The Rev. George S. Noble, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 58 Ministers; 3 Deacons; 78 Elders).

The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.

Intimations were made.

46. WELCOME

The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. W. Bruce McDowall, recently inducted Minister at Uddingston: Park

47. ORDER OF THE DAY

AFTER-ELECTION OF COMMISSIONER TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Under an Order of the Day at 6.50 p.m., the Presbytery having learned of the resignation of his Commission by the Rev. Stuart Rogerson, did and hereby does appoint in his place, the Rev. W. Stuart Dunn its Commissioner to the next General Assembly of the Chuch of Scotland and authorises the Moderator and Clerk to sign the Commission on the Presbytery’s behalf.

48. BUSINESS COMMITTEE

given in by the Rev. W. S. Dunn, Convener.

18. 4th May, 1999

1. REV. ELIZABETH WADDELL

The Presbytery notes receipt of an Extract Minute from the Presbytery of Irvine and Kilmarnock dated 25th February, 1999 intimating that the Rev. Elizabeth Waddell, formerly Probationer at Wishaw: St. Mark’s, had been ordained and inducted to the church and parish of Stewarton: St. Columba’s on that date.

2. COATBRIDGE: OLD MONKLAND

The Presbytery having received a request from the Rev. James G. Munton, minister at Coatbridge: Old Monkland, to withdraw congregational records in the custody of the Keeper of Records of Scotland approves the application to uplift the same, instructs that due care be taken of all records withdrawn and the place of their temporary safe custody minuted in the current Kirk Session Minute Book, instructs that the records shall be returned to the Keeper of Records as soon as possible after the researches involved have been completed, and further instructs that the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly and the Presbytery Clerk be informed when this has been done.

3. HAMILTON: ST. ANDREW’S

The Presbytery notes the request of Hamilton: St. Andrew’s that the Moderator Designate, in his official capacity, take part in a Communion Service on Sunday, 17th October, 1999 at 10.45 a.m. to mark the Bi-centenary of the formation of Chapel Street Church, the direct predecessor of St. Andrew’s and, it having been intimated that the Moderator Designate is unable to be present on that date due to a prior engagement, appoints the Rev. George S. Noble to act in his stead.

4. REV. JOHN JACKSON

The Presbytery learns with concern of the illness of the Rev. John Jackson, Minister at Cleland, grants him Leave of Absence on medical evidence submitted, and appoints the Rev. Phyllis Wilson as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Cleland.

5. REV. WILLIAM GLENCROSS

The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from the Rev. William M. Glencross, Minister at Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial, requesting permission to demit his charge as from 31st July, 1999; resolves to take up consideration of the proposed Demission at its meeting on 15th June, 1999, and instructs that the congregation of Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial be cited to appear for their interests at the said meeting with certification that the matter will not be dealt with before 7.30 p.m. under an Order of the Day for Vacancy Business.

6. WEST OF SCOTLAND WATER

The Presbytery notes with interest that six congregations within the bounds have agreed to participate in a pilot scheme in which water meters shall be installed free of charge by the West of Scotland Water Authority to determine whether it would be more beneficial for congregations to pay for water consumption by this method than by the current rateage system when concessions are withdrawn.

4th May, 1999 19

7. COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY

The Presbytery approves the appointment of the Rev. R. Fraser Penny, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Mr. J. McIntosh and Mr. J.D. Park as members of any Commission of Assembly called between the General Assemblies of 1999 and 2000.

8. CERTIFICATE UNDER ACT II (1987)

The Presbytery, noting timeous lodgement by the Rev. Hugh Sawers of application for a Certificate under Act II (1987) for permission to carry out the functions of the Ministry while not holding a seat in Presbytery, instructs the Clerk to issue the appropriate certification.

9. GENERAL TRUSTEES

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

It was unanimously agreed:

1. MOTHERWELL: ST. MARY’S

The Presbytery approves in principle the application of Motherwell: St. Mary’s for the First Phase costing £6,077.45 inclusive of VAT based on contractors quotations to a Four Phase Development costing £58,750.00 inclusive of VAT. The congregation is instructed to submit competitive tenders for each phase and await approval. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

 

20 4th May, 1999

2. HAMILTON: SOUTH

The Presbytery approves in principle the application from Hamilton: South for the First Phase costing £20,342.00 inclusive of VAT based on estimated costs to a multi-phased development costing £131,586.00. The congregation is instructed to submit competitive tenders for each phase and await approval. Approval is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

3. UDDINGSTON: VIEWPARK

The Presbytery approves the application from Uddingston: Viewpark to provide a disabled toilet and ramps at the Church entrance and small hall exit costing £11,443.03 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. QUARTER

The Presbytery approves in principle the application from Quarter to repairs to Church and Hall, eradication of rot and replacement of heating system at an estimated cost of £107,463.00 inclusive of VAT. The congregation is instructed to submit competitive tenders for the works and await approval. Approval is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

5. CAMBUSNETHAN OLD & MORNINGSIDE

The Presbytery approves the application of Cambusnethan Old & Morningside to sell the Church Hall at Morningside.

6. AIRDRIE: BROOMKNOLL

The Presbytery approves the application by Airdrie: Broomknoll to sell the Manse in Cromarty Road, Airdrie, 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. Approval is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

7. BLANTYRE: LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL

The Presbytery approves the application by Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial to rent the Manse during the continued vacancy subject to the usual terms and conditions.

8. MOTHERWELL: ST. MARY’S

The Presbytery approves the professional follow on property survey and condition report on property at Motherwell: St. Mary’s and awaits the response of the office-bearers to the contents and recommendations.

9. HAMILTON: TRINITY

The Presbytery approves the professional follow-on property survey and condition report on properties at Hamilton: Trinity and awaits the response of the office-bearers to the conditions and recommendations.

 

4th May, 1999 21

10. LARKHALL: ST. MACHAN’S

The Presbytery approves the professional follow-on property survey and condition report on properties at Larkhall: St. Machan’s and awaits the response of the office-bearers to the contents and recommendations.

11. STONEHOUSE: ST. NINIAN’S

The Presbytery approves the intention of the General Trustees to let the Stonehouse Glebe for five seasons grazing in a row.

12. LARKHALL: CHALMERS

50. NOMINATION COMMITTEE

given in by the Rev. Dr. J. Sharp, Convener.

1. The Presbytery approves the nomination of the Rev. J. Stanley Cook, BD, DipPSS, to be Moderator of the Presbytery as from September 1999.
2. The Presbytery appoints as its Special Commission to investigate and report on ecclesiastical buildings the Rev. J. Munton, Convener, the Rev. W.S. Dunn, Very Rev. Dr. H.R. Wyllie, Rev. J. Gibson, Rev. J. Hastie, Rev. M. Johnstone, Rev. I. Wotherspoon, Rev. J. Wilson, Mr. W. Barnstaple and Mr. R. Marwick.

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

Under an Order of the Day the Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Superintendence which was given in by the Rev. James G. Munton, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

22. 4th May, 1999

The Presbytery called for the report of the Ministry Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Watt, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

1. FURTHER ENDOWMENT TO STIPEND – AIRDRIE: ST. COLUMBA’S

1. The Presbytery approves the decision of Airdrie: St. Columba’s to invest the sum of £350 in the Further Endowment Scheme.
2. The Presbytery receives an application for grant for Further Endowment to Stipend from Airdrie: St. Columba’s; finds the application to be correctly stated and in order; views that Airdrie: St. Columba’s is a charge that has to be continued either by itself, or united with another charge; notes that the increased endowment will not breach the conditions and limitations laid out in the application and accordingly approves and resolves to transmit the application to the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry.

2. STUDY LEAVE

1. The Presbytery notes receipt of application for study leave from the Rev. Dr. J. Mary Henderson (Overtown) in respect of study of the Waldensian Church at Bergamo, Italy, during 1 to 8 July 1999, and from the Rev. David W.G. Burt (Hamilton: Hillhouse) in respect of courses at the Vancouver School of Theology, Canada, during 11 to 25 July 1999. The Presbytery further notes that these applications have already been considered and agreed by the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry.
2. The Presbytery notes receipt of application for study leave from the Rev. Dr. J. Mary Henderson (Overtown) in respect of attendance at the Clinical Theology Association conference at Scarborough during 30 August to 6 September 1999, and from the Rev. R. Forbes Walker (Strathaven: Avendale Old) in respect of a language course at the Goethe Institut, Mannheim, Germany, and associated ministry during 3 to 29 July 1999, and awaits consideration of these by the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry.
3. The Presbytery notes receipt of study leave reports from the Rev. Graham L. Duffin (Newmains: Coltness Memorial and Bonkle) on attendance at Spring Harvest leaders’ conference and consideration of the development of worship during September 1998, the Rev. Dr. J. Mary Henderson (Overtown) on various seminars atended at the Sheldon Centre, Dunsford, Exeter in November 1998, the Rev. Stuart D. Rogerson (Strathaven: West) on his study of Calvin’s Harmony of the Gospels and treatise on prayer during February 1999.

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:

1. The Presbytery appoints Mrs. Mhairi MacLeod (East Kilbride: Westwood) as Honorary Youth Adviser within the bounds for a three year term. The concurrence of the Board of Parish Education with this appointment is noted.

4th May, 1999 23

2. The Presbytery appoints Mr. Ian Shaw (Strathaven: Avendale Old) as Honorary Adviser in Children’s Ministry within the bounds for a three year term. The concurrence of the Board of Parish Education with this appointment is noted.
3. The Presbytery encourages all young people aged 12 years and over to attend "Breakout", the youth event arranged by the Presbytery to mark the visit by the Moderator of the General Assembly on Saturday, 22nd May 1999 at 7.30 p.m. in Hillhouse Parish Church, Hamilton.
4. The Presbytery commends the evening meetings arranged to introduce the new National Training Course for Sunday School Teachers and leaders in Children’s Ministry, CeVe accredited (Community Education Validation and Endorsement) on Tuesday, 25th May 1999 at 7.17 p.m. in Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre, Bellshill, and Wednesday, 2nd June 1999 at 7.15 p.m. in the West Church, Hamilton. Those wishing to attend are asked to notify one of the Advisers in Children’s Ministry.

55. PARISH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION COMMITTEE

Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. Murdoch, Vice-Convener.

1. The Presbytery notes the continuing vacancy for a chaplain to National Induction Centre, HM Prison, Shotts. The appointment is for 4 hours a week. Any minister interested should contact Rev. Ian Coltart or Rev. John Collard.
2. The Presbytery approves the application by the Machan Trust to the Priority Areas Fund for a grant of £12,000 over 4 years towards the salary costs of their Youth Outreach project.
3. The Presbyery notes that during 1998 £178,000 was awarded by the Priority Areas Fund to 21 projects in 11 Presbyteries. £220,000 will be available for grants during 1999/2000. Applications will be considered in July, September, December and March (2000)
4. The Presbytery welcomes the publication of Good News for a Change which focuses on the work of local churches both in Scotland and overseas.

Under an Order of the Day at 7.32 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Ecumenical Affairs Committee which was given in by the Rev. J.B. Allan, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

24. 4th May, 1999

The Presbytery called for the report of the State Education Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Alexander, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

CHAPLAINCY IN NON-DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS

The Presbytery called for the report of the World Mission Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. Brewster, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery commends to congregations the Jubilee 2000 Gathering in Edinburgh on 12th June 1999.
2. The Presbytery commends to congregations Christian Aid Week from 9th – 15th May 1999.

The Presbytery called for the report of the Hospitals and Homes Committee which was given in by the Rev. D. Doyle, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery accepts the resignation of the Rev. R. Forbes Walker as from 30th June 1999 from the post of part-time chaplain to Hairmyres Hospital and thanks him warmly for his work with the chaplaincy team there.
2. The Presbytery notes the vacancies for four part-time chaplains (a) to Hairmyres Hospital (one session per week); (b) to the Community Mental Health Team in Motherwell and Clydesdale (one session per week); (c) to Law Hospital (where appointment will be made by Lanark Presbytery); (d) to Cleland Hospital (where a locum is required during the absence of the present chaplain, for one and a half sessions per week) and invites applications for any of these posts to be submitted to the Convener of the Hospitals and Homes Committee by 31st May.

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

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery notes the Order of Service for the Ordination of Ministers.
2. The Presbytery notes that the Organ Scholarship fund has received 10 applications, which will be adjudicated on Friday, 4th June 1999.

61. ADJOURNMENT

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Moderator

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Presbytery Clerk