Peterhead

Chapter 6

PETERHEAD

Famous even then for its prison which held in its security some of the worst criminals in the land, the town had many of its inhabitants held captive by the Devil at his will. Many a young fisherman had returned from the war godless and careless regarding his soul's eternal welfare.Yet to many of these men who had seen front line action on land and sea, Yarmouth 1921 would be a year when spiritual battles would be fought in their souls.Scores of Peterhead fishermen were saved and rejoiced in the experience of sins forgiven. Their lives were changed when spiritual debt was cancelled at the place called Calvary.In some cases whole crews of drifters were converted, either through attending Douglas Brown's services in St. George' sChurch or at open-air meetings held by Jock Troup.Miraculous things took place among the Peterhead fisher lassies as they were gutting the herring at the Denes on the sea-front.One herring curer told me it was a usual occurrence to see women crying for peace with God among the herring barrels at the Peterhead owned curing stations. The prayers of men like "Petrie Shonie" Strachan, John Noble Stephen and many others were being answered by a covenant-keeping God.I have personally heard the testimonies of men and women who were redeemed at Yarmouth nearly sixty years ago and they are still going on for God.When the Lord moved, He saved men and women who established Christian homes, their children were led to Christ and they in turn are bringing up the grandchildren in the same way.Peterhead was particularly favoured as far as the salvation of souls was concerned.I am convinced that this was because godly men and women prayed in earnest.Not only were there new converts, but many who had professed salvation in former days were called to a fresh dedication in their experience.