The History of the Fellowship

 

The Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers began in May 1980 when (the late) Rev Alex Russell decided that Manchester and London were far too far away to make regular attendance at the Association of Christian Writers’ meetings a viable proposition. It occurred to him that there might be other writers and aspiring writers in Scotland who would appreciate such a meeting north of the border. Using the FCW address list as his starting point, Alex identified six members in Scotland and wrote to them asking if they would be interested in starting a Christian Writers’ Fellowship group in Scotland. All six were excited at the prospect and pledged their support. Having obtained the blessing of the Fellowship of Christian Writers, the Scottish branch was born. At first it had an association with the parent body in England but it soon became an independent entity with Alex Russell as Chairman.

 

Only one of the six original members was a published author. Jenny Robertson, who wrote children’s fiction for Scripture Union was also a gifted poet and speaker. With her as encourager and mentor, the Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers got off to a respectable start using the hall of Bristo Baptist Church in Edinburgh for its meetings. The early Fellowship established the pattern of meetings that continues today of having conferences twice a year, in May and November. At first two speakers were invited to each conference but very soon it became clear that one speaker in the morning session and workshops in the afternoon allowed members to put into practice a little of what they learned during the first part of the day.

 

Over its history the Fellowship has grown from its original six members to over a hundred. It covers the length and breadth of Scotland and beyond, Membership extends from Shetland in the north to Wigtown in the south, from Lewis in the west to Aberdeen in the east, with members in Ireland, England and abroad.  A good number have had books published, many have sent their poems, articles, stories, thoughts for the week and meditations in print and several who belong to the Fellowship have self-publications to their credit.

 

From its small beginnings in 1980 the Scottish fellowship of Christian Writers has grown into a large body of writers and aspiring writers who support each other in prayer and who encourage each other in practice.

 

Taken from The Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers     A brief history from its beginning.