Sketch of the origin and progress of the firm of Blackie & Son, Publishers, Glasgow, from its foundation in 1809 to the decease of its founder in 1874

80 Concerning
fare of the congregation, whether of a missionary or
educational character. Some years after his second
marriage, having taken up his residence in the west end
of the city, he (1860) resigned his eldership in Free St.
John's, and united with friends in promoting the erection
of a new place of worship near the Botanic Gardens.
In this church, which on its completion received the
name of Kelvinside Free Church, he continued to attend
ordinances and to act as an elder up to the time of his
decease. It owed much to him as one of its founders, and
as one who always took a deep interest in its prosperity,
bearing in his mind not merely its financial affairs, but
also the progress of spiritual religion among its members.
The first minister of the young congregation was the
Rev. Wm. Trail, M.A., of the Free Tron Church, Glasgow.
"He was inducted into the charge on Thursday, 18th
June, 1862, five years and four months after the first
public meeting for the erection of a church had been held
in the Religious Institution Rooms." On the fourth
day of September following the foundation-stone of
the permanent edifice was laid by Mr. Blackie, who
expressed " the gratitude of the promoters of the un-
dertaking that their labour had so far prospered that
they had now a good hope of seeing at no distant date
their earnest wishes realized by the completion of the
edifice, whence might be proclaimed from year to year,
when those present were gathered to their fathers, the
truths of the blessed Gospel, carrying comfort and delight