6th March , 2001 15
IV MOTHERWELL, 6th MARCH, 2001
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Sixth Day of March, Two Thousand and one years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt
28. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Robert M. Kent, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 52 Ministers; 3 Deacons; 85 Elders).
29. MINUTES
The Minutes of Meetings I, II and III (2001) were read, corrected and approved.
30. AGENDA
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
31. INTIMATIONS
Intimations were made.
32. ORDER OF THE DAY
COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Under an Order of the Day at 6.54 p.m. pursuant to a resolution entered in the Minutes of the meeting of 6th February 2001 the Presbytery hereby appoints, nominates and appoints:-
Rev. Arthur P. Barrie Rev. Kevin Mackenzie
Rev. John M. Black Rev. Shaw J. Paterson
Rev. David G. Burt Rev. Derek H.N. Pope
Rev. John K. Collard Rev. Lindsay Schlüter
Rev. Margaret F. Currie Rev. Dr. Ronald J. Maxwell Stitt
Rev. Alan W. Gibson Rev. Andrew Thomson
Rev. James M. Gibson Rev. Leslie W. Thorne
Rev. John Handley Rev. Ian M. Watson
Rev. Derek W. Hughes Rev. James H. Wilson
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Rev. John Jackson Very Rev. Dr. Hugh R. Wyllie
Rev. Robert M. Kent
Ministers with
Hamilton: Cadzow Airdrie: St. Columba’s
Hamilton: Hillhouse Airdrie: Broomknoll
Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill Calderbank
Larkhall: Trinity Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan
Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog Coatbridge: Clifton
Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s East Kilbride: Claremont
Motherwell: St. Mary’s East Kilbride: West
Overtown Uddingston: Burnhead
Cleland
Mr. James D. Park, Mr. William Turner. Mr. William Barnstaple and Mr. David S. Alexander
Ruling Elders and
Mr. Raymond Deans
Member of the Diaconate
its Commissioners to the next General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, indicted to meet at Edinburgh, the Nineteenth Day of May next to come or when and where it shall happen to sit, willing them to repair thereto, attend all the diets of the same, and there to consult, vote and determine in all matters that come before them to the Glory of God, and the good of His Church, according to the Word of God, the Confession of Faith, and agreeable to the constitution of this Church, as they will be answerable; and that they report diligence on their return therefrom.
33. BUSINESS COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. G. Munton, Convenor.
It was unanimously agreed:
1. ATTESTATION OF ELECTORAL REGISTER
The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Register of Hamilton: West as containing the names of 411 Communicants and 13 Adherents.
2. REV. STUART D. ROGERSON
The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from the Rev. Stuart D. Rogerson, Minister at Strathaven: West, requesting permission to demit his charge on grounds of incapacity as from 30th June, 2001; resolves to take up consideration of the proposed Demission at its meeting on 1st May, 2001, and instructs that the congregation of Strathaven: 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.
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3. BOARDS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Presbytery nominates the following representatives to the undernoted Boards of the General Assembly as from the forthcoming General Assembly – Ministry…………………………………….Mr. David J. Watt
Social Responsibility……………………..Mr. Duncan M. Gray;
Stewardship and Finance…………..……Mr. A. Douglas McHenry.
4. DEMISSION OF MINISTERS
The Presbytery instructs its Board of Superintendence to develop and implement a policy of holding meaningful conference with Ministers proposing to demit, in accordance with Act V (27) 1984.
34. PROPERTY COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. R. W. Marwick, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. COATBRIDGE: CALDER
The Presbytery approves the application by Coatbridge: Calder to carry out re-roofing, roughcasting and upgrading at hall costing £37,980.70 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. BELLSHILL: MACDONALD MEMORIAL
The Presbytery approves the application by Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial to re-roof the Church Hall at a cost of £8,054.63 inclusive of VAT based on estimates received. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
3. AIRDRIE: THE NEW WELLWYND
The Presbytery approves the professional follow on property survey and condition report on properties at Airdrie: The New Wellwynd and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
4. BLANTYRE: LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL
The Presbytery approves the application of Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial to the replacement of kitchen fitments, windows with upvc double glazed type and renewing driveway surfacing at the manse for the cost of £17,415.50 inclusive of VAT, based on estimates received. Permission is also granted to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
5. EAST KILBRIDE: OLD
The Presbytery receives the condition report on the manse at East Kilbride: Old and notes the approval of the Property Committee.
6. BLANTYRE: ST. ANDREW`S
The Presbytery receives the condition report on the manse at Blantyre: St. Andrew`s and notes the approval of the Property Committee.
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35. ORDER OF THE DAY
THE GUILD
Under an Order of the Day at 7.03 p.m. Mrs. Elizabeth Reekie, Convener of Hamilton North Presbyterial Council of The Guild, addressed the Court on the current activities of the Guild both locally and nationally.
36. 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 unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery notes the decision by the congregation of Motherwell: Manse Road to support, in principle, a union with Motherwell: South Dalziel – with Rev. Phyllis Wilson serving as first minister of the new charge, and the site of the current Manse Road Church being the site for the new church.
2. The Presbytery agrees to make application to the Millennium Fund for funds to assist in the building of a new sanctuary and provision of car parking for the congregations of Motherwell: Manse Road and Motherwell: South Dalziel when they unite.
3. The Presbytery instructs the Forward Planning Committee to complete the application, and return this to the General Trustees before the closing date of 20th April, 2001.
37. FINANCE COMMITTEE
Under an Order of the Day at 7.20 p.m. 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 receives and approves the Statement of Accounts for 2000.
2. The Presbytery thanks the Treasurer and Auditor, and orders the Statement to be printed in the forthcoming Presbytery Handbook.
The Auditor, Mr. A. H. Adams, reported his satisfaction with the Accounts.
38. 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 :
1. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. J. L. McPake, Convener and Rev. I. G. Thom, together with Mrs. M. Hare and Mrs. E. Leatham to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Strathaven: West.
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2. The Presbytery notes the resignation of Rev. W. T. Stewart as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Strathaven: West, thanks him for his services, and appoints Rev. I. M. Greenshields with effect from 1st April, 2001.
3. The Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. K. Mackenzie from the New Charge Commission of East Kilbride: Stewartfield, and approves the appointment of the Rev. M. F. Currie in his place.
39. WORSHIP COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Worship Committee which was given in by the Rev. D. G. Burt, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery notes that two copies of the conditions and application forms for the Organ Scholarships have been sent to each charge. The completed forms should be returned to Mr. James McRae, 36 Crosshill Road, Strathaven, by Friday, 13th April, 2001.
40. CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTERESTS COMMITTEE
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 :
1. The Presbytery commends the work of the Rough Sleepers Initiative and notes the forthcoming Open Day of the RSI at St. John’s Church, Hamilton on Thursday, 29th March, 2001 from 12 noon – 3 p.m.
2. The Presbytery assures the livestock farming community of this country and all associated businesses of the Church’s prayerful support at this critical time and commends the efforts of all involved in containing the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease and securing the welfare of the livestock and wild life of the country.
41. ORDER OF THE DAY
VACANCY BUSINESS
Under an Order of the Day at 7.37 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
REV. QUINTIN A. BLANE
Further to its resolution of 6th February, 2001 the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev. Quintin A. Blane from the Church and Parish of Bellshill: 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
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congregation of Bellshill: West 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. Quintin A. Blane and looses him from his charge as from 6th March, 2001, confirming that Mr. Blane retains his status as a Minister of the Church of Scotland, and authorises the Clerk to issue him with a Practising 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. M. F. Currie, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery appoints Rev. P. O. Price to be the Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Bellshill: West.
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 unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery resolves that the charge of Bellshill: West should not be subject to readjustment at this time, and that leave be granted to call a minister without restriction, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly`s Parish Reappraisal Committee.
BLANTYRE: ST. ANDREW’S
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Blantyre: St. Andrew’s in favour of the Rev. Peter Johnston; 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 266 Communicants; 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 is no cause to decline or delay to sustain the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Peter Johnston to the Church and Parish of Blantyre: St. Andrew’s and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.
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The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place within Blantyre: St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Tuesday, 3rd April 2001, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Ordination and Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Robert M. Kent to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk, and the Rev. Karen Harbison to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
EAST KILBRIDE: OLD
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of East Kilbride: Old in favour of the Rev. Anne Paton; her letter of acceptance with the required statement that she had used no undue influence to obtain the Call; a Call as prescribed signed by 347 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 is no cause to decline or delay to sustain the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Anne Paton to the Church and Parish of East Kilbride: Old and resolved to proceed towards her settlement.
The Presbytery provisionally appointed her Admission thereunto to take place within East Kilbride: Old Parish Church on Wednesday, 4th April 2001, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Ordination and Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Robert M. Kent to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk, and the Rev. Alastair S. Lusk to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
42. STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Under an Order of the Day at 8.03 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship Committee which was given in by Mr. A. D. McHenry, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery notes that for 2000 the Mission and Aid allocation to congregations of the Presbytery totalled £797,686, of which £776,144 (97.3%) had been received by 31st December, 2000.
2. The Presbytery also notes
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4. The Presbytery welcomes the additional efforts made by certain congregations to add voluntary contributions to their allocations. These voluntary additions total £21,275 for 2000.
5. The Presbytery receives the report and again encourages those congregations with shortfalls to endeavour to eliminate them as quickly as possible, while complimenting those which have succeeded in reducing their shortfalls during 2000.
43. ECUMENICAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Under an Order of the Day at 8.10 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.
It was moved and seconded :
1. The Presbytery receives the Second Interim Report of the Scottish Churches Initiative for Union (SCIFU) and instructs that all comments and responses concerning that report be sent to the General Assembly`s Ecumenical Relations Committee.
2. The Presbytery urges all Kirk Sessions who have not yet studied the report to do so and to send their views to the General Assembly`s Ecumenical Relations Committee by 30th April, 2001.
It was moved and seconded as a Counter-motion to the deliverances:
Presbytery receives the report and departs from the matter.
On a vote being taken for and against the Counter-motion, it carried for and Presbytery resolved accordingly.
The Rev. G. L. Duffin entered his dissent to which the following 7 Presbyters adhered – Rev. J. Allan, Rev. K. Buwert, Rev. J. Grier, Rev. I. Murdoch, Miss M. L. Archibald, Mr. D. Gray, and Mr. M. Peat.
44. 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 :
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1. VACANCY SCHEDULES
The Presbytery approves and resolves to transmit to the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry the following Vacancy Schedules.
AIRDRIE: NEW WELLWYND
Members – 787
1998 Total General Income - £77,221
Endowments: £255
1999 Total General Income - £76,466
Endowments - £268
2001 – Stipend: £19,400
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.
£200 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
BLANTYRE: ST ANDREW`S
Members – 322
1998 Total General Income - £50,244
Endowments - £319
1999 Total General Income: £52, 577
Endowments - £335
2001 – Stipend - £18,016
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.
£100 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
EAST KILBRIDE: OLD
Members – 732
1998 Total General Income - £64,677
Endowments - £2,246
1999 Total General Income - £69,218
Endowments - £2,358
2001 Stipend - £18,958
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.
£480 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
EAST KILBRIDE: WEST
`Members – 749
1998 Total General Income - £57,328
Endowments - £101
1999 Total General Income - £56,130
Endowments - £101
2001 Stipend - £18,958
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.
£100 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
2. STUDY LEAVE
The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave report from the Rev. Derek Hughes (Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s) in respect of the completion of a fourth module leading to a certificate in Counselling Skills during 29th November to 12th December 2000 and congratulates Mr. Hughes on having satisfactorily completed all modules and having obtained his certificate.
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45. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.33 p.m. to meet again in hunc effectum within Blantyre: St. Andrew`s Parish Church on Tuesday, 3rd April, 2001 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Peter Johnston; in hunc effectum within East Kilbride: Old Parish Church on Wednesday, 4th April, 2001 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Anne Paton; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday, 1st May, 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