TRIBUTE has been paid to former Musselburgh minister Donald Lindgren, who recently died at the age of 88.

The American-born clergyman served Musselburgh Congregational Church, on Links Street, for 41 years after being inducted as its minister in 1968.

A bachelor, he retired to Gifford in 2009.

With the help of neighbours and friends he remained at home until April, when his growing frailty led to him being admitted to Midlothian Community Hospital.

Just two weeks before he died, Mr Lindgren was moved to Herdmanflat Hospital in Haddington until a permanent home could be found but he passed away on July 18.

Mr Lindgren was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on May 28, 1930; his father Raymond was Swedish and his mother Effie was a Macleod from the isle of Skye.

Mr Lindgren was ordained into church ministry in 1957 at the age of 27, holding a list of degrees including a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology and PhD.

He was inducted into the Ministry of Genoa Congregational Church in Nebraska, where he served for six years.

With practical experience under his belt, he went on to complete a post-graduate degree at New College Edinburgh before arriving in Musselburgh, where he took an avid interest in community life.

The Rev Janice Andrews, minister at Musselburgh Congregational Church, said: “He was one of the longest-serving members of Musselburgh Rotary Club.

“When Musselburgh hosted the district conference he was charged with preaching to 1,000 delegates – an onerous task but members had complete confidence in his ability to speak to such a large audience, he was so very competent.

“For over 20 years of his ministry he served as chaplain to the 297 Musselburgh Squadron RAF Air Cadets.

“He had a keen interest in antiques and collected old postcards.

“He used this collection to publish an illustrated history of the towns and villages of East Lothian and the city of Edinburgh, evidence of his sincere interest in this beautiful and historic area of Scotland.”

She added: “Donald handled the Gospel with truth and diligence. His sermons were always topical, he was knowledgeable, articulate and had the ability to keep his hearers engaged.

“His ministry was inclusive. He made everyone welcome; whether they came regularly or very occasionally, he was always encouraging and approachable.

“He procured a beautiful organ built by George Holdrich in the late 1800s for a church in Appleby in the Lake District which was due to be scrapped.

“Donald had it restored and installed in Musselburgh Congregational Church, where it continues to rouse worshippers today.”

Mr Lindgren’s funeral at Musselburgh Congregational Church and Seafield Crematorium was well attended by the community of Musselburgh and Fisherrow.

Representatives from many organisations he was associated with, including Musselburgh Rotary Club, Musselburgh Air Cadets and Fisherrow Yacht Club, were present to pay their last respects.