Crossroads and Characters

38. MINISTERS ARE JUST MEN.

Here on the road called Townhead is a manse and a church which have belonged to several congregations, undoubtedly each contributing to the rich local store of anecdotes about ministers. One story is of a minister reluctantly transferring to Dunning from Aberdalgie, bringing his belongings on a cart. A pet cat escaped from a hamper and immediately headed back toward the manse at Aberdalgie. Watching it go, the minister said 'Dear pussy, I believe you've mair sense than us all!' Another story is told of a group of ministers staying at a Dunning manse to help with Communion the next day. The resident minister's sister, on retiring to rest, said to her maid loudly enough for all to hear: 'Lock yer door when ye gang to yer bed the nicht, Betty. Mind ye ministers are juist men.'