Centenary for Shawlands United Reform Church

As the United Reform Church in Shawlands prepares to celebrate 100 years of worship in the same building, an invitation is extended to anyone with connections to the Southside church to get in touch.

Formerly a Churches of Christ congregation, the first service was held on Moss-side Road in 1909 so arrangements have been made to hold several anniversary services next year.

John McGeary, church elder of twenty years said: ‘Many of our past members have moved out of the district but it is hoped we can contact those who either attended or were married in the church to invite them to our special services.’

Alongside the 60- 80 members who regularly worship at the church in Moss Side Road, groups such as mothers and toddlers, painting classes, musical classes and martial arts, regularly use the premises. All are invited to join in the centenary events.

Some of the highlights planned for the coming year include a reunion service on April 25 for members no longer in the area.  Throughout June, July and August the church will be open every Wednesday for private visits and prayer. A Flower Festival on September 19 and 20 will coincide with Doors Open Day which the church will be participating in.

John continued: ‘It is our dearest wish that those who attend a special service will recall many happy memories of their time in the church as a member or attending a wedding or a baptism service or simply as a visitor who joined us for Sunday morning worship.’

To contact John phone 0141 632 4660.

 

* The United Reform Church is a Christian Church in the tradition of the Reformation and is the union of four established churches; The Congregational Church of England and Wales, The Presbyterian Church of England, The Re-Formed Association of Churches of Christ and The Congregational Union of Scotland.

Study Into Future of Govan Old

A £31,000 study into the future of Govan Old Parish Church has been launched.

Heritage and kirk officials are looking into three ideas for the building which is one of Scotland’s most important historic and Christian sites.

A museum, a visitor centre linked to neighbouring business or a performance venue are all being investigated by Govan Workspace which is leading the study.

Worship on the site dates back 1500 years and the church is home to 31 medieval sculptures including the Govan Sarcophagus. The building is currently owned by the Church of Scotland.

Govan Workspace has been behind a number of successful projects in Govan including Six Harmony Row which provides office space to help start-up businesses.

New Govan Church was formed last year when three parishes in the area merged leaving Govan Old Parish Church building vacant.

Dick Carabine, Chairman of Govan Community Council said: ‘I would like to see the church being used for regular worship again. Many were heartbroken when the three parishes merged last year. I would also like to see guided tours being run on a regular basis.’

His thoughts are echoed by local Councillor John Flanagan, who said:  ‘I welcome the proposal to consider the future of Govan Old Parish Church. However, to succeed we must ensure that whatever proposal emerges, the Church retains an element of a ‘Living Church’ because Govan Old is one of the most important Christian sites in Scotland.’

Local Councillor Alison Hunter told the LOCAL NEWS: ‘This is a very good prospect for the area. I would like to see the space used for weddings and conferences – something that would bring more people into the church. It is a fantastic building and deserves greater exposure.’

Pat Cassidy Managing Director of Govan Workspace said: ‘Our overriding concern is that the church and its early medieval sculptures should survive as an entity in Govan where they belong.’

Grant McLennan, a spokesman for the Presbytery of Glasgow said: ‘Currently worship is held in the church once a week. We would wish to continue this. After time, ownership of the church could be passed to a charitable trust.’

 

* The church was open for Doors Open Day allowing a glimpse of the rare artefacts inside.

** What would you like to see the building used for? Email:localnews@btconnect.com

Castlemilk Churches Merge

At a landmark gathering last month two churches in Castlemilk amalgamated to become the Castlemilk Church under Interim Moderator the Revd Iain Goring.

Castlemilk East Church of Scotland, in Barlia Terrace and Castlemilk West Parish Church, in Camunnock Road held their inaugural social which attracted a big crowd from both congregations.

Tribute was paid to the outgoing Interim Moderators – Revd Elisabeth Spence and Revd Jeanne Roddick –  who were thanked for their hard work. They will return to their own churches. A welcome was extended to the incoming Intrim Moderator.

He will be responsible for the pastoral duties and leading worship at both churches, until their is a new building for the new combined congregation. From Holytown and New Stevenson churches, Mr Goring will be in Castlemilk for the next two years. He will live in Castlemilk West Parish Church’s manse.

He said: ‘I am happy to be serving the people of Castlemilk. I have been here before but do not know Castlemilk that well so I have a lot of learning to do. This will be very hard work but I am happy to help bring in the changes that are facing us.’