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VI MOTHERWELL, 2nd MAY, 2000
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Second Day of May, Two Thousand years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt
52. SEDERUNT
The Rev. J. Stanley Cook, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 56 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 88 Elders).
53. MINUTES
The Minutes of Meetings II, IIII, IV and V (2000) were read, corrected and approved.
54. AGENDA
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
55. INTIMATIONS
Intimations were made.
The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. Ronald J. Maxwell Stitt, recently inducted Minister at Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill.
The Moderator offered the warm congratulations of the Court to Mr. David Forrester on the completion of Twenty-five years as Presbytery Treasurer.
AFTER-ELECTION OF COMMISSIONERS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Under an Order of the Day at 6.51 p.m., the Presbytery took up consideration of After-elections to the forthcoming General Assembly.
The Presbytery having learned of the resignation of his Commission by the Rev. Paul Amed, did and hereby does appoint in his place, the Rev. J. Stanley Cook its Commissioner to the next General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and authorises the Moderator and Clerk to sign the Commission on the Presbytery’s behalf.
The Presbytery having learned of the resignation of his Commission by the Rev. John A. Jackson did and hereby does appoint in his place, the Rev. Henry J.W. Findlay its Commissioner to the next General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and authorises the Moderator and Clerk to sign the Commission on the Presbytery’s behalf.
The Presbytery having learned of the resignation of his Commission by Mr. Alan M. Sherry, did and hereby does appoint in his place, Mr. George S. Harvie, its Commissioner to the next General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and authorises the Moderator and Clerk to sign the Commission on the Presbytery’s behalf.
The Presbytery having learned of the resignation of his Commission by Mr. James W. Sommerville, did and hereby does appoint in his place, Mrs. Marjorie E. McRae, its Commissioner to the next General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and authorises the Moderator and Clerk to sign the Commission on the Presbytery’s behalf
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:
The Presbytery notes that the Convener of the Nomination Committee has recently been experiencing difficulty in persuading Presbyters to agree to take on Interim Moderatorships and Convenerships of Committees, reminds all members of the vow they took at ordination to take their due part in the administration of the Church’s affairs, and urges all concerned to act more positively when requested to accept added responsibilities.
The Presbytery notes receipt of Extract Minutes of the General Assembly’s Parish Re-appraisal Committee of date 21st March 2000 intimating that members of the Committee had met with Presbytery representatives to discuss the Forward Plan for Bellshill, agreeing with the Forward Plan for Strathaven, and deferring a decision on the vacancy at Airdrie: New Monkland lw Greengairs until the Presbytery had resolved the question of shortfalls in payment of Mission and Aid allocations.
The Presbytery nominates the following representatives to the undernoted Boards of the General Assembly as from the forthcoming General Assembly –
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Ministry…………………………………... Mr. David J. Watt
National Mission………………………... Rev. Iain C. Murdoch
Social Responsibility…………………… Mr. Duncan M. Gray
Stewardship and Finance……………… Mr. A. Douglas McHenry
The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from the Rev. R. Forbes Walker, Minister at Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog, requesting permission to demit his charge on taking up a post as Chaplain at The Licensed Victuallers School, Ascot, Berkshire, as from August 2000: resolves to take up consideration of the proposed Demission at its meeting on 20th June, and instructs that the congregation of Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog be cited to appear for their interests at the said meeting with certification that the matter will not be dealt with before 7.30 pm under an Order of the Day for Vacancy Business.
The Presbytery notes that the Model Deed of Constitution has been issued by the Delegation of Assembly to Wishaw: Thornlie Parish Church.
The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Register of Airdrie: New Monkland as containing the names of 489 Communicants and of Greengairs as containing the names of 219 Communicants and 5 Adherents.
The Presbytery notes the resignation of Mrs. Florence McHenry, Administrative Assistant, and of Mrs. Elizabeth Jarvie, Clerical Assistant, with effect from 14th July 2000, and the appointment of Mrs. Ishbel Sheridan, 33 Bute Avenue, Motherwell as Administrative Assistant, and of Mrs. Elizabeth Barrie, Cadzow Manse, 3 Carlisle Road, Hamilton as Clerical Assistant with effect from 6th June 2000.
ADDENDA
The Presbytery supports the application of Mr. Kenneth Mayne, 33 Orchard Gardens, Strathaven, for admission as a Minister of the Church of Scotland with effect from the forthcoming General Assembly, commends him to the prayers of all Presbyters, and instructs the Clerk to transmit the Court’s support to the Secretary of the General Assembly’s Committee on Admission and Re-Admission of Ministers.
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.
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The Presbytery notes receipt of intimation from the Clerk to the Presbytery of Ayr that the Rev. Henry B. Mealyea was inducted to the Pastoral Charge of Ayr: St. Andrew’s on 25th April, 2000.
The Presbytery approves the request of Lanarkshire District Fellowship of the Boys’ Brigade that the Moderator in his official capacity attend and conduct devotions at a Queen’s Badge Certificate Presentation Ceremony in Hamilton Town Hall on Thursday, 15th June, 2000 at 7.30 p.m.
VISITATION OF PAROCHIAL RECORDS
Under an Order of the Day at 7.04 p.m. 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:
The Presbytery notes that all parish records of congregations within the bounds have been duly attested and found to be satisfactory.
61. 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. QUARTER
The Presbytery approves the application of Quarter to reposition the timber cross in the sanctuary from the gallery to the chancel wall. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
The Presbytery approves the application of Motherwell: St. Mary’s to approve Phase II of the IV Phase development earlier approved in May 1999 to carry out storage in halls, roof and stone repairs and lowering of stone chimney stocks in Manse costing £53,617 including VAT. Permission is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
The Presbytery approves the application of Wishaw: Cambusnethan North to refurbish toilets in halls costing £13,436.75 inclusive of VAT. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
The Presbytery approves the application by Hamilton: Old to rewire the electrical system and fit new light fittings together with redecoration of
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sanctuary at a cost of £21,829.15 inclusive of VAT. Approval of the Committee on Artistic Matters has already been received. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
The Presbytery approves the professional follow-on property survey and condition report on Overtown and awaits the response of the office-bearers to contents and recommendations.
The Presbytery approves in principle the application by Airdrie: New Monkland lw Greengairs to explore the sale of the Manse and grounds and to purchase a more modern Manse. Permission is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at Coatbridge: Calder.
The Presbytery approves the application from Shotts: Calderhead Erskine to complete rewiring of the Manse and to redecorate thereafter at a cost of £2850.10 inclusive of VAT. Approval is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
The Presbytery approves the application by Larkhall: St. Machan’s to refurbishing and redecorating the Church halls; relocating toilets and refurbishing the kitchen at a cost of £65,943.35 inclusive of VAT. Permission is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
The Presbytery approves the application by Motherwell: Manse Road to paint the front wall of the Church at a cost of £500 by voluntary labour and await the approval of the Committee on Artistic Matters. Permission is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available.
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:
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:
PARISH BOUNDARY CHANGE
The Presbytery designates the undernoted parish boundary change between the charges of Stonehouse: St. Ninian's and Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog.
The new boundary between the parishes of Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s and Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog will run north from the village of Sandford, following the course of the Avon downstream to its junction with the Fairy Burn, then follow the course of the burn upstream to its source west of Hosenette and thereafter run due south until it meets the original boundary at Kype Water.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Ministry which was given in by Mr. D. Watt, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery sustains Trials for Licence in respect of Mrs. Agnes Low who has satisfied the regulations thereanent; and, subject to the issue of an Exit Certificate, approves that her Service of Licensing takes place within Strathaven: East Parish Church on Thursday, 31st August 2000, Presbytery to meet at 7.15pm for 7.30pm.
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The Presbytery, further to its deliverance of 5th October 1999, notes that the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry has sustained the extended probationary placement of the Rev. Arrick Wilkinson and thanks all those who have contributed towards and supported this satisfactory position.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Church Education Committee which was given in by Miss S. Bell, Vice-Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery agrees in principle to the training of four new advisers to deliver courses within the bounds on Adult Learning and/or Elder Training. Travelling expenses shall be paid in full during the training process up to a maximum period of twelve months.
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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
The Presbytery, being again in open Court, called for the report of the Church and Social Interests Committee which was given in by the Rev. L. Schlüter, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery receives the report and notes that the venue for the forthcoming conference for the South Lanarkshire area on Homelessness will be Bell College, Almada Street, Hamilton.
VACANCY BUSINESS
Under an Order of the Day at 7.30 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
COATBRIDGE: CALDER
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Calder in favour of the Rev. Randolph Scott; 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 330 Communicants and 4 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 to sustain the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Randolph Scott to the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Calder; and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.
The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place within Coatbridge: Calder Parish Church on Wednesday, 14th June, 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. James Grier to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
NEW STEVENSTON: WRANGHOLM KIRK
There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. Paul Amed to the Church and Parish of Dallas linked with Forres: St. Leonard’s linked with Rafford; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of Moray thereanent of date 4th April, 2000; a Call signed by 329 Communicants and Adherents; the Citation of the congregation of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk returned duly served.
Parties were called, appeared and spoke.
Parties were removed.
The question was put Translate or not translate, and it was unanimously agreed to translate Mr. Amed from the Church and Parish of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk to the Church and Parish of Dallas linked with Forres: St. Leonard’s linked with Rafford, declaring that his pastoral relation to New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk shall subsist until he be actually admitted to the Church and Parish aforesaid; and requesting the Presbytery of Moray 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 Moray.
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. S. Colvin as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk.
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 New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.
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EAST KILBRIDE: OLD
There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. Douglas Clark to the Church and Parish of Lenzie: Old; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of Glasgow thereanent of date 11th April, 2000; a Call signed by 344 Communicants and 8 Adherents; the Citation of the congregation of East Kilbride: Old returned duly served.
Parties were called, appeared and spoke.
Parties were removed.
The question was put Translate or not translate, and it was unanimously agreed to translate Mr. Clark from the Church and Parish of East Kilbride: Old to the Church and Parish of Lenzie: Old, declaring that his pastoral relation to East Kilbride: Old shall subsist until he be actually admitted to the Church and Parish aforesaid; and requesting the Presbytery of Glasgow 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 Glasgow.
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:
2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. R. MacKenzie, Convener, and the Rev. K. Harbison together with Mrs. N. Hamilton and Mr. J. Thomson to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at East Kilbride: Old Parish Church.
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 resolves that the charge of East Kilbride: Old should not be subject to readjustment and that leave be granted to call a Minister without restriction subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Parish Reappraisal Committee.
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OVERTOWN
There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. Dr. J. Mary Henderson to the Church and Parish of Boarhills and Dunino linked with St. Andrew’s: Martyrs’; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of St. Andrews thereanent of date 12th April, 2000; a Call signed by 301 Communicants; the Citation of the congregation of Overtown returned duly served.
Parties were called, appeared and spoke.
Parties were removed.
The question was put Translate or not translate, and it was unanimously agreed to translate Miss Henderson from the Church and Parish of Overtown to the Church and Parish of Boarhills and Dunino linked with St. Andrew’s: Martyrs, declaring that her pastoral relation to Overtown shall subsist until she be actually admitted to the Church and Parish aforesaid; and requesting the Presbytery of St. Andrews to give intimation of her 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 St. Andrews.
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:
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 resolves that the charge of Overtown should not be subject to readjustment and that leave be granted to call a Minister without restriction subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Parish Reappraisal Committee.
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The Rev. Dr. James Martin gave notice that at the meeting of Presbytery on 20th June 2000 he would move an addition to Standing Orders in the following terms:
Everyone speaking to Presbytery is required to use the microphone.
There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 7.53 p.m. to meet again in hunc effectum within Coatbridge: Calder Parish Church on Wednesday, 14th June 2000 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Randolph Scott, MA, BD; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Church Halls on Tuesday, 20th June 2000 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