16th January, 2002 1
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTONI UDDINGSTON: BURNHEAD PARISH CHURCH
At UDDINGSTON: BURNHEAD PARISH CHURCH, on the Sixteenth Day of January, Two Thousand and two years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt
1. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 7 Ministers; 6 Elders).
2. ORDINATION AND INDUCTION
The Edict for the Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Sandi McGill, BD, to the Church and Parish of Uddingston: Burnhead was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Ms McGill having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. W. Bruce McDowall and the Moderator put to Ms McGill the prescribed questions. To these she returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, with the imposition of hands in which all the Ministers present joined, ordained the said Rev. Sandi McGill to the office of the Holy Ministry, and inducted her to the pastoral charge of Uddingston: Burnhead. Ms McGill, 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. Sandi McGill 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.
………………………………………………………..
Moderator
………………………………………………………..
Presbytery Clerk
2 5th February, 2002
II MOTHERWELL, 5th FEBRUARY, 2002
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW`S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Fifth day of February, Two Thousand and two years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt
3. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 50 Ministers; 2 Deacons: 89 Elders).
4. TRIBUTE
The Rev. Robert M. Kent in fitting terms paid tribute to the Rev. James F. Dunn, formerly Minister at Coatbridge: Dunbeth, who died on 12th January, 2002. the Clerk was instructed to hold the tribute in retentis and to send a copy together with an expression of the deep sympathy of the Court to Mrs. Dunn.
5. MINUTES
The Minutes of Meetings XXII, XXIII, and XXIV (2001), were read, corrected and approved.
6. AGENDA
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
7. INTIMATIONS
Intimations were made.
8. WELCOME
The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. Sandi McGill, recently inducted minister at Uddingston: Burnhead.
9. ORDER OF THE DAY
COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Under an Order of the Day at 7.25 p.m. the Presbytery resolved that at its meeting on 5th March, 2002 the Clerk would move the nomination of the following Commissioners to the General Assembly.
Rev. Arthur P. Barrie Rev. James G. Munton
Rev. John Brewster Rev. Scott Raby
Rev. Colin M. Brough Rev. Dr. James S. Salmond
Rev. Klaus O.F. Buwert Rev. Randolph Scott
Rev. Henry J.W. Findlay Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp
5th February, 2002 3
Rev. Dr. Andrew Gardner Rev. Dr. Ronald J. Maxwell Stitt
Rev. James M. Gibson Rev. John M.A. Thomson
Rev. Robert M. Kent Rev. James Weir
Rev. Alastair S Lusk Rev. James H. Wilson
Rev. Michael G. Lyall Very Rev. Dr. Hugh R. Wyllie
Rev. D. Cameron McPherson
Hamilton: Old Airdrie: Flowerhill
Hamilton: St. John’s Airdrie: New Monkland lw Greengairs
Larkhall: St. Machan’s Coatbridge: Calder
Dalserf Coatbridge: Old Monkland
Newarthill lw Carfin East Kilbride: Greenhills
Wishaw: St. Mark’s East Kilbride: Moncreiff
Wishaw: Thornlie Uddingston: Viewpark
Wishaw: Craigneuk & Belhaven Holytown
David Forrester, Mr. James D. Park and Mr. W. Turner, Ruling Elders and
Mr. J. Paul Cathcart and Mr. William Wishart, members of the Diaconate.
10. ORDER OF THE DAY
SCOTTISH CHURCHES COMMUNITY TRUST
Under an Order of the Day at 7.27 p.m. the Presbytery invited Mr. John Dornan, Development Coordinator of the Scottish Churches Community Trust to address the Court. Mr. Dornan outlined the work of the Trust, making reference to help it had been able to provide to groups within the bounds.
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 unanimously agreed:
1. REQUESTS FOR MODERATOR AND CLERK
The Presbytery approves the request of Hamilton: Cadzow that the Moderator and Clerk, in their official capacities, attend a Service to mark the Centenary of Ferniegair Church on Sunday, 28th April, 2002 at 2.00 p.m.
The Presbytery approves the request of Airdrie: St. Columba’s that the Moderator and Clerk, in their official capacities, attend a Concert to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the congregation’s singing group, "Souls and Singers", on Sunday, 16th June, 2002 at 7.30 p.m.; notes that the Moderator is unable to be present, and authorises the Clerk to represent the Presbytery at this event.
2. REQUEST FOR MODERATOR
The Presbytery approves the requests of Hamilton North and South Presbyterial Councils of the Guild that the Moderator attend the annual
meeting of the North Council within Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Wednesday, 13th March, 2002 at 7.30 p.m. and that of the South Council
4 5th February, 2002
within Hamilton: St. John’s Parish Church on Thursday, 14th March, 2002 at 2.00 p.m.
3. MURIEL AND SOPHIA HILL MEMORIAL FUND
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.
4. LOCUM TENENS
The Presbytery notes and approves the appointment of the Rev. William Cullen as Locum Tenens at Coatbridge: Townhead with effect from 5th February, 2002.
5. REV. IAIN M. GREENSHIELDS
The Presbytery notes receipt of an Extract Minute from the Presbytery of Lochcarron-Skye intimating the induction of the Rev. Iain M. Greenshields to the Church and Parish of Snizort on 5th January, 2002.
6. REPRESENTATIVE ELDER
The Presbytery, noting intimation from the Kirk Session at Dalserf of the resignation of Mrs. Rita Fairley as Representative Elder and the appointment of Mr. John Murray, 9 Woodlands Gardens, Hamilton, ML3 7JE, Tel. 01698 424554 to replace her, expresses its thanks to Mrs. Fairley for the service she has rendered to the Court, and recognises that Mr. Murray is no longer an Additional Elder.
7. STATISTICS FOR MISSION
The Presbytery notes the insert included with the Billet detailing the congregations yet to make a return anent parish boundaries, and instructs those Kirk Sessions to send the required information to Mr. Jonathan Buchan immediately.
8. MRS. MAY GEMMELL
The Presbytery offers its congratulations to Mrs. Gemmell, widow of the late Rev. Dr. Alexander Gemmell, one time minister at Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s and Clerk to the Presbytery, on the award of an M.B.E. in the New Year Honours List in recognition of her service to the Guild and to the W.R.V.S.
9. FORWARD PLANNING
The Presbytery notes that under General Assembly legislation anent Reviewable Tenure two congregations within the bounds are due for review this year, and appoints the Rev. W.S. Dunn (Convener), Rev. R. Houston, Rev. C.M. Brough and Mr. J.D. Park to undertake the review at Uddingston: Park, due to begin on 4th March, and the Rev. D.W. Hughes (Convener), Rev. M.F. Currie and Mrs. F. Gilmour to undertake the review at Wishaw: Thornlie, due to begin on 25th August, with instruction to report on their findings to the Forward Planning Committee not later than two calendar months from the above dates.
ADDENDA
5th February, 2002 5
The Presbytery notes and approves the appointment of the Rev. J.H. Loudon Melrose as Locum Tenens at Coatbridge: Clifton with effect from 1st February, 2002.
The Presbytery notes and approves the appointment of Mrs. Elizabeth Leckie as Parish Assistant at Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank.
12. ORDER OF THE DAY
VACANCY BUSINESS
Under an Order of the day at 7.41 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
OVERTOWN
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Overtown in favour of the Rev. Nan Low; 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 134 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 was no cause to decline or delay to sustain the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Nan Low to the Church and Parish of Overtown on a Basis of Reviewable Tenure with a review after five years and resolved to proceed towards her settlement.
The Presbytery provisionally appointed her Admission thereunto to take place within Overtown Parish Church on Wednesday, 13th February 2002, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Ordination and Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk, and the Rev. Klaus Buwert to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
STRATHAVEN: WEST
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Strathaven: West in favour of the Rev. Una B. Stewart; a Practising Certificate issued by the Presbytery of Perth; 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 194 Communicants and 8 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. Una B. Stewart to the Church and Parish of Strathaven: West on a Basis of Terminable Tenure and resolved to proceed towards her settlement.
The Presbytery provisionally appointed her Admission thereunto to take place within Strathaven: West Parish Church on Thursday, 21st February, 2002, Presbytery to
6 5th February, 2002
meet at 6.15pm for the Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk, and the Rev. Thomas Nelson to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
13. 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. CALDERBANK
The Presbytery approves the application by Calderbank to seek release of funds held on behalf of the congregation by the General Trustees. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
2. HAMILTON: SOUTH lw QUARTER
The Presbytery approves the professional second follow on property survey report on Hamilton: South lw Quarter and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
3. NEWARTHILL lw CARFIN
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at Newarthill lw Carfin.
4. STRATHAVEN: WEST
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at Strathaven: West.
5. OVERTOWN
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at Overtown.
6. EAST KILBRIDE: CLAREMONT
The Presbytery approves the application by East Kilbride: Claremont to extend the Manse at a cost of £45,000 including VAT based on competitive contractors` estimates. Approval is also given to have funds held on behalf of the congregation by the General Trustees released and to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
14. BOARD OF PARISH REAPPRAISAL AND MISSION
The Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Parish Reappraisal which was given in by the Rev. I. G. Wotherspoon, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery accepts the report on "Tomorrow’s Presbyteries" and instructs the Clerk to transmit it to the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly.
5th February, 2002 7
15. 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:
STUDY LEAVE
The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. Thomas Nelson (Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s) in respect of attendance at the Joint Institute of Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA between 15th to 28th June, 2002, and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.
16. FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. D. S. Alexander, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
17. ORDER OF THE DAY
CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTERESTS COMMITTEE
Under an Order of the Day at 8.05 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interests Committee which was given in by the Rev. A Campbell, Convener.
Mr. Campbell requested the Moderator to invite Mrs. Janice Kelso to address the Presbytery. At the conclusion of her address Mrs. Kelso was thanked by the Moderator.
It was moved and seconded:
8 5th February, 2001
Company (one of ten sites inspected) at Greenhall Estate, Blantyre. The Presbytery notes this new facility, asks that the necessary safeguards with regards environmental issues be adhered to, and any local residents’ concerns are addressed by proper consultation.
It was moved and seconded that an amendment to Deliverance 2
Delete from "and .." to the end of the last sentence and replace with "…and expresses concern at the lack of proper consultation with Blantyre's residents and clergy".
On a vote being taken For and Against the amendment, it carried For.
The Presbytery resolved accordingly, and the deliverances as amended were agreed.
18. 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. M. F. Currie to be the Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Airdrie: Chapelhall during the illness of the minister.
2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Dr. I. G. Thom to be the Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Wishaw: Cambusnethan North during the leave of absence of the minister.
3. The Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. N. B. McKee as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial as of 3rd March, 2002, thanks him for his service, and appoints the Rev. David Burt in his place.
4. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. T. Nelson to be its link person to the Stakeholders` Conference Organising Committee.
19. CHURCH EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Church Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. K. E. Harbison, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery notes that a Drama Workshop has been arranged for Thursday, 7th February, to be held in Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s. The workshop will be presented by Donald Smith of the Netherbow Centre.
5th February, 2002 9
information are available from Sheena Wilson and forms should be returned by 15th February . The course will be held in Hamilton: St. John’s.
3. The Presbytery notes that the next Child Protection Training course will take place on Wednesday, 24th April in Motherwell: South Dalziel and encourages those working with or intending to work with children and young people, who have not yet completed this course, to attend. Further information is available from Eileen Milne.
4. The Presbytery seeks nominations of young people aged 16-25 to be representatives at the 2002 General Assembly. Nominations to the Rev. Karen Harbison by Tuesday, 12th February.
20. PARISH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development and Mission Committee which was given in by Mr. Kenneth Griffiths.
It was moved and seconded :
1. The Presbytery welcomes the appointment of David Geddes by the Board of National Mission as full-time Congregational Development Officer for Hamilton Presbytery for 5 years, starting 1st February, 2002.
2. The Presbytery notes the decision of the Board of National Mission to control expenditure "by making all fresh National Mission Appointments over an interim period from existing staff." The Presbytery regrets that financial considerations and "ring-fenced" departmental budgets may restrict mission.
3. The Presbytery notes receipt of the Annual Team Report from Minister, Deacon and Lay Assistant at present working together in Hamilton: Hillhouse Parish Church, and commends this team ministry for their enthusiasm and for their importance to the witness and life of the Church.
4. The Presbytery approves the commitment of the congregation of East Kilbride: Moncrieff to pay an increased contribution of £15,000 plus expenses towards the cost of their Deacon.
5. The Presbytery approves the placement of Rev. Jim Zambonini as Auxiliary Minister at Coatbridge: Calder for the duration of the current vacancy.
6. The Presbytery commends the "facevalues" mission initiative for September 2002 from the Evangelical Alliance and encourages congregations within Presbytery to consider themselves in the initiative.
It was moved and seconded as an amendment to Deliverance 2
Delete the last sentence.
On a vote being taken For and Against the amendment it carried Against.
The Presbytery resolved accordingly.
10 5th February, 2002
Mr. Griffiths requested the Moderator to invite Mr. David Geddes, Congregational Development Officer, to speak to Deliverance 6.
The Moderator thanked Mr. Geddes and congratulated him on his appointment as full-time Congregational Development Officer within the bounds.
21. BOARD OF SUPERINTENDENCE
The Presbytery, meeting in private, called for the report of the Board of Superintendence which was given in by the Rev. W. S. Dunn, Convener.
22. WORLD MISSION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery, meeting again in open Court, called for the report of the World Mission Committee which was given in by Mrs. Mary Coles.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery notes that Emma Given, Missionary Partner in Israel, will be in the Presbytery of Hamilton from 8th to 18th February, 2002. Any congregation wishing her to come to their parish should contact the Convener of the World Mission Committee, the Rev. K. Buwert.
23. STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship Committee which was given in by Mr. D. McHenry, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery notes that a Stewardship Conference is to be held on Saturday, 2nd March, 2002, in Motherwell: St. Mary’s Church from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon and urges all congregations to send representatives.
24. HOSPITAL AND HOMES COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Hospital and Homes Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. Grier, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery approves the appointment of the Rev. William Beattie as Chaplain at Udston Hospital, one session per week.
2. The Presbytery notes that with the opening of the new hospitals in Lanarkshire, there has been a reduction in the number of beds at Stonehouse, and as a consequence the provision for Chaplains is to be reduced from the present two, to one. The Rev. James Fraser will be the Chaplain to continue, one session per week.
3. The Presbytery notes there is a vacancy at Hairmyres Hospital following the translation of the Rev. I. Greenshields to Snizort.
4. The Presbytery approves the appointment of the Rev. James Hastie as a Chaplain at Hairmyres Hospital, one session per week. Mr. Hastie is presently a Chaplain at Stonehouse Hospital.
25. PRESBYTERY NEWSLETTER
12 5th February, 2002
The Presbytery called for the report of Editorial Board of the Presbytery Newsletter which was given in by the Rev. L. W. Thorne, Editor.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery agrees to the production of a Newsletter to coincide with its meetings, at a cost of approximately £25.00 per month.
2. The Presbytery agrees that advertisements from Christian organisations outwith the Church of Scotland be accepted at a nominal charge, depending on size.
26. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
The Rev. S. Raby moved :
The Presbytery recalls its decision of 1st May 2001 to agree in principle the re-arrangement of its Committee Structure then proposed, and invites the Review Committee, in consultation with, and mindful of the experience of, the Boards and Committees of Presbytery, while recognising the hopes and concerns of those with whom the committee has already consulted, to bring forward a revised Committee Structure with manageable remits, to a future Presbytery meeting.
On a point of order, Mr. David Alexander asked that this business be laid on the table as a Notice of Motion to be discussed at the March Presbytery.
This was agreed.
27. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.17 p.m. to meet again in hunc effectum within Overtown Parish Church on Wednesday, 13th February, 2002 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Nan Low; in hunc effectum within Strathaven: West Parish Church on Thursday, 21st February, 2002 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Una B. Stewart; in hunc effectum within Newarthill Parish Church on Thursday, 28th February, 2002 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. James Weir; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on Tuesday, 5th March, 2002 at 7.00 p.m., of which public intimation being made, this meeting was closed with prayer.
………………………………………………………..
Moderator
………………………………………………………..
Presbytery Clerk