Wednesday October 8th 2025
Megan Thomson and her two children Allie and Ariana, alongside their family and Minister Rev Rd JunSoo Park
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A joyful Thanksgiving Sunday service took place on October 5, 2025, at Newton Presbyterian Church John Ross Memorial (EH22 1SR, Danderhall), where model and influencer Megan Thomson’s two daughters, Allie and Ariana, were baptised by Minister Rev Dr JunSoo Park.
The moving service brought together generations of the Thomson family, whose faith story traces back to the children’s great-great-grandmother, Nancy Steel. Nancy said she was deeply moved to witness the baptism and share Communion with her great-great-granddaughters.
Surrounded by the warmth and blessings of the congregation, the two girls received baptism as their grandmother, Pat Milligan, read from Exodus 3:1–6, recounting Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. Standing alongside the family were Linzi and Jack Thomson, who served as godparents and pledged to help guide Allie and Ariana in their faith journey.
In the same service, Robbie Thomson was also baptised, kneeling with his partner Layla Vass under the blessing of their soon-to-be-born child. Together, they expressed a desire to follow Christ in faith, dedicating their family to God’s guidance.
Robbie Thomson, his partner Layla Bass and Minister Rev Dr JunSoo Park
Adding historical significance to the occasion, Margaret Ross, the great-granddaughter of Rev. John Ross (1842–1915)—the Scottish missionary who translated the first Korean Bible—attended and presented baptismal certificates and gifts to those baptised.
In his sermon titled “Called by Grace,” Dr. Park emphasised that baptism is a gift of divine grace, not a result of human effort. Following the baptisms, Allie, Ariana, and Robbie joined the congregation in Holy Communion, and everyone gathered afterward for lunch and fellowship.
Reflecting on the day, Megan shared her gratitude on her social media:
“Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate and for all the gifts and love. We are so overwhelmed and lucky to have such amazing family and friends. What a special day that God provided for us all. Forever grateful — God bless you all.”
Rev. Park also expressed his blessing for Robbie, saying he hopes he will grow to be “a devoted father, husband, and defender of the faith.”
Newton Presbyterian Church John Ross Memorial is an Associate Member of the Lothian and Borders Presbytery of the Church of Scotland and affiliated with the Busan South Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Korea.
Originally founded in 1747, the church has long served the Danderhall community but was closed for several years until it was rededicated on April 2, 2025, when Rev. Dr. Park was inducted as Minister. Since then, the congregation has continued to grow and now serves Danderhall, Shawfair, Newton Village, and Millerhill.
The church is especially known for its sacramental ministry, offering baptisms, weddings, and funerals free of charge to local residents as a way of sharing God’s grace through life’s milestones.
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