CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Fourth Day of March, Two Thousand and three years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt
27. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Margaret F. Currie, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 47 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 86 Elders).
28. MINUTES
The Minutes of Meetings I and II (2003) were read, corrected and approved.
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
30. WELCOME
The
Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. Paul Grant, recently
inducted Minister at Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s.
Intimations were made.
COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Under an Order of the Day at 7.22 p.m. pursuant to a resolution entered in the Minutes of the meeting of 4th February, 2003 the Presbytery hereby appoints, nominates and appoints:-
Rev. Arthur P. Barrie Rev. Dr. John McPake
Rev. Ian O. Coltart Rev. Norma Moore
Rev. Margaret F. Currie Rev. Iain C. Murdoch
Rev. John Fairful Rev. Dr. William M. Murdoch
Rev. Dr. Andrew Gardner Rev. Anne Paton
Rev. James M. Gibson Rev. Derek H.N. Pope
Rev. Henry J. W. Findlay Rev. Sheila M. Spence
Rev. Mhorag Macdonald Rev. Douglas W. Wallace
Rev. Paul G. R. Grant Rev. Ian M. Watson
Rev. Norman B. McKee Very Rev. Dr. Hugh R. Wyllie
Rev. Allan McKenzie
Ministers with
Hamilton: St. Andrew’s Caldercruix and Longriggend
Hamilton: West Kirk O’ Shotts
Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s Bargeddie
Motherwell: North Coatbridge: Townhead
Wishaw: Cambusnethan North East Kilbride: Old Stewartfield
Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old East Kilbride: Stewartfield
Wishaw: Chalmers Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial lw Orbiston
Airdrie: Clarkston Uddingston: Old
Mr. David S. Alexander, Mr. David Forrester, Mr. J. David Park and Mr. George Robertson
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 Seventeenth Day of May next to come or when and where it shall happen to sit, willing them to repair thereto, attend all 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.
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. REQUEST
FOR MODERATOR
The Presbytery approves the request of Hamilton North Presbyterial
Council of the Guild that the Moderator, in her official capacity, attend the
Annual General Meeting of the Council within Airdrie: Broomknoll Parish Church
on Wednesday 12th March, 2003 at 7.30 p.m.
2.
CARFIN
LW NEWARTHILL
The Presbytery recalls its decision of 4th February, 2003 to grant
Carfin lw Newarthill permission to call a minister without restriction, and
homologates the action of the Business Committee instructing the Clerk to cite
the congregations to attend this meeting when the matter will be dealt with
under an Order of the Day for Vacancy Business.
ADDENDA
1. ATTESTATION
OF ELECTORAL REGISTER
The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Register
of Wishaw: Old as containing the names of 400 Communicants.
2. PARISH
REAPPRAISAL COMMITTEE
The
Presbytery notes receipt of Extract Minutes of the General Assembly`s Parish
Reappraisal Committee of date 18th February, 2003 concurring in Presbytery’s
decision that Larkhall: St. Machan’s be permitted to call a Minister on a Basis
of Reviewable Tenure for a period of five years, the basis of the review to be
linked to ongoing work to effect a single charge for Larkhall; and deferring
consideration of the vacancy at Carfin lw Newarthill until completed
reappraisal Congregational Survey forms had been received.
3. REV.
JAMES R. NELSON
The
Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from the Rev. James R. Nelson, Minister at
Chapelhall, requesting permission to demit his charge on the grounds of
incapacity as from 31st May, 2003, resolves to take up consideration
of the proposed Demission at its meeting on 6th May, 2003, and
instructs that the congregation of Chapelhall be cited to appear for their
interests at the said meeting, with certification that the matter shall not be
dealt with before 7.30 p.m. under an Order of the Day for Vacancy Business.
4. PARISH
REVIEW COMMITTEE
The
Presbytery resolves to meet in hunc
effectum within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Halls on Tuesday,
1st April, 2003 at 7.00 p.m. to further debate the report of the Presbytery
Review Committee.
34. ORDER OF THE DAY
THE GUILD
Under
an Order of the Day at 7.30 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.
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. R. Marwick, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. BOTHWELL
The Presbytery approves, in principle, the request by Bothwell to alter and extend the Halls into a Church Community facility and Lodge House into Church Offices and accommodation for a future Assistant Minister, at an estimated cost of £950,000 inclusive of fees and VAT. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
2. MOTHERWELL: MANSE ROAD
The Presbytery approves the Second Follow-on Property Survey and Condition Report on Motherwell: Manse Road and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
3. STONEHOUSE: ST. NINIAN`S
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at Stonehouse: St. Ninian`s.
4. NEW STEVENSTON : WRANGHOLM
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at New Stevenston: Wrangholm.
5. COATBRIDGE: CLIFTON
The Presbytery notes the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the Manse at Coatbridge: Clifton.
36. 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 :
The Presbytery,
following the Review of Wishaw: Thornlie in relation to the Basis of Terminable
Tenure, under the guidelines for such purposes, approves a continuation of this
Basis of Terminable Tenure for a period of 3 years, subject to the concurrence
of the General Assembly`s Committee on Parish Reappraisal.
37. 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. C. Murdoch, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery notes receipt of the annual Team Report from Hamilton: Hillhouse and commends the Rev. David Burt, Parish Minister, Bill Wishart, Deacon and Parish Assistant, and Mrs. Charlotte Craig, Lay Assistant, for their effective work and witness in the parish. In particular, it notes the very significant contribution of Mr. Wishart to Youth and Children`s work in the community. It recognises with concern the anxiety and uncertainty about the continuation of the NM parish assistance appointment beyond January 2004. It urges all parties to enter detailed discussions about this and about how important work can be taken forward. It notes the challenge of over 1000 new homes being built in the parish, and suggests that new collaborative partnerships for team ministry should be explored.
Under an Order of the Day at 7.45
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 2002.
2. The Presbytery thanks the Treasurer and Auditors and orders the Statement to be printed in the forthcoming Presbytery Handbook.
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Church Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. K. E.
Harbison, Convener.
It was moved and seconded:
1. The Presbytery notes that Organ Scholarship Application Forms are now available and encourages Presbyters to make this opportunity known to anyone in their congregations who may benefit from it.
2. The Presbytery invites nominations for Youth Representatives (aged 16-25) to the General Assembly 2003. Nominations or enquiries should be directed to the Presbytery Clerk not later than 20th March, 2003.
3. The Presbytery urges Congregational Child Protection Co-ordinators who have not yet had their Disclosure forms filled in and countersigned to meet with Child Protection Trainers on Tuesday 18th March at 7.00 p.m. in Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s in order to process the above.
4. The Presbytery, whilst supporting Child Protection measures to safeguard children, young people and volunteers, notes with concern the developing policy which will require all new volunteers, including those working on an occasional or one off basis, to be vetted through Disclosure Scotland procedures and instructs the Clerk to send an extract minute voicing this concern to the Convenor of the Joint Boards Group responsible for Child Protection policy.
It was moved and seconded as a Counter-motion to deliverance 4:
Delete this deliverance.
On a vote being taken For or Against the Counter-motion it carried Against
The Presbytery resolved accordingly, and the deliverances as presented were approved.
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Board of Ministry which was given in by the Rev. S. J. Paterson,
Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery approves and resolves to transmit to the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry the following Vacancy Schedule:
COATBRIDGE: CLIFTON
Total Members – 272
2000 Total General Income - £39,942
2000 Endowments - £1,594
2001 Total General Income - £37,905
2001 Endowments - £1,594
2003 Proposed Stipend - £19,486
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full.
£0 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
41. ORDER OF THE DAY
VACANCY BUSINESS
Under an Order of the Day at 8.02 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Clifton, in favour of the Rev. William G. McKaig, 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 93 Communicants; a Certificate that the Interim Moderator’s expenses have 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. William G. McKaig to the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Clifton, and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.
The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place on a date to be determined, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Margaret F. Currie to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
TRANSLATION OF THE REV. THOMAS L. POLLOCK
There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. Thomas L. Pollock to the Church and Parish of Glasgow: Sherbrooke St. Gilbert’s; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of Glasgow thereanent of date 11th February, 2003; a Call signed by 204 Communicants; the Citation of the congregation of Airdrie: Clarkston 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. Pollock from the Church and Parish of Airdrie: Clarkston to the Church and Parish of Glasgow: Sherbrooke St. Gilbert’s, it being confirmed that his pastoral relation to Airdrie: Clarkston shall continue 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 Mr. J. D. Park, Vice-Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
1. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. S. Colvin to be Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Airdrie: Clarkston.
2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. A. McKenzie, Convener and Rev. S. Blackwood, together with Mr. S. C. Cook and Mrs. M. Burke to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Airdrie: Clarkston.
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:
The Presbytery agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy at Airdrie: Clarkston and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.
CARFIN LW NEWARTHILL
The Presbytery called for the joint report of the Business Committee and Forward Planning Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. G. Munton and Mr. D. S. Alexander, Conveners.
Parties were called and appeared.
Parties were removed.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery recalls its decision of 4th February, 2003 to grant
Carfin lw Newarthill permission to call a minister without restriction, and
agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy until Presbytery representatives have
met with the office-bearers at Newarthill and certain matters have been
resolved.
Under an Order of the Day at 8.20 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 2002 the Mission and Aid allocation to congregations
of the Presbytery totalled £811,858 of which £750,012 (92.4%) had been received
by 31st December 2002.
2. The Presbytery also notes:
a)
Late
contributions for 2001 amounted to £19,645 leaving an outstanding balance of
£11,417.
b) Contributions to accumulated shortfalls (1993-2000) amounted to £15,690.
c) Designated voluntary contributions amounted to £4,819.
d) General voluntary contributions amounted to £ 2,175
e) This resulted in total payments by congregations during 2002 of £792,341.
3. The Presbytery notes with satisfaction the continuing good level of Mission and Aid Contributions by congregations within the bounds and recognises and appreciates the genuine efforts required to achieve this.
4. The Presbytery is particularly pleased to note the efforts made during the year by Airdrie: New Monkland and Coatbridge: Old Monkland to reduce the level of accumulated shortfalls.
5.
The
Presbytery receives the
report and encourages
all congregations whether meeting allocations; making
additional voluntary contributions; or reducing shortfalls to continue in their
good work.
43. WORLD MISSION
COMMITTEE
The Convener drew the attention of
Presbyters to the forthcoming visit of the Faithshare Partner, Miss Mendoza
from the Philippines and requested congregations interested in having her
associated with them to contact him as soon as possible.
44. NOMINATION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by Mr. J. D. Park, Vice Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
2. Presbytery appoints the Rev. D. W. Hughes, Convener and the Rev. N. Low, together with Mr. J. Arthur and Mrs. J.K. Giggie to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Carfin lw Newarthill.
45. STATE EDUCATION
COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report
of the State Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. S. Cook,
Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery welcomes the publication by North Lanarkshire
Council of the consultation document on Catchment Areas for Special Schools and
Units.
2. The Presbytery notes the proposals for catchment areas for special schools and units.
3. The Presbytery urges the implementation of the following safeguards:
a) in the short to medium term siblings should be allowed to attend the same school without requiring to make a placing request and with transport costs paid.
b) In the circumstance where one of the schools or units has no places and the child is required to attend a school or unit outwith their catchment area this should not be treated as a placing request and no transport costs would require to be made by the parent.
c) any saving achieved in transport costs by the Council should be ring-fenced within the education budget and redeployed within the special educational needs sector.
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 nomination of the Rev. Mhorag
Macdonald as part-time Chaplain at Wishaw General Hospital for two sessions per
week.
2. The Presbytery notes that owing to the continuing absence of the Rev. Dr. James Salmond through ill-health it is necessary to appoint on a temporary basis a Chaplain or Chaplains to cover the sessions, three and a half per week, at Monklands General Hospital presently carried out by Dr. Salmond. Anyone interested is invited to contact the Convenor.
There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.42 p.m.