2nd March, 1999 9

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

III MOTHERWELL, 2nd MARCH, 1999

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Second Day of March, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-nine years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt

21. SEDERUNT

The Rev. George S. Noble, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 59 Ministers; 1 Deacon; 77 Elders).

  1. TRIBUTE

Rev. Martin Johnstone, in fitting terms paid tribute to Mr. James Callaghan, Representative Elder from Bellshill: Orbiston, who died on 9th February 1999.

Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, in fitting terms, paid tribute to Mr. Robert Hamilton, Representative Elder from Chapelton, who died on 25th February 1999.

The Clerk was instructed to keep both tributes in retentis and to send a copy, together with an expression of the sympathy of the Court, to the respective families.

23. CONGRATULATIONS

The Moderator offered the warm congratulations of the Court to the Rev. Alastair S. Lusk on the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of his Ordination.

24. MINUTES

The Minutes of Meetings I and II (1999) were read, corrected and approved.

25. AGENDA

The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.

26. INTIMATIONS

Intimations were made.

  1. ORDER OF THE DAY

COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Under an Order of the Day at 6.57 p.m. pursuant to a resolution entered in

  1. 2nd March, 1999

the Minutes of the meeting of 2nd February 1999, the Presbytery hereby appoints, nominates and appoints:-

Rev. Arthur Barrie Rev. George S. Noble

Rev. William D. Beattie Rev. Shaw J. Paterson

Rev. Richard Darroch Rev. R. Fraser Penny

Rev. James Davidson Rev. Stuart Rogerson

Rev. Henry J.W. Findlay Rev. Rosemary Smith

Rev. James M. Gibson Rev. Fraser K. Turner

Rev. Martin Johnstone Rev. James H. Wilson

Rev. W. Bruce McDowall Rev. Phyllis M. Wilson

Rev. Kevin MacKenzie Rev. Ian G. Wotherspoon

Rev. Ian Meredith Very Rev. Dr. Hugh R. Wyllie

Rev. James Nelson

Ministers with

Blantyre: Old Airdrie: The New Wellwynd

Blantyre: St. Andrew’s Chapelhall

Hamilton: South lw Quarter Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s

Strathaven: West East Kilbride: Mossneuk

Glasford lw Strathaven East East Kilbride: Westwood

Motherwell: Manse Road Bothwell

Motherwell: South Dalziel Uddingston: Park

Shotts: Calderhead Erskine

Wishaw: Old

Mr. David Forrester, Mr. James D. Park and Mr. William Turner

Ruling Elders and

Mr. William Wishart

Member of the Diaconate

Its Commissioners to the next General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, indicted to meet at Edinburgh, the Eighth Day of May next to come or when and where it shall happen to sit, willing them to repair thereto, attend all the diets of the same, and there to consult, vote and determine in all matters that come before them to the Glory of God, and the good of His Church, according to the Word of God, the Confession of Faith, and agreeable to the constitution of this Church, as they will be answerable; and that they report diligence on their return therefrom.

28. ORDER OF THE DAY

NOTICE OF MOTION

Under an Order of the Day at 7.00 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of the Motion notice of which was given under the report of the Property Committee at the meeting of Presbytery on 2nd February 1999.

The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee which was given in by the Rev. J.G. Munton, Vice-Convener.

2nd March, 1999 11

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery, concerned about the nature and range of the problems facing many congregations anent repairs to and maintenance of their ecclesiastical buildings, resolves to appoint, through its Nomination Committee, a Special Commission to investigate all the relevant issues and their implications, to determine how they might best be addressed and to report.

29. BUSINESS COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee which was given in by the Rev. W. S. Dunn, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. REQUEST FOR NEXT MODERATOR

    2. The Presbytery approves the request of the Kirk Session of Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan Parish Church that the Moderator in 1999/2000 preaches and administers the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at a Service within Blairhill Dundyvan Church at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday, 12th September, 1999 to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Union of Blairhill and Dundyvan churches.

    The Presbytery approves the request of the General Assembly’s Committee on Ecumenical Relations that the Moderator in 1999/2000 permit his/her name to go forward to the General Assembly to represent the Church at the Assembly of the Baptist Union of Scotland from Friday, 15th October until Monday, 18th October, 1999.

  2. ATTESTATION OF ELECTORAL REGISTERS

    3. The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Register of Airdrie: Broomknoll as containing the names of 457 Communicants and 4 Adherents, and of Calderbank as containing the names of 193 Communicants and 3 Adherents.

  3. REV. DR. JAMES MARTIN

    4. The Presbytery, noting receipt of application for membership of Presbytery from the Rev. Dr. James Martin, together with a Presbyterial Certificate issued by the Presbytery of Glasgow, admits him to membership and extends good wishes to him on becoming a member of the Court.

  4. MRS. J.E. BROWN

    5. The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from Mrs. Brown expressing appreciation for the tribute and letters of sympathy sent to her following the death of her husband, the Rev. Dr. John Brown.

  5. WISHAW: THORNLIE

The Presbytery, noting that six calendar months have elapsed since the congregation of Wishaw: Thornlie was granted permission to call a Minister under Reviewable Tenure and that no appointment has been made, grants the congregation a further six months in which to attempt to reach a settlement.

 

  1. 2nd March, 1999

  1. REV. JAMES M. GIBSON

The Presbytery notes that the Rev. James M. Gibson, minister at Bothwell and a Reserve Chaplain, has been called to serve in Kosovo for a period of six months, grants him leave of absence with effect from 1st September, 1999, and appoints the Rev. Arthur P. Barrie as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session at Bothwell.

The Presbytery commends Mr. Gibson to the prayers and support of all members during this difficult and challenging tour of duty.

30. PROPERTY COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. R. Marwick, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. BLANTYRE: OLD

    2. The Presbytery approves the application from Blantyre: Old to the sale of the Glebe and recommends the funds realised to be held on behalf of the congregation by the General Trustees to be allocated between the Stipend Fund and the Fabric Fund. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  2. HAMILTON: OLD

    3. The Presbytery approves the application by Hamilton: Old to sell the Manse in Union Street, Hamilton, and secure a suitable replacement. The Presbytery grants powers to the Property Committee to consider a suitable replacement and to grant approval to the congregation where such approval is necessary to facilitate negotiations. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  3. AIRDRIE: ST. COLUMBA’S

    4. The Presbytery approves the application by Airdrie: St. Columba’s to replace the Manse central heating boiler at a cost of £2,291.24 inclusive of VAT based on contractors’ estimates. Approval is also granted to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  4. UDDINGSTON: PARK

The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse of Uddingston: Park.

31. CHURCH EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Church Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. T. Nelson, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery approves the issuing of Certificates to Sunday School teachers who have completed the Presbytery’s training course for new

2nd March, 1999 13

workers in children’s ministry under the auspices of the Presbytery’s Church Education Committee.

32. PARISH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development and Mission Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. Collard, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery nominates the Rev. Leslie W. Thorne as Chaplain to the National Induction Centre, HM Prison, Shotts.

33. WORSHIP COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Worship Committee which was given in by the Rev. S. McKenna, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery encourages its members to make known the Organ Scholarship as widely as possible.

34. VACANCY BUSINESS

DEMISSION OF THE REV. JOHN YOUNG

Further to its resolution of 1st December, 1998 the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev. John Young from the Church and Parish of Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank.

There were laid on the Table Certified Intimation of his adherence to demit as per the report of the Standing Sub-Committee on Demissions and the Citation of the congregation of Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank returned duly executed.

Parties were called, appeared and spoke.

Parties were removed.

It was moved, seconded and agreed that the Presbytery accept and hereby does accept the Demission of the Rev. John Young and looses him from his charge as from 13th June, 1999, confirming that Mr. Young retains him status as a Minister of the Church of Scotland, and authorises the Clerk to issue him with a Presbyterial Certificate.

.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

35. ORDER OF THE DAY

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Under an Order of the Day at 7.52 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Finance Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Nairn, Vice-Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. 2nd March, 1999

  1. The Presbytery receives and approves the Statement of Accounts for 1998.

  2. The Presbytery thanks the Treasurer and Auditor, and orders the Statement to be printed in the forthcoming Presbytery Handbook.

36. CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTERESTS COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interests Committee which was given in by the Rev. L. Schluter, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery responds to the Consultation Paper ‘The Food Standards Agency: A proposed scheme for recovering food safety costs from the food industry’ in the following terms:

  1. The proposed flat rate levy of £90 on food retailers and catering businesses does not take account of the varying sizes and risk classification of a business.

  2. The proposed scheme excludes premises where food is grown and/or has to be inspected (i.e. Abattoirs and farms).

  3. No assurance is given that this levy will remain at its present level.

  4. The Presbytery argues that if there is to be a Food Standards Agency which benefits all, this should be funded by the government through the tax system.

The Presbytery instructs that a letter in these terms be sent to the Scottish Office Food Group by 24th March.

  1. The Presbytery, while accepting the pressing need for action with regard to parking at Monklands District General Hospital and encouraging the Monklands Hospital NHS Trust in their efforts to improve access by public transport as at present the provision of transport from many areas is inadequate, strongly deplores the proposal to introduce parking charges. Any action proposed should take account of those on low income who do not qualify for state benefits.

The Presbytery instructs that a letter in these terms be sent to Monklands Hospital NHS Trust.

37. ORDER OF THE DAY

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

Under an Order of the Day at 8.10 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship Committee which was given in by the Rev. A. McCance, Vice-Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery notes that, for 1998, the Mission and Aid Allocations to congregations of the Presbytery totalled £743,939 of which £700,878 (94.2%) had been received by 31st December 1998.

  1. The Presbytery also notes:

    1. Late contributions for previous year amounted to £19,495

    2. Contributions to accumulated shortfalls (1993-96) amounted to £9,814

      3. 2nd March, 1999 15

    3. Designated voluntary contributions amounted to £8,722

    4. General voluntary contributions amounted to £2,963

    5. This results in total to £741,872 paid by congregations during 1998.

  1. The Presbytery notes with satisfaction the continuing improvement in the Mission and Aid Fund contributions of the congregations within the bounds.

  2. The Presbytery expresses its gratitude to those congregations able to make additional contributions to the Mission and Aid Fund. These voluntary contributions total £11,685 for the year.

  3. The Presbytery receives the report and encourages all congregations with shortfalls to make strenuous efforts to eliminate them as quickly as possible and compliments those congregations who have striven to reduce and even eliminate their shortfall.

38. SUPERINTENDENCE COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Superintendence Committee which

was given in by the Rev. J.G. Munton, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. EXAMINATION OF PRESBYTERY RECORDS

    2. The Presbytery notes that the Minutes of the Court, pages 52-94 (1997) and 1-54 (1998) have been attested and found to be in order.

  2. QUINQUENNIAL VISITATION

The Presbytery notes that in terms of Act II (1984) as amended by Act VI (1992) 15 charges were visited in the year to 31st December 1998 and that the Presbytery expressed its satisfaction with the Report submitted in each case.

39. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.18 p.m. to meet again in hunc effectum within Uddingston: Park Parish Church on Thursday, 4th March at 6.45 p.m., for 7.00 p.m., for the Induction of the Rev. W. Bruce McDowall; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday, 4th May at 6.30 p.m. of which public intimation having been made this meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

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Moderator

 

 

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Presbytery Clerk

16 4th March, 1999

IV UDDINGSTON: PARK PARISH CHURCH

At UDDINGSTON: PARK PARISH CHURCH, on the Fourth Day of March, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-nine years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt.

40. SEDERUNT

The Rev. George S. Noble, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 9 Ministers; 9 Elders).

41. INDUCTION

The Edict for the Induction of the Rev. W. Bruce McDowall to the Church and Parish of Uddingston: Park on a Basis of Reviewable Tenure was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Mr. McDowall having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Scott McKenna and the Moderator put to Mr. McDowall the prescribed questions. To these he returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, inducted the said Rev. W. Bruce McDowall to the pastoral charge of Uddingston: Park on a Basis of Reviewable Tenure. Mr. McDowall, having received the right hand of fellowship, was suitably addressed by the Moderator who also, in appropriate terms, exhorted the congregation.

The name of the Rev. W. Bruce McDowall was added to the Roll of the Presbytery and the Clerk was instructed to give certified intimation to the Session Clerk.

This meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

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Moderator

 

 

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Presbytery Clerk