WITNESS (EDINBURGH), WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 1844
On Thursday, the 21st instant, a meeting of the Free Presbytery of Irvine was held at Dalry. The case of the proposed translation of Mr Brodie from St Andrew’s congregation to Shandon, parish of Row, was brought forward, when there appeared two commissioners from the Presbytery of Dumbarton, and three members of the congregation at Shandon, and from St Andrews’ congregation, two members of the session, viz., John Arbuckle,Esq, and Dr John Thomson.
On the question being put by the clerk of the Presbytery, Dr Thomson rose and stated, that at a meeting of the congregation, held on the evening of the previous Monday, certain resolutions had been unanimously agreed to, which he begged to be allowed to read. These resolutions were to the effect, that after prayerful consideration of all the circumstances connected with the case, no opposition would be offered to Mr Brodie’s removal.
He then went on to pass a high eulogium on the character of Mr Brodie as a faithful and efficient pastor, and on the part of the congregation, not only expressed deep regret at parting with a pastor so much and so generally esteemed, but expressed the kindest wishes for his welfare in the new sphere of labour to which he was now so soon to be removed. Mr Brodie made a very feeling and appropriate reply, and seemed deeply affected. he said that nothing could ever have induced him to leave his congregation but the health of Mrs Brodie, who had for some time been in a very delicate state, and that from former experience of a residence at the sea side, he had every reason to believe that she would very much improve on being removed to Garelochside.
Shandon People and History 