with a special service at the church and a farewell lunch with members of the congregation and friends.

Born on the island of Nahant, off the coast of Boston, Donald was ordained 52 years ago in Genoa, Nebraska.

He first came to Edinburgh in 1963 to study for a postgraduate degree at New College. While there he served at the Kirk Memorial Church, and after graduation returned to the US to serve in Whiteplains, New York.

He was invited to return to Scotland by the university's Professor Duthie, and was inducted into Musselburgh Congregational Church in 1968.

He said the highlights of his time at the church had included a successful rescue mission for a historic organ. He recognised that it was the work of the eminent organ maker, George Holdrich, and saved it from destruction, arranging for it to be brought to Musselburgh and restored.

Last February he celebrated 40 years at the church.

For many years he enjoyed sailing and loves collecting antiques, particularly clocks and watches. He also enjoys travelling, and on his retirement will take a six-week holiday to visit friends in Richmond, Michigan.

In retirement he is looking forward to continuing his work as an author of local history books. He has so far published nine books on local history in addition to his religious writings.

Reflecting on his time at the church, he said: "I'm proud of how I've served my people. I feel that I've made wonderful friends among the congregation."

Mollie Whiteoak, 85, has received an honorary fellowship at the Cancer Research UK's Flame of Hope Awards in recognition of 20 years of fundraising.

Mollie, who lives in Penicuik, works in the town's Cancer Research UK shop for 28 hours a week. She has also just completed her eighth Race for Life.

She decided to support the charity because both her mother and her late husband, Ernest, had cancer.

Mollie travelled to London for the awards after being nominated by Kathryn Brown, manager of the John Street shop.

She said: "There were about 150 getting awards of different classes so it was quite a big thing. With a name like Whiteoak, I was the very last one, so the butterflies were very busy."

She said she enjoyed the charity work: "I get a feeling I've done something useful."