The Rev. George S. Noble, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 55 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 72 Elders).

The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.

Intimations were made.

66. ORDER OF THE DAY

Net Loss of Membership 1,154

27. 15th June, 1999

Notices of Removal sent 200

No. on Supplementary Roll 4,428

No. of Elders 3,262

No. of Other Office-bearers 1,151

No. of Baptism 685

No. of Adult Baptisms 101

66. DILIGENCE OF COMMISSIONERS

The Clerk reported on the diligence of Commissioners to the General Assembly.

67. BUSINESS COMMITTEE

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

1. NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery agrees to appoint the following as members of the Nomination Committee for Session 1999/2000:-

Rev. Dr. J.C. Sharp, Convener; Mr. J.D. Park, Vice-Convener; Rev. A.P. Barrie; Rev. M.F. Currie; Rev. W.S. Dunn; Rev. H.J.W. Findlay: Rev. N.B. McKee; Rev. J.G. Munton; Mr. D. Forrester; Mr. D. Watt; Mr. H.C. Webster; Mr. W.W. Wilson; Convener of Forward Planning Committee.

2. UNITED SUMMER SERVICES

The Presbytery grants permission to Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank, High and New Wellwynd; Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial, West and Orbiston lw St. Andrew’s; Motherwell: Crosshill and St. Mary’s; Uddingston: Old and Park: and Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old and North to hold United Summer Services.

3. WISHAW: OLD PARISH CHURCH

The Presbytery notes that courses leading to a qualification in Elementary Food Hygiene are available under the auspices of Wishaw: Old Parish Church.

4. VISIT OF THE MODERATOR OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Presbytery expresses its warm appreciation and thanks to the Rt. Rev. John B. and Mrs. Cairns for the energy and enthusiasm with which they undertook their recent visit to the Presbytery of Hamilton, and acknowledges the great encouragement which this visit has given to the life of the Church and the communities within the bounds.

The Presbytery, recognising the very considerable additional work undertaken by the Clerk in connection with the visit of the Moderator of the General Assembly, warmly congratulates him and the members of the Committee appointed to make the arrangements on their planning and execution; and expresses sincere thanks to him and to the staff of the Presbytery Office for their important contribution to the success of the Moderator’s tour within the bounds.

15th June, 1999 28

5. STRATHAVEN: WEST PARISH CHURCH

ADDENDA

1. GENERAL TRUSTEES

2. REV. KEITH SAUNDERS

66. 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. CLELAND

The Presbytery approves the application from Cleland to provide the ramps for disabled access at the Church entrance at a cost of £1,050.00 inclusive of VAT based on Contractor’s estimates. Approval is also granted to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of Forward Planning Committee is noted.

2. EAST KILBRIDE: WEST

The Presbytery approves in principle the application by East Kilbride: West to the provision of additional hall accommodation at a cost of £330,000.00 based on architects estimates. Finalised drawings and documentation to be provided when available. The approval of Historic Scotland and the Committee for Artistic Matters has already been received. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

 

 

 

29 15th June, 1999

3. BLANTYRE: ST. ANDREW’S

The Presbytery approves the application by Blantyre: St. Andrew’s to purchase the adjacent building from the Church of the Nazarene at a cost of £60,000.00 based on valuation. Approval is also granted to apply for grants and loans which may be available and recommends the release of funds held by the General Trustees on behalf of the congregation. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

4. AIRDRIE: HIGH

The Presbytery approves the application of Airdrie: High to redecorate the Church at a cost of £10,175.75 inclusive of VAT based on Contractor’s estimates. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

5. HAMILTON: TRINITY

The Presbytery approves the application of Hamilton: Trinity to redecorate the Church at a cost of £4,732.90 inclusive of VAT based on Contractor’s estimates. Funds are to hand. Prior consultation with the Committee on Artistic Matters is noted. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

6. HAMILTON: ST. JOHN’S

The Presbytery approves the application of Hamilton: St. John’s to replace the pipe organ with an electric computer organ at a cost of £28,000 inclusive of VAT based on Contractor’s estimates. Funds are to hand. Advice by the Committee of Artistic Matters and concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee are noted.

7. COATBRIDGE: ST. ANDREW’S

The Presbytery approves the application of Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s to fit two marble memorials from the former Maxwell Church within the Sanctuary at a cost of £500 inclusive of VAT. Funds are to hand. Approval has already been received from the Committee on Artistic Matters and the concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

8. LARKHALL: CHALMERS

The Presbytery approves the application of Larkhall: Chalmers to provide security measures at the Manse at a cost of £4,732.90 inclusive of VAT based on Contractor’s estimates. Approval is also granted to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

9. SHOTTS: CALDERHEAD ERSKINE

The Presbytery approves the application by Shotts: Calderhead Erskine to instal a coloured glass window to Halls at Allanton. Costs are to be paid for by the bequeathing family. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

10. COATBRIDGE: MIDDLE

The Presbytery approves the application of Coatbridge: Middle to instal a colour glass window to the Sanctuary of the Church in memory of a

15th June, 1999 30

former Minister. Costs are to be paid for by the bequeathing family. Concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

11. CALDERBANK

The Presbytery approves the application of Calderbank to repair the Church and Hall at a cost of £49,782.98 inclusive of VAT based on Contractor’s estimates. Approval is also granted to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

The Presbytery further approves the application by Calderbank to have radio communication equipment fitted to the Church tower by Atlantic Communications. It is noted that approval in principle has already been received from the General Trustees. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

12. COLTNESS MEMORIAL

The Presbytery approves the application of Coltness Memorial to have radio communication equipment fitted to the Church tower by Atlantic Communications. Applications to the General Trustees has already been made. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

13. 12 AIRBLES CRESCENT, MOTHERWELL

The Presbytery approves the application to renovate and repair the retirement house for the Rev. John Handley at a cost of £9,000 inclusive of VAT based on Contractor’s estimates. Approval is also granted to apply for release of funds held by the General Trustees on behalf of the former congregation of Motherwell: Clason Memorial. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

14. DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1995

The Presbytery notes that from October 1999 all congregations will require to take reasonable steps under the above Act to remove discrimination against disabled people, to instal and maintain a loop induction system in buildings used for public worship and congregational activities and give equal consideration to disabled access.

15. SUMMER RECESS

ADDENDUM

CLELAND

31. 15th June, 1999

66. ORDER OF THE DAY

Under an Order of the Day at 7.00 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Church Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. T. Nelson, Convener.

After reporting on the Committee’s work Mr. Nelson requested the Moderator to invite Mrs. Sheena Wilson to address the Court. Mrs. Wilson reported on the Advisers’ activities during the past year.

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery notes the amalgamation of the Adult Learning and Elder Training sub-groups within the Church Education Committee to widen the scope of the various courses on offer and to better utilise available resources.
2. The Presbytery re-appoints Mrs. Carol Horne as Honorary Adviser in Adult Learning within the bounds for a three year term. The concurrence of the Board of Parish Education with this appointment is noted.
3. The Presbytery congratulates all Sunday School Staff members who have completed the Old National Certificate Course in Children’s Ministry throughout the year, and commends the new course.
4. The Presbytery congratulates Mr. David Geddes for his work in establishing the post of Congregational Development Officer within the bounds and commends his work to the prayerful support of Presbyters.
5. The Presbytery thanks Mr. Harry Webster for his work as Vice-convener of the Church Education Committee during his three year term of office.

66. FINANCE COMMITTEE

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

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery agrees to fund four Organ Scholarships at £300 each.
2. The Presbytery agrees to grant a donation of £200 from reserves towards the Larkhall Churches’ Children’s Summer Mission.
3. The Presbytery agrees the Budget for 1999/2000.
4. The Presbytery agrees the per capita amount for 1999/2000 be fixed at 84p.

The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by the Rev. Dr. J. Sharp, Convener.

15th June, 1999 32

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery appoints the following as Additional Elders for 1999/2000:

73. HOSPITALS AND HOMES COMMITTEE

which was given in by the Rev. D. Doyle, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery nominates the Rev. Iain M. Greenshields as part-time chaplain at Hairmyres Hospital.
2. The Presbytery nominates the Rev. Rosemary Smith as part-time chaplain to the Community Mental Health Team in Motherwell and Clydesdale.

73. 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 accepts the nomination of Valerie Gibson, Rebecca Farrell, Laura McChrary and Colin McPherson for the Organ Scholarships 1999/2000.

33 15th June, 1999

74. MILLENNIUM COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Millennium Committee which was given in by Rev. P. Wilson, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

Mrs. Wilson reported on the progress being made for the celebration of the Millennium together with a resume of materials available.

75. ORDER OF THE DAY

Under an Order of the Day at 7.31 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.

DEMISSION OF THE REV. WILLIAM M. GLENCROSS

Further to its resolution of 4th May, 1999 the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev. William M. Glencross from the Church and Parish of Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial.

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 Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial 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. William Glencross and looses him from his charge as from 31st July, 1999, confirming that Mr. Glencross 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.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by the Rev. Dr. J. Sharp, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Rob Mackenzie as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial.
2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. J. Hastie, Convener, and the Rev. I Murdoch together with Mrs. E. Battison and Mr. J. Munro to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial.

15th June, 1999 34

FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by Rev. I. Wotherspoon, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy at Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.

MOTHERWELL: MANSE ROAD

There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. Richard J.G. Darroch to the Church and Parish of Upper Donside; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of Gordon thereanent of date 4th May, 1999; a Call signed by 156 Communicants and 8 Adherents; the Citation of the congregation of Motherwell: Manse Road duly served.

Parties were called; no-one appeared.

The question was put Translate or not translate, and it was unanimously agreed to translate Mr. Darroch from the Church and Parish of Motherwell: Manse Road to the Church and Parish of Upper Donside, declaring that his pastoral relation to Motherwell: Manse Road shall subsist until he be actually admitted to the Church and Parish aforesaid; and requesting the Presbytery of Gordon to give intimation of his admission as soon as it takes place.

The Clerk was instructed to forward an Extract Minute of these proceedings to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Gordon.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by the Rev. Dr. J. Sharp, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. D. Hughes as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Motherwell: Manse Road.
2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. G. Duffin, Convener, and the Rev. N. Moore together with Mr. D. Gray and Mr. R. Beattie to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Motherwell: Manse Road.

FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. Wotherspoon, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

35 15th June, 1999

The Presbytery agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy at Motherwell: Manse Road and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.

WISHAW: THORNLIE

There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Wishaw: Thornlie, in favour of the Rev. Klaus O.F. Buwert; his letter of acceptance with the required statement that he had used no undue influence to obtain the Call; a Call as prescribed signed by 161 Communicants and 8 Adherents; a Certificate that the Interim Moderator’s expenses have been met in full.

Parties were called, appeared and spoke.

Parties were removed.

The Presbytery being satisfied with the documents produced, and that there is no cause to decline or delay to sustain the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Klaus O.F. Buwert to the Church and Parish of Wishaw: Thornlie and resolves to proceed towards his settlement.

The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place within Wishaw: Thornlie Parish Church on Wednesday, 25th August, 1999, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. George S. Noble to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk, and the Rev. Mhorag Macdonald to assist the Moderator.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

HAMILTON: GILMOUR AND WHITEHILL

Parties were called and appeared.

The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. Wotherspoon, Convener.

Parties were removed.

It was unanimously agreed:

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

73. BOARD OF MINISTRY

15th June, 1999 36

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

1. VACANCY SCHEDULE

The Presbytery approves and resolves to transmit to the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry the following Vacancy Schedule:

1.1 AIRDRIE: BROOMKNOLL linked with CALDERBANK

Total Members: 649

1996 Total General Income: £70,878

1996 Endowments: £293

1997 Total General Income £69,741

1997 Endowments: £302

1999 Proposed Stipend £18,168

Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.

£300 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.

2. The Presbytery reaffirms its decision of 1st September 1998 that the Ministry costs of the linked charge shall be allocated 70% to Broomknoll and 30% to Calderbank.

2. STUDY LEAVE

The Presbytery notes receipt of an application for study leave from the Rev. Kevin Mackenzie (East Kilbride: Westwood) in respect of attendance at computing/information technology courses during 4th October to 1st November 1999 and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry.

The Presbytery notes receipt of an application for study leave from the Rev. Mhorag Macdonald (Wishaw: Cambusnethan North) in respect of guided reading on Celtic Christianity to be undertaken at Glendalough, Ireland, during 14th to 21st September, 1999 and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry.

3. READERS’ TRAINING

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:

37. 15th June, 1999

1. The Presbytery nominates Rev. Iain M. Greenshields to be chaplain at National Induction Centre, Shotts Prison, and Rev. Ian M. Watson to be chaplain at Longriggend Remand Institution.
2. The Presbytery notes receipt of the first annual report of Rev. Colin Brough, Associate Minister at Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s, encourages him in his work and forwards the report to the Department of National Mission.
3. The Presbytery notes that Mr. Alasdair Campbell, a probationer Parish Assistant, will begin his probation period at Hamilton: Hillhouse on 1st September 1999, and commends him to the prayers of Presbyters.
4. The Presbytery notes the Millennium Resource material available from CPO and recommends it for consideration by Kirk Sessions and congregations.
5. The Presbytery notes that on 21st September 1999 the Parish Development and Mission Committee plan to hold an open meeting at Claremont Church, East Kilbride, to discuss the question "How do we create a climate for mission?" All interested parties are welcome to attend.

79. BOARD OF SUPERINTENDENCE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Superintendence which was given in by the Rev. J.G. Munton, Convener.

1. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Airdrie: High, encourages the Congregation in its work and witness in the new ministry, and commends the Minister, Office-bearers and people in their shared confident vision for the future.
2. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Chapelhall, notes the success of the de-linking from Calderbank, commends the Congregation on its positive approach to mission and on the evident goodwill to further its life and work.
3. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan, notes that the Congregation is in good heart and, recognising the difficulties they have in common with many other Congregations of the Church, encourages Minister and people in their work, and commends them in the outreach being made.
4. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Larkhall: Trinity, congratulates the Congregation on their teamwork and Christian liberality, commends the Kirk Session in its efforts to re-structure the Sunday School and notes the success of the recent Stewardship Campaign.
5. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Bothwell, commends the Minister, Office-bearers and Congregation for the advances made and for their continuing outreach into the community in witness and service, and notes the support for the Minister in his role as an Army Chaplain.

15th June, 1999 38

6. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Coatbridge: Old Monkland, recognises the increasing difficulties created by social change and severe vandalism, notes the faithful resolve of the Congregation to be the Church in this community and warmly commends the Minister, Office-bearers and people as they seek to fulfil relevant ways of witness and service.
7. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Hamilton: South lw Quarter, commends the South Church in its approach to outreach and mission and for its plans for a major Stewardship Campaign, notes the fresh opportunities for Quarter through the housing developments, encourages both Congregations in their life and witness, and recommends the services of the Presbytery Congregational Development Officer.
8. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Motherwell: Crosshill, warmly commends the Congregation on the growth of its faith and fellowship, congratulates the Sunday School in particular on its generosity and on the way it has developed an understanding of the needs of others, and notes the continuing vigour of Minister and Office-bearers in promoting outreach in mission.
9. The Presbytery receives and approves the Report anent Coatbridge: Clifton, notes the evident warmth and unity within the Congregation, and warmly commends Minister and people for their faithful witness in this part of Coatbridge.
10. The Presbytery notes that the annual attestation of its Committees’ Records has been completed and renews its instruction to all Committees that these Records be maintained in a satisfactory condition and in accordance with the "Regulations for the Keeping of Church Records".

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Moderator

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Presbytery Clerk