Church Moderator marks 425 years of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

The Moderator of the General Assembly preached at a service in Glasgow Cathedral marking 425 years of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who has a strong personal connection as a lay adviser to the organisation, spoke of the "endless" achievements of those who have been part of the college over the centuries.

During his sermon, which was themed around ‘bringing joy', Dr Paterson drew on John the Baptist:

"John gets the attention at the beginning of the New Testament," he said.

"John also gets our attention and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

"The birth of this child we celebrate isn't about presents and trees and candy canes.

"The birth of this child is about discovering the love of God in our lives once again.

"And as Christians, it's about sharing that love of God with others.

"It's about encouraging folk to look beyond the headline of ‘get up, open presents and celebrate'.

"It's about sharing the meaning of Christmas ‘I am here with Good News for you which will bring great joy to all people'".

A Founder's Day service takes place annually and includes a large procession followed by the laying of a wreath on the grave of Maister Peter Lowe, who set up the college in 1599 and wrote what is believed to be the first complete guide to surgery written in English.

Dr Paterson said: "It is an absolute honour to preach at the Founder's Day service in my capacity as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

"I have had the privilege of being involved, in a lay capacity, with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for a number of years and applaud its aim of improving the standards of medicine.

"It has been enlightening to share insights around on-going, post graduate, education and I wish the College well as it continues to develop the skills, knowledge and leadership of doctors to improve patient care."

Professor Hany Eteiba, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, said: "This year we are celebrating 425 years of our College community. It was an honour to join colleagues and friends at our Founder's Day service on Sunday at the beautiful Glasgow Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city, and the resting place of our founder, Peter Lowe. We are grateful to the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Minister, the Beadle, and all at the Cathedral.

"As Glasgow prepares to mark its 850th year, we are reminded of our own civic legacy in the city, which was home to some of the great pioneers of medical and surgical practice. Glasgow's history is very much entwined with the history of healthcare.

"Today, our College is home to more than 15,000 doctors, surgeons, dentists, and healthcare professionals in podiatric medicine and travel medicine from all over the world. As the UK's only multidisciplinary royal college, we are well-placed to inform solutions to healthcare challenges – and support our Members in providing the best possible care for the communities we serve."

Founded by a Royal Charter from King James VI of Scotland on 29 November 1599, the college exists to improve the standards of medicine across Scotland, the UK and the rest of the world.

Prominent people connected to the college include Joseph Lister, who discovered the use of carbolic acid as an antiseptic in surgery in 1865, and women's health pioneer Helen Frances Wingate, who was the first female urological surgeon in Scotland.