Rev Robert Brookes: a Badenoch man through and through is inducted at Kingussie
Robert Brookes has become the new Minister for Badenoch charges extending from Insh to Dalwhinnie.
“It has been such a memorable weekend for me,” he told the Strathy, “one that I am ever so grateful for.
“Although I have owned a house in Newtonmore for decades I have worked away so much that now I truly do feel I have come home.
“I couldn’t be more excited about being called here to connect all these wonderful congregations.
“I will be here for everyone in this charge of Kingussie, Laggan, Newtonmore, Dalwhinnie and Insh.”
The 58-year-old former hotel chef was ordained in December 2009 at Taynault and in 2016 was invited to Cawdor , Croy, Daviot and Tomatin’s united charge of Strathnairn and Strathdearn, before being unanimously voted in to Badenoch. He led his last service on September 22 before making the move ‘home’.
“Yes, I have returned home - my family’s community in every way. They have loved Badenoch all their life and I do feel it very much in my heart. I am returning to a community and people I love and feel are very much in my heart.”
Kingussie Parish Church was packed last Saturday for his induction by Moderator Rev Doug McRoberts.
“I am looking forward to exciting times ahead and beginning the new chapter in my life,” said Rev Brookes, while stressing that he would always remain friends with all his former parishioners, no matter where.
His point was made very poignantly when he introduced Madge Fraser from Tomatin, who on hearing the date of his coming induction had told him: “That’s my birthday! I’ll have to be there!”
“Madge is a very special lady,” Mr Brookes told the church on Saturday. “She was born in 1934 on this very day and I invited her to join us here - so that I could give her this.”
Before an applauding congregation he presented the birthday girl with an enormous bouquet - and a gentle hug.
“Yes, everyone,” smiled the Moderator, “I can confirm that your new Minister is a hugger!”
The news was well received, prompting another spontaneous round of applause.
The hymns were all sung heartily and the Questions to the Congregation were answered wholeheartedly as the chuch members pledged themselves.
As many who had shaken Rev Brookes’ hand outside the parish church on making their way to St Bride’s in Newtonmore for a well-attended and highly sociable reception, it was a sunny day in every respect and hopefully would, indeed, begin a whole new chapter for the churches of Badenoch.
