11th January, 2001 1
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTONAt BELLSHILL: MACDONALD MEMORIAL PARISH CHURCH, on the Eleventh Day of January, Two Thousand and One years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.
1. Post preces sederunt
The Rev. Robert M. Kent, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 6 Ministers; 3 Elders).
2. LINKING OF THE CONGREGATION OF BELLSHILL: MACDONALD MEMORIAL WITH THE CONGREGATION OF BELLSHILL: ORBISTON
After Public Worship conducted by the Rev. Graham L. Duffin the Moderator, pursuant to the resolution of Presbytery of 5th December, 2000, conform to the law and practice of the Church of Scotland, in the name and by the authority of Presbytery effected the linking of the congregation of Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial with the congregation of Bellshill: Orbiston, and declared them to be linked as one charge.
The Clerk was authorised to inform the departments of Ministry and National Mission of the linking of these congregations and to give certified intimation of the proceedings to the respective Session Clerks.
This meeting was closed with prayer.
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Moderator
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Presbytery Clerk
2. 25th January, 2001
II STRATHAVEN: AVENDALE OLD PARISH CHURCH
At STRATHAVEN: AVENDALE OLD PARISH CHURCH, on the Twenty-fifth Day of January, Two Thousand and One years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt.
3. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Robert M. Kent, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 10 Ministers; 15 Elders).
4. ORDINATION AND INDUCTION
The Edict for the Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Alan W. Gibson, BA, BD, to the Church and Parish of Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Mr. Gibson having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Iain M. Greenshields and the Moderator put to Mr. Gibson the prescribed questions. To these he returned satisfactory answers, and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, ordained the said Rev. Alan W. Gibson to the office of the Holy Ministry and inducted him to the pastoral charge of Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog. Mr. Gibson, 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. Alan W. Gibson 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
6th February, 2001 3
III MOTHERWELL, 6th FEBRUARY, 2001
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREWS PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Sixth Day of February, Two thousand and one years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt
5. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Robert . M. Kent, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 57 Ministers; 3 Deacons; 89 Elders).
6. MINUTES
The Minutes of Meeting XVI (2000) were read, corrected and approved.
7. AGENDA
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
8. INTIMATIONS
Intimations were made.
9. WELCOME
The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. Alan W. Gibson, recently inducted Minister at Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog.
COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Under an Order of the Day at 6.55 p.m., the Presbytery resolved that at its meeting on 6th March 2001 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.
11. BUSINESS COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. G. Munton, Convener.
It was moved and seconded:
The Presbytery approves the request of Hamilton South Presbyterial Council of the Guild that the Moderator, in his official capacity, attend the Annual Business Meeting of the Council to be held within Hamilton: St. Johns Parish Church on Thursday, 15th March, 2001 at 7.15 p.m.
4 6th February, 2001
2. ATTESTATION OF ELECTORAL REGISTERS
The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Registers of Airdrie: New Wellwynd as containing the names of 787 Communicants; of Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial as containing the names of 322 Communicants and 2 Adherents; of Bellshill: Orbiston as containing the names of 287 Communicants and 16 Adherents; of Uddingston: Burnhead as containing the names of 307 Communicants; and of Uddingston: Viewpark as containing the names of 483 Communicants and 17 Adherents.
3. REV. R. FRASER PENNY
The Presbytery notes intimation from the Clerk to the Presbytery of Dunkeld and Meigle that the Rev. R. Fraser Penny was inducted to the church and parish of Dunkeld on 10th January, 2001.
4. PARISH RE-APPRAISAL COMMITTEE
The Presbytery notes receipt of Extract Minutes from the General Assemblys Parish Re-appraisal Committee of date 19th December, 2000 concurring in the decision of the Presbytery of Hamilton that the question of readjustment should not be pursued in the vacancy at Airdrie: New Wellwynd and that the congregation be permitted to call a Minister without restriction; noting the secession of Bellshill: St. Andrews from the Church of Scotland; approving the Basis of Linking of Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial and Bellshill: Orbiston; concurring in the decision to permit the congregation of Hamilton: West to call a Minister under Terminable Tenure with a minimum five year term; and deferring a decision on the vacancy at Uddingston: Burnhead until the issue of shortfalls had been resolved.
5. REV. QUINTIN A. BLANE
The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from the Rev. Quintin A. Blane, Minister at Bellshill: West, requesting permission to demit his charge as from 6th March, 2001 in order to pursue a career in the IT industry; resolves to take up consideration of the proposed Demission at its meeting on 6th March, 2001, and instructs that the congregation of Bellshill: West 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. LOCUM TENENS
The Presbytery, exercising its discretion under Act II (2000), notes and approves the appointment of Mr. David Geddes as Locum Tenens at Uddingston: Viewpark as from 6th February, 2001
7. APRIL MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES
The Presbytery, noting that Easter Day falls on 15th April and that schools are still on holiday the week following, agrees to postpone Committee meetings from 17th to 24th April.
The Presbytery instructs Conveners to ensure that all Deliverances are in the hands of the Clerk as soon as possible thereafter, and certainly no later than 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 1st May, 2001.
6th February, 2001 5
8. KIRK O SHOTTS
The Presbytery, noting recent publicity in the media anent attempts by the congregation of Kirk O Shotts to raise public awareness of the need to raise large sums of money in order to save their church building as an historical landmark, instructs the Forward Planning Committee to investigate the situation as a matter of urgency.
9. ACCUMULATED SHORTFALLS
The Presbytery notes an assurance given by the office-bearers at Uddingston: Burnhead that the shortfall of £1655 in Mission and Aid contributions for 1999 has been cleared, that the shortfall in contributions for 2000 has been reduced to £1680, and that this balance will be paid by 31st March, 2001.
The Presbytery confirms its resolution of 5th December, 2000 that the charge of Uddingston: Burnhead should not be subject to readjustment, and that leave be granted to call a minister without restriction, subject to the concurrence of the General Assemblys Parish Re-appraisal Committee.
ADDENDA
1. PARISH RE-APPRAISAL COMMITTEE
The Presbytery notes receipt of an Extract Minute from the General Assemblys Parish Re-appraisal Committee of date 26th January, 2001 concurring in the decision of the Presbytery of Hamilton that the question of readjustment should not be pursued in the vacancy at Airdrie: New Monkland lw Greengairs.
2. LOCUM TENENS
The Presbytery notes and approves the appointment of the Rev. Iain W. MacBain as Locum Tenens at Hamilton: West with effect from 3rd March, 2001.
It was moved and seconded as an Addendum to Deliverance 6,
The Presbytery, further exercising its discretion under Act II (2000) approves of Mr. David Geddes conducting Public Worship within the Presbytery bounds.
After discussion, it was agreed to withdraw the Addendum and refer the matter to the Business Committee.
It was moved and seconded as a Counter-motion to Deliverance 8 that the deliverance be deleted.
On a vote being taken for and against the Counter-motion it carried against.
The Business Committee report, as submitted, was then approved.
12. ORDER OF THE DAY
CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTERESTS COMMITTEE
6 6th February, 2001
Under an Order of the Day at 7.27 p.m. the Presbytery 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.
13. ORDER OF THE DAY
VACANCY BUSINESS
Under an Order of the Day at 7.43 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
DEMISSION OF THE REV. J. STANLEY COOK
Further to its resolution of 5th December, 2000 the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev. J. Stanley Cook from the Church and Parish of Hamilton: West.
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 Hamilton: West 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. J. Stanley Cook and looses him from his charge as from 3rd March, 2001, confirming that Mr. Cook retains his status as a Minister of the Church of Scotland, and his membership of this Presbytery.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
14. ORDER OF THE DAY
ECUMENICAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Under an Order of the Day at 8.04 p.m. the Presbytery called for the Report of the Ecumenical Affairs Committee which was given in by the Rev. H.J.W. Findlay, Convener.
Mr. Findlay introduced Professor David Atkinson, a founder member of SCIFU, and requested the Moderator to invite Professor Atkinson to address the Court.
After discussion and questions following Professor Atkinson`s presentation, it was decided that further consideration of the Report was necessary and that opportunity for this should be given at the meeting of Presbytery on 6th March, 2001.
It was unanimously agreed :
6th February, 2001 7
1. The Presbytery took up consideration of the Second Interim Report of the Scottish Church Initiative for Union (SCIFU).
2. The Presbytery notes the diligence of the Presbyterys Committee on Ecumenical Affairs in asking all Kirk Sessions within its bounds to give their views upon this Report.
3. The Presbytery instructs that all the responses that are presently in the hands of the Presbyterys Ecumenical Affairs Committee, together with any other views that may come to Presbytery before 30th April, 2001, be sent to the Ecumenical Relations Committee of the General Assembly.
15. PROPERTY COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. Thomas Orr.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. BARGEDDIE
The Presbytery approves the application by Bargeddie to carry out repairs to the steeple at a cost of £50,000 inclusive of VAT based on estimates received. Approval was also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
2. BLANTYRE: LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL
The Presbytery approves the application by Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial to carry out repairs to the steeple at a cost of £3,196 inclusive of VAT based on estimates received. 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: OLD
The Presbytery approves the application by Uddingston: Old to floodlight the Church with builders` costs covered by donation. Approval of the Committee on Artistic Matters has already been received. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
4. STONEHOUSE: ST. NINIAN`S
The Presbytery approves the application by Stonehouse: St. Ninian`s to the fitting of two stained glass windows with costs covered by donation. Application has been made directly to the Committee on Artistic Matters and a decision is awaited. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
5. EAST KILBRIDE: OLD
The Presbytery approves in principle the application by East Kilbride: Old to repoint and repair Church stonework as a second phase of an upgrading plan at the estimated cost of £35,000 inclusive of VAT subject to the production of full estimates.
8 6th February, 2001
6. COATBRIDGE: CLIFTON
The Presbytery notes the change of installer from that approved on 29th August, 2000.
7. AIRDRIE: BROOMKNOLL LW CALDERBANK
The Presbytery approves the professional Follow on Property Survey and Condition Report on properties at Broomknoll lw Calderbank and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
8. BELLSHILL: WEST
The Presbytery approves the professional Follow on Property Survey and Condition Report on properties at Bellshill: West and awaits the response of the office bearers to contents and recommendations.
9. UDDINGSTON: BURNHEAD
The Presbytery approves the professional Follow on Property Survey and Condition Report on properties at Uddingston: Burnhead and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
10. NEW STEVENSTON: WRANGHOLM KIRK
The Presbytery approves the professional Follow on Property Survey and Condition Report on properties at Wrangholm Kirk and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
11. STRATHAVEN: AVENDALE OLD AND DRUMCLOG
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog.
16. 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 resolves to hold a Special Conference on the evening of 20th February, 2001 at 6.30 p.m. in Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on the matter of the Presbytery Review.
17. FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by the Rev. G. L. Duffin, Convener.
It was moved and seconded:
1. The Presbytery notes that a Basis of Union, presented to the congregations of Motherwell: Manse Road and Motherwell: South Dalziel, was rejected by the congregation of Motherwell: Manse Road, but encourages the Forward Planning Committee to continue discussions with the two congregations about a union.
6th February, 2001 9
2. The Presbytery encourages the congregations of Motherwell: Manse Road and Motherwell: South Dalziel to explore making an application to provide funding for a new church building for a united congregation from the Millennium Fund set up by the General Trustees.
3. The Presbytery notes with regret that ongoing discussions that have taken place between the town centre churches in Wishaw have not led to common agreement on the future.
4. The Presbytery instructs the Forward Planning Committee to update the Reappraisal Plan for the Wishaw area, in consultation with local congregations, noting the intention of the committee to complete at least the initial stages of this review by June 2001.
5. The Presbytery notes the intention of the Forward Planning Committee to update the Reappraisal Plan for Coatbridge, which will include a review of Parish boundaries.
It was moved and seconded as a Counter-motion to Deliverance 1
The Presbytery agrees to seek a Deferred Union between South Dalziel and Manse Road; and instructs the Forward Planning Committee to prepare a Basis of Deferred Union for presentation to the congregations.
On a vote being taken for and against the Counter-motion, it carried against.
The Forward Planning Committee report as submitted was then approved.
18. 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 a course to give advice on the setting up and running of a Holiday Club is to be held on Thursday, 8th February, 2001, from 7 9.30 p.m. in Hamilton Old Parish Church Halls, Leechlee Road, Hamilton (Cost £5.00 per person). All registrations to Mrs. Sheena Wilson, 12 Edmonton Terrace, East Kilbride, G75 8AS.
2. The Presbytery notes that the course entitled "Exploring the Eldership" is to be held on Tuesdays 13th, 20th and 27th March at Thornlie Parish Church, Wishaw, from 7.30 9.30 p.m. (Cost £4.00 per person). All registrations to Mr. Harry Webster, 126 Silvertonhill Avenue, Hamilton, ML3 7PA by 1st March, 2001.
3. The Presbytery notes that there is to be a refresher course on Child Protection Procedures for co-ordinators on Wednesday, 4th April, 2001 at 7.30 p.m. in South Dalziel Parish Church, Motherwell. Names of those wishing to attend should be given to Mrs. Eileen Milne, Presbytery Co-ordinator, as soon as possible (01698 264320).
10 6th February, 2001
19. PARISH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development and Mission Committee which was given by the Rev. I. C. Murdoch, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery notes the resignation of Rev. Derek Pope as a Chaplain at H.M. Prison Shotts, thanks him for his service, and seeks consultations with the Prison Service about future chaplaincy provision.
2. The Presbytery notes with concern the preparation of the former H.M. Prison at Dungavel as a holding centre for illegal immigrants awaiting deportation, urges the church to seek ways of giving pastoral support to all those living and working at this site, and seek discussion with relevant parties towards establishing a chaplain`s post.
3. The Presbytery notes the work of Scripture Gift Mission and commends its materials.
4. The Presbytery approves the proposed Congregational contribution by Hamilton Trinity Parish Church of £103 towards the salary costs of their Parish Assistant and £nil towards his expenses.
5. Congregational Development Officer:
20. BOARD OF SUPERINTENDENCE (In private)
21. HOSPITAL AND HOMES COMMITTEE
The Presbytery, meeting again in open Court, called for the report of the Hospital and Homes Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. M. Greenshields, Convener.
It was moved and seconded:
1. The Presbytery notes that a part-time placement for a hospital chaplain is available at Udston Hospital for three and a half hours per week. Further details may be obtained from the Rev. Iain Greenshields.
2. The Presbytery congratulates Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust on the successful completion of the new Hairmyres Hospital. Presbytery agrees, at a cost of £120, to donate 30 hymn books for use in services in the new Chapel at Hairmyres Hospital, subject to the concurrence of the Finance Committee.
3. The Presbytery notes that after consultation with the Chaplains` representative and management at Law Hospital, it was agreed that, for an interim period of 12 months, the existing Chaplains would stay in post at Wishaw General Hospital. During this period (May 2001 to May 2002) there would be negotiations regarding the possibility of a full-time appointment.
4. The Presbytery asks all ministers in the bounds to contact the Convener with details of services offered by the church to homes, hospitals and sheltered housing complexes.
It was moved and seconded as an Amendment of Deliverance 3
Delete second sentence and add "Noting that during this period (May 2001-2002) there would be negotiations regarding the possibility of a full-time appointment, the Presbytery encourages the Committee to argue to maintain part-time chaplaincy.
On a vote being taken for or against the Amendment it carried against.
The report of the Hospitals and Homes Committee as submitted was then approved.
12 6th February, 2001
22. NOMINATION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by the Rev. M.F. Currie, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery appoints the Rev. I. C. Murdoch to be Interim Moderator of the Kirk Sessions of Bellshill: MacDonald Memorial linked with Orbiston.
23. WORLD MISSION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the World Mission Committee which was given in by Miss M. L. Archibald, Vice-Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery regrets the delay in the arrival of the Faithshare Partner from Ghana.
24. 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. VACANCY SCHEDULES
The Presbytery approves and resolves to transmit to the General Assemblys Board of Ministry the following Vacancy Schedules:
UDDINGSTON: VIEWPARK
Total Members 503
1998 Total General Income - £57,286
1998 Endowments - £229
1999 Total General Income - £63,418
1999 Endowments - £240
2001 Stipend - £19,029
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.
£200 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
OVERTOWN
Total Members 299
1998 Total General Income - £37,809
1998 Endowments - £994
1999 Total General Income - £40,942
1999 Endowments -£1,044
2001 Stipend - £18,016.
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.
£100 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
6th February, 2001 13
2. STUDY LEAVE
The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave report from the Rev.Quintin Blane (Bellshill: West) in respect of the project component leading to the degree of Master of Science from the University of Glasgow between 5th June and 15th July 2000.
25. STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship Committee which was given in by Mr. A. D. McHenry, Convener.
It was moved and seconded:
1. The Presbytery receives the report.
2. The Presbytery supports the recommendation of the Board of Stewardship and Finance as contained in BA35 that normal income figure would take account of recurring income in fabric and reserve fund.
3. The Presbytery recommends that actual ministry costs relating to the Minister of the charge should continue to be deducted along with any contribution to service supplement.
It was moved and seconded as an Addendum to Deliverance 4
After "insurance", add " and actual costs relating to the payment of essential employees of the congregation, Church Officer, Organist and Secretary .".
On a vote being taken for and against the Addendum, it carried against.
The Stewardship Committee report, as submitted, was then approved.
26. NOTICE OF MOTION
The Rev. Graham L. Duffin gave notice that at the meeting of Presbytery on 6th March, 2001 he would move in the following terms:-
The Presbytery resolves that vacant congregations where no locum is appointed shall pay to the congregation of the Interim Moderator a sum not exceeding £250 per month, which shall be used solely for the purposes of employing additional pastoral assistance or secretarial support in the congregation of the Interim Moderator. Where there is no such appointment, no payment shall be made.
27. ADJOURNMENT
14 6th February, 2001
There being no further business, the Presbytery adjourned at 10.25 p.m. to meet again in Conference within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday, 20th February, 2001, at 6.30 p.m.; and for Ordinary
Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday, 6th March, 2001, 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