printed 9 July 2024
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Virtually a century after Olympic hero and Christian evangelist Eric Liddell delivered his well-known sermon on the Scots Kirk in Paris, the present moderator, Rt Rev Dr Shaw Patterson adopted in his well-known footsteps by preaching from the identical lectern that Liddell used for 100 years. earlier than
Liddell’s sermon, recreated practically 60 years later within the Oscar-winning drama “Chariots of Hearth,” was much more outstanding that day — Sunday, July 6, 1924 — when the heats had been on for the 100-meter dash, Liddell’s finest occasion. , was being held. Liddell refused to participate within the heats as they had been held on the Sabbath, regardless of being seen because the possible winner of the occasion.
As a substitute, he went on to compete within the lesser-known 400 meters race a number of days later, profitable it in a record-breaking time of 47.6 seconds. Liddell accomplished his Paris medal haul with bronze within the 200m.
He later returned to China, the place he was born to missionary dad and mom. Whereas stationed in China throughout World Warfare II, he died within the Weihsien Internment Camp in 1945 on the age of 43.
Because the Olympic Video games return to Paris later this month, the centenary of Eric Liddell’s Olympic achievement has sparked a number of commemorative occasions.
This included a particular service to mark the event led by Dr Patterson, who later unveiled a plaque within the church to mark the a hundredth anniversary of Liddell’s sermon.
Dr Patterson and his spouse Christine had been additionally joined by some members of his residence kirk of Strathaven Trinity Parish Church in Lanarkshire as a part of the worldwide congregation.
100 years later and nonetheless honoring God
“What an honor to evangelise from the lectern utilized by Eric Liddell 100 years after he preached within the Scots Kirk in Paris, than to run on Sunday,” commented Dr. Patterson.
“It was an ideal weekend of celebration the place everybody was very welcoming.
Throughout his sermon, which Dr Patterson titled “100 years on and nonetheless honoring God”, Dr Patterson advised the congregation: “Eric Liddell is greater than an Olympian – his life itself is a dwelling sermon.
“As he was about to run the 400 meters, he was handed a be aware that stated: ‘Whoever honors me, I’ll honor him’ – a quote from 1 Samuel: Chapter 2, verse 30.
“Eric Liddell honored God by not operating on Sunday and preaching right here. 100 years later, Eric Liddell continues to be honoring God – for this particular service, this go to by the moderator, the viewers right here right now, the media consideration – it is Eric’s Christian religion, the place he is in.” due to the instance he took and set.
“It’s our responsibility to make sure that Eric is honored and remembered, and as we accomplish that, we additionally honor God.”
Whereas in Paris, Dr. Patterson had the chance to see “Past the Chariots,” a one-man play on the lifetime of Eric Liddell, which Scott Kirk organized as a part of the centennial celebration.
Directed by Wealthy Swingle, the play is coming to Scotland later this month with performances in Edinburgh, Leith and Kilsyth.
“It is a captivating drama about Eric’s life as a missionary that options Wealthy Swingle as the only real performer after his 400m gold medal win. I am unable to discover the correct phrases past: ‘It was simply superior!'” added Dr. Patterson.
