Members of Tranent Parish Church celebrated the ordination and induction of their new minister the Rev Erica Wishart last week.

Friends and family joined with members of Lothian Presbytery and clergy representing a number of other denominations in the service last Thursday, which was led by the Rev Alexander Horsburgh, Moderator of Lothian Presbytery.

The address was given by the Rev Ruth Halley, minister of Penicuik North Church, and as part of her ordination Mrs Wishart was presented with a new stole by Wilma Hannah, session clerk in Tranent Parish Church.

Following the service, the hospitality and relaxed atmosphere at the welcome social in the church hall was enjoyed by many. Speeches were made by the Rev Sheena Orr, a chaplain to HMP Edinburgh and a friend of Mrs Wishart, and also the Rev Dr Stewart Weaver, minister of Portobello and Joppa Parish Church, where Mrs Wishart recently served as probationary minister in completion of her training.

The Rev Dr Robin Hill, minister of Longniddry and Gladsmuir, who has been interim moderator to Tranent Church while it has been vacant, also spoke, and musical items were contributed by Laurie Brett and Mrs Wishart’s daughter and son Rachel and Calum.

Mrs Wishart has just completed her ministerial training, having graduated from Glasgow University in 2013, and brings a wealth of previous experience to her new role.

She studied French and Italian at Edinburgh University, and is a fully qualified teacher, with special interest in children with additional support needs. She also taught deaf children – she has Stage 2 BSL and is currently involved with an Edinburgh and Lothians disability group that aims to make church accessible for everyone.

She is also an accomplished musician, playing a number of instruments, and has a keen interest in birdwatching and hiking.

The morning service at the church on Sunday was led by Mrs Wishart’s husband, Bill, who is well-known to the congregation in Tranent, having served as locum minister for a number of months during the vacancy, which followed the retirement of the Rev Jan Gilles in April. Erica and Bill have three children and two grandchildren.

Mrs Wishart told the Courier: “I’m delighted that God has called me to minister here in Tranent with such an enthusiastic, committed congregation and we look forward together to serving our parish and community in the years ahead.”