1st February, 2000 1

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

I MOTHERWELL, 1st FEBRUARY, 2000

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the First Day of February, Two thousand years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt

1. SEDERUNT

The Rev. J. Stanley Cook, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 52 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 88 Elders).

2. MINUTES

The Minutes of Meetings XI, XII, XIII and XIV (1999) were read, corrected and approved.

3. AGENDA

The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.

4. INTIMATIONS

Intimations were made.

  1. CONGRATULATIONS

    2. The Moderator offered the warm congratulations of the Court to the Rev. James E. Hunter on the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of his Ordination.

  2. ORDER OF THE DAY

    3. COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

    Under an Order of the Day at 6.52 p.m., the Presbytery resolved that at its meeting on 7th March 2000 the Clerk would move the nomination of Commissioners to the General Assembly according to the rota with the addition of Ministers and Elders in accordance with the number of places allocated.

  3. ORDER OF THE DAY

JUBILEE 2000

  1. 1st February, 2000

Under an Order of the Day at 6.53 p.m. the Rev. John Brewster, Convener of the World Mission Committee, requested the Moderator to invite Mr. Nicky King of Jubilee 2000 to address the Court.

Mr. King spoke on the Jubilee 2000 campaign and was thanked by the Moderator.

  1. ORDER OF THE DAY

CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTERESTS COMMITTEE

Under an Order of the Day at 7.11 p.m. the Rev. Lindsay Schluter, Convener of the Church and Social Interests Committee, requested the Moderator to invite the Rev. Dr. Graham Blount to address the Court. After Dr. Blount’s address it was moved, seconded and agreed:

The Presbytery expresses its gratitude to the Rev. Dr. Graham Blount on giving insight into his work as the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Officer.

9. 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. MURIEL AND SOPHIA HILL MEMORIAL FUND

    2. The Presbytery notes receipt of a cheque for £85 being the annual grant from this Fund, and agrees that this sum be given to the Church Education Committee to assist in the work of the Advisers in Children’s Ministry.

  2. LOCUM: BLANTYRE: LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL

LOCUM: SHOTTS: CALDERHEAD ERSKINE

The Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. Andrew McCance from the position of Locum at Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial and notes the appointment in his place of the Rev. Roderick Campbell, formerly of Mearns Parish Church.

The Presbytery notes the appointment of the Rev. Stephen Blakey, formerly of Strichen Parish Church, as Locum at Shotts: Calderhead Erskine.

ADDENDA

  1. ATTESTATION OF ELECTORAL REGISTER

The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Register of Shotts: Calderhead Erskine as containing the names of 668 Communicants and 2 Adherents.

2. REQUEST FOR MODERATOR

The Presbytery approves the request of Hamilton North Presbyterial Council of the Guild that the Moderator, in his official capacity, attend the Annual General Meeting of the Council within Coatbridge: Clifton Parish Church Halls on Wednesday, 8th March, 2000 at 7.30 p.m.

1st February, 2000 3

  1. LOCUM: AIRDRIE: NEW MONKLAND lw GREENGAIRS

    2. The Presbytery notes the appointment of the Rev. Andrew McCance as Locum at Airdrie: New Monkland lw Greengairs.

  2. EAST KILBRIDE: MOSSNEUK

The Presbytery notes that due to unforeseen circumstances it has become necessary to postpone the date of the Induction of the Rev. Dr. John McPake to the Church and Parish of East Kilbride: Mossneuk.

The Presbytery resolves that the Admission of Dr. McPake shall now take place on Wednesday, 1st March, 2000, Presbytery to meet at 6.15 p.m. for the Induction Service at 6.30 p.m.

  1. ORDER OF THE DAY

VACANCY BUSINESS

Under an Order of the Day at 7.35 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.

DEMISSION OF THE REV. MARTIN JOHNSTONE

Further to its resolution of 7th December, 1999 the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev. Martin Johnstone from the Church and Parish of Bellshill: Orbiston linked with St. Andrew's.

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 Citations of the congregations of Bellshill: Orbiston and Bellshill: St. Andrew's returned duly served.

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. Martin Johnstone and looses him from his charge as from 22nd February, 2000, confirming that Mr. Johnstone retains his status as a Minister of the Church of Scotland, and his membership of this Presbytery.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE

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

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy at Bellshill: Orbiston lw St. Andrew’s and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.

 

  1. 1st February, 2000

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. Hood as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Sessions of Bellshill: Orbiston lw St. Andrew’s.

2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. N. McKee, Convener, and the Rev. Dr. J. Mary Henderson, together with Mrs. A. Macauslane and Mrs. M. Wyper to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Bellshill: Orbiston lw St. Andrew’s.

AIRDRIE: BROOMKNOLL LINKED WITH CALDERBANK

There were laid on the table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Airdrie: Broomknoll linked with Calderbank in favour of the Rev. Andrew Thomson, BA; 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 324 Communicants and 9 Adherents; a Certificate that the Interim Moderator's expenses had been met in full.

Parties were called, appeared and spoke.

Parties were removed.

The Presbytery being satisfied with the documents produced, and that there was no cause to decline or delay the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Andrew Thomson to the Church and Parish of Airdrie: Broomknoll linked with Calderbank, and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.

The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place within Airdrie: Broomknoll Parish Church on Thursday, 24th February, 2000, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. J. Stanley Cook to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk and the Rev. Richard Houston to assist the Moderator.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

HAMILTON: GILMOUR AND WHITEHILL

There were laid on the table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill in favour of the Rev. Ronald J. Maxwell Stitt, BA, ThM, BREd, DMin, FSAScot.; 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 127 Communicants and 15 Adherents; a Certificate that the Interim Moderator's expenses had been met in full.

Parties were called and appeared.

Parties were removed.

1st February, 2000 5

The Presbytery being satisfied with the documents produced, and that there was no cause to decline or delay the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Ronald J. Maxwell Stitt to the Church and Parish of Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill, and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.

The Presbytery ordered the Call, and an extract of its procedure thereanent to be sent to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Lothian.

The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place on Thursday, 9th March, 2000, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. J. Stanley Cook to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk and the Rev. Rosemary Smith to assist the Moderator.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

  1. 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. COATBRIDGE: MIDDLE

    2. The Presbytery approves the application of Coatbridge: Middle to install a stained glass window in memory of Mr. T.J. Dunlop, a past Session Clerk, and Past President of the Airdrie, Coatbridge & District Battalion of the Boys Brigade. Costs will be borne by the Boys Brigade Battalion. Approval has already been received from the Committee on Artistic Matters and the concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  2. AIRDRIE: THE NEW WELLWYND

    3. The Presbytery approves the application of Airdrie: The New Wellwynd to install a stained glass window at a cost of £6,450 inclusive of VAT, costs to be borne by donation. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  3. HAMILTON: GILMOUR & WHITEHILL

    4. The Presbytery approves the application by Hamilton: Gilmour & Whitehill to the sale of the Whitehill premises and recommends that the funds realised are to be held on behalf of the congregation by the General Trustees. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  4. WISHAW: CAMBUSNETHAN OLD & MORNINGSIDE

The Presbytery approves the application from Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old & Morningside 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.

ADDENDA

 

  1. 1st February, 2000

  1. AIRDRIE: JACKSON

The Presbytery approves the application of Airdrie: Jackson to replace the oil-fired heating boiler with gas fired boilers at a cost of £8,078.68 inclusive of VAT based on contractors estimates subject to the clearance by Mr. MacOwan, Church of Scotland Energy Consultant. Approval is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

2. EAST KILBRIDE; MOSSNEUK

The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse of East Kilbride: Mossneuk.

3. AIRDRIE: BROOMKNOLL lw CALDERBANK

The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse of Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank.

12. PRESBYTERY REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Presbytery Review Committee which was given in by Sheriff H. Neilson, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery notes the resolve of the Committee to seek to ensure that Presbyters themselves help set the agenda and priorities for the Committee’s future deliberations.

  2. The Presbytery notes that, with a view to ascertaining the views of Presbyters on what should be the Committee’s agenda and priorities, the Committee intends to consult with Presbyters. This will be done in the first instance by Committee members meeting with Presbyters in local meetings.

  3. The Presbytery notes that Committee members will meet with Presbyters as follows:-

    1. Area A1 (Blantyre and Hamilton) in St. John’s, Hamilton, on 28th February at 7.30 p.m.

    2. Area A2 (Strathaven and Glassford) with Area D7 (East Kilbride) on 16th February in East Kilbride: Claremont at 7.30 p.m.

    3. Areas B3 and B4 (Motherwell, Wishaw, Cleland, Newmains, Overtown, Shotts) in Motherwell: South Dalziel on 28th February at 7.30 p.m.

    4. Area D8 (Uddingston and Bothwell) in Uddingston: Viewpark on 17th February at 7.30 p.m.

  1. The Presbytery notes that meetings for remaining areas will be notified. Members unable to attend the meeting for their own area are welcome to attend any other meeting. The Presbytery urges members to attend these meetings.

  1. FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

1st February, 2000 7

The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by the Rev. F. Penny, Vice-Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

STRATHAVEN REAPPRAISAL

The Presbytery receives the Reappraisal Report for the Strathaven area and approves its recommendations.

14. 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:

  1. The Presbytery notes that the course "Learning to Care" will be held in Blantyre: St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Tuesday evenings, 14, 21, 28 March and 4 April 2000. This is a course for elders and church visitors and the cost will be £4.00 per person. All registrations should be made with Mr. H. Webster, 126 Silvertonhill Avenue, Hamilton, before 1 March 2000.

  2. The Presbytery encourages Co-ordinators for Child Protection procedures in local congregations to notify Mrs. Eileen Milne of those yet to be trained and certificated by the Board of Parish Education trainers Tel. 01698 264320.

  3. The Presbytery notes the meeting for all "Youth Correspondents" of congregations to be held on Saturday, 12th February 2000 from 9.30 – 12.00pm at Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church for the planning of future youth events within the bounds.

15. 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. I. Murdoch, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery notes the Board of National Mission sponsored Conference "Building the Body of Christ – Cell by Cell", to be held at Lendrick Muir from 21st – 23rd March 2000 and commends it to Ministers and leaders.

16. BOARD OF SUPERINTENDENCE

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

MINUTES WHILST MEETING IN PRIVATE OMITTED

17. STATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

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

It was unanimously agreed:

NORTH LANARKSHIRE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSULTATION PAPER – THE CURRICULUM OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

  1. The Presbytery commends North Lanarkshire Council Education Department for issuing a set of proposals relating to a significant restructuring of the current organisation of the secondary school, the key elements of which are to move Standard Grade from S3 to S2 and Higher Still courses from S5 to S4, with the aim or improving motivation and improving performance.

  2. The Presbytery accepts the rationale and main recommendations but urges the Council to give further careful consideration to the following:

    1. good support structures for pupils in S1 and their parents in understanding and making choices of subjects in S1;

    2. good material and other support in relation to the proposed changes.

c) The Presbytery seeks assurances with regard to the specific issue of Religious and Moral Education in S4 to ensure that the current guidelines for time allocations are not eroded and that similar consideration be given to reviewing the current inadequate allocation in most schools for S5/S6.

18. 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 notes the "Resources for Worship" event being organised on Saturday, 8th April 2000 in Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s (from 10.30 a.m. to 3.30pm).

19. MILLENNIUM COMMITTEE

1st February, 2000 9

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

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery welcomes the debt-cancellation initiative announced by the UK Government in December 1999 and encourages Jubilee 2000 in its continuing campaign.

  2. The Presbytery urges congregations to continue working at area/ecumenical level during the year 2000 and beyond.

  3. The Presbytery allocates the grant of £1,500 from National Mission to the three area groups that made timely applications – Stonehouse £500, East Kilbride £500 and Motherwell £500.

  1. WORLD MISSION COMMITTEE

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 the Government for its measures to cancel Third World debt and encourages further progress in addressing corruption and injustice in the world economy.

  2. The Presbytery commends Fairtrade products and encourages congregations to participate in National Fairtrade Fortnight 2000 between 6-19th March 2000.

21. BOARD OF MINISTRY

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

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. STUDY LEAVE

    1. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave report from the Rev. Forbes Walker (Strathaven: Avendale Old) in respect of a German language course and parish experience at Mannheim, Germany during 5 to 29 July 1999.

    2. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. Quintin Blane (Bellshill: West) in respect of a full-time project in part fulfilment of the degree of M.Sc. from the University of Glasgow during 5 June to 17 July 2000 and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry.

    3. The Presbytery notes and approves the appointment of the Rev. James Hunter as locum at Bellshill: West during the study leave of the Rev. Quintin Blane.

    10 1st February, 2000

  2. VACANCY SCHEDULE

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

COATBRIDGE; CALDER

Total Members: 631

1997 Total General Income: £50,865

1997 Endowments £349

1998 Total General Income: £51,850

1998 Endowments: £357

2000 Proposed Stipend: £17,637

Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.

£350 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.

22. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

The Rev. James Davidson, having previously given notice of his intention to present a deliverance anent Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986, was invited to address the Court. It was moved, seconded and agreed that Presbytery depart from the matter and Mr. Davidson withdrew his intended motion.

  1. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.24 p.m. to meet again in hunc effectum within Airdrie: Broomknoll Parish Church on Thursday, 24th February 2000 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Andrew Thomson; in hunc effectum within East Kilbride: Mossneuk Parish Church on Wednesday, 1st March 2000 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Dr. John L. McPake; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Church Halls on Tuesday, 7th March 2000 at 6.30 p.m., of which public intimation having been made, this meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

..........................................................................

Moderator

 

 

..........................................................................

Presbytery Clerk