17th June, 2003 44
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
At Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church, on the Seventeenth Day of June, Two Thousand and three years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted with prayer.
The Rev. Margaret F. Currie, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 49 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 78 Elders).
76. MINUTES
The Minutes of Meetings VI, VII, VIII and IX (2003) were read, corrected and approved.
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
Intimations were made
The Moderator offered the congratulations of the Court to the Rev. John M.A. Thomson and the Rev. Raymond D. MacKenzie on the 25th anniversary of their ordination.
80. DILIGENCE OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Rev. N. B. McKee reported on the diligence of the Commissioners to the General Assembly.
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. EAST KILBRIDE: CLAREMONT
The Presbytery, noting that six calendar months have elapsed since the congregation of East Kilbride: Claremont was granted permission to call a Minister and that no appointment has been made, grants the congregation a further six months in which to attempt to reach a settlement.
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from Mrs. Margaret Learmonth expressing thanks for the copy of the tribute paid at Presbytery following the death of her husband, the Rev. Adam J. Learmonth, and requesting that her appreciation of the expressions of sympathy and attendance of Presbyters at the service in Airdrie: Clarkston Parish Church be made known.
3. REV. SANDI BLACKWOOD
The Presbytery notes with concern that the Rev. Sandi Blackwood, Minister at Uddingston: Burnhead is to undergo surgery, extends its good wishes to her, and grants her Leave of Absence with effect from 1st September, 2003.
4. BREBNER BEQUEST
The Presbytery grants the request of the solicitors of this Bequest, which makes small donations to individuals in need in the Stonehouse and Wishaw areas, that the Moderator of Hamilton Presbytery be appointed on an ex officio basis to the advisory committee which selects beneficiaries.
5. UNITED SUMMER SERVICES
The Presbytery grants permission to Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank, High and New Wellwynd: Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial lw Orbiston and St. Andrew’s U.F. Church; Larkhall: Chalmers, St. Machan’s and Trinity; Motherwell: Crosshill and St. Mary’s; Strathaven: East and West; Uddingston: Old and Park; and Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old and North to hold United Summer Services.
6. REV, JOHN MURNING
The Presbytery, to the extent of its interest, notes and approves the appointment of the Rev. John Murning, Minister at Denny Old Parish Church, as Chaplain to Airdrie United Football Club.
7. REQUEST FOR MODERATOR
The Presbytery approves the request of the Kirk Session of Motherwell: St. Margaret’s that the Moderator, in his official capacity, attend a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 50th anniversary of the congregation on Sunday, 7th September, 2003 at 11 a.m.
8. STANDING ORDERS
The Presbytery resolves to suspend the Standing Orders of Presbytery for a period of twelve months in order to permit them to be re-written subsequent to that period of practical experience gained in the operation of the new structures adopted following the Presbytery Review.
9. RESIGNATION OF THE CLERK
The Presbytery accepts with regret the resignation of the Rev. James H. Wilson, L.Th. as Presbytery Clerk with effect from 30th June, 2003, records with gratitude its indebtedness to him for the service he has rendered in this capacity for almost nineteen years and offers him sincere good wishes in his retirement.
The Presbytery agrees that Mr. Wilson should receive a tangible token of appreciation for his services to the Court and that members should be invited to contribute to a presentation to be made at the September meeting. Donations should be in the hands of the Presbytery Treasurer, Mr. David Forrester, not later than 31st August.
10. APPOINTMENT OF PRESBYTERY CLERK
The Presbytery approves the unanimous recommendation of the Business Committee that the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, BSc, BD, Minister at Strathaven: Rankin lw Chapelton be appointed Clerk to the Presbytery with effect from 1st July, 2003.
11. PROPERTY CONSULTANT AND ADVISER
The Presbytery re-appoints Mr. Robin Marwick to the position of Property Adviser and Consultant for a further period of three years under the terms of the contract mutually agreed and incorporated in the Minutes of 20th June, 2000.
ADDENDUM
REV. DR. JAMES S. SALMOND
The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from the Rev. Dr. James S. Salmond, Minister at Holytown, requesting permission to demit his charge on the grounds of incapacity as from 30th September, 2003; resolves to take up consideration of the proposed Demission at its meeting on 2nd September, 2003, and instructs that the congregation of Holytown be cited to appear for their interests at the said meeting.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. R. Marwick, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. AIRDRIE: NEW WELLWYND
The Presbytery approves the application by Airdrie: New Wellwynd to replace the central heating at the Manse at an estimated cost of £9,000 for which funds are available. Approval is also granted to seek Lottery Funding for increased costs on works covered by approval already granted in December, 1999. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
2. UDDINGSTON: VIEWPARK
The Presbytery approves in principle the application by Uddingston: Viewpark
to improve the facilities both internally and externally. Approval is also granted to seek 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 upgrade and clean the sandstone face of the Manse at a cost of £3,600 based on contractors` estimates. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
4. AIRDRIE: CALDERBANK
The Presbytery approves the application by Airdrie: Calderbank to replace boiler and remove asbestos at an estimated cost of £10,575 inclusive of VAT, based on contractors` estimates, as recommended by the Church of Scotland Energy Consultant. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
5. BLANTYRE: OLD
The Presbytery approves the application by Blantyre: Old to replace windows at the Manse at a cost of £6,509.74 inclusive of VAT based on contractors` estimates. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
6. MOTHERWELL: CROSSHILL
The Presbytery approves the Professional Second Follow-on Property Survey and Condition Report on Motherwell: Crosshill and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
7. COATBRIDGE: MIDDLE
The Presbytery approves the Professional Second Follow-on Property Survey and Condition Report on Coatbridge: Middle and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
8. DELEGATED POWERS
The Presbytery grants permission to Mr. Robin Marwick to act on its behalf in matters of property requiring approval during the Summer recess and instructs him to report with due diligence in all matters dealt with to the Presbytery at the meeting on 2nd September, 2003.
9. UDDINGSTON: PARK
The Presbytery approves the application by Uddingston: Park to eradicate dry rot in the Sanctuary at a cost of £34,000 inclusive of VAT based on contractors` estimates. Approval is also granted to seek grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
83. ORDER OF THE DAY
CHURCH EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Under an Order of the Day at 7.31 a.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Church Education Committee, which was given in by the Rev. K. E. Harbison Convenor.
Mrs. Harbison requested the Moderator to invite Mrs. Sheena Wilson to address the Court on the activities of the Advisers in Children`s Ministry.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery thanks the Children`s Ministry Advisers, Adult Education Advisers, Child Protection Trainers and the Presbytery Child Protection Contact Person for all their work over the session 2002-2003.
2. The Presbytery notes, with regret, the decision of the Board of Parish Education to withdraw their promotion, support and resourcing of the work of Children`s Ministry Advisers.
3. The Presbytery agrees to promote, support and resource the work of Children`s Ministry Advisers in the Presbytery for a trial period of one year.
4. The Presbytery approves the nomination of Julie Hamilton (member at Larkhall: Trinity) to be its representative at Labyrinth, the National Youth Assembly in August, 2003.
Under an Order of the Day at 7.47 p.m. the Clerk presented the following Statistics:
Roll as at 31.12.01 38,211
Removed : By Death 964
By Certificate 288
Otherwise 794 2,046
Admitted : By Profession 215
By Certificate 243
By Restoration 161 619
Roll as at 31.12.02 36,784
Net Loss of Membership 1,427
Notices of Removal sent 149
No. on Supplementary Roll 4,261
No. of Elders 3,124
No. of Other Office Bearers 1,127
No. of Baptisms 545
No. of Adult Baptisms 61
It was moved, seconded and agreed :
The Presbytery request the Board of Practice and Procedure to include adherents in the Annual Statistical Return.
85. FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Finance Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Forrester, Treasurer.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery agrees the Budget for 2003/2004
2. The Presbytery agrees the per capita amount for 2003/2004 to be fixed at £1.48.
3. The Presbytery agrees to grant a donation of £200 from reserves towards the Larkhall Churches` Children`s Summer Mission.
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 notes the resignation of the Rev. L. Schlüter as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Motherwell: Manse Road as of 30th June, 2003, thanks her for her service and appoints the Rev. K. A L. Mayne in her place.
2. The Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. M. F. Currie as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Airdrie: Chapelhall as of 3rd June, 2003, thanks her for her service and appoints the Rev. R. Scott in her place.
3. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. W. B. McDowall to be the Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Uddingston: Burnhead during the leave of absence of the Minister.
4.. The Presbytery appoints the following Conveners/Vice Conveners for 2003-2004:
Church and Social Interests – Rev. A. Paton / Rev J. Grier
Parish Planning – Rev. A. P. Barrie (for 1 year) / Mr. W. Barnstaple
Pastoral Support – Rev. J. G. Munton / Mr. A. Walsh
Stewardship and Finance – Mr. D. J. Watt / Rev. J. G. Hastie
Parish Development – Rev. K. O. F. Buwert / Mrs. E. Milne
Ministry Development – Rev. M. Lyall / Rev. R. A. Hamilton
Co-ordinating Committee – Rev. M. F. Currie / Rev. N.B. McKee
5. The Presbytery appoints the following Conveners / Vice Conveners of Local Area Mission Committees :
Area 1 – Rev. R. M. Kent / Mr. A. Porter
Area 2 – Rev. U. B. Stewart / Mr. J. Murray
Area 3 – Rev. D. H. N. Pope / Mr. J. Arthur
Area 4 – Rev. M McDonald / Rev. I. O. Coltart
Area 5 – Rev. A. Gardner / Mr. H. Ballantyne
Area 6 – Rev. I. G. Wotherspoon / Rev. W. G. McKaig
Area 7 – Mr. A. McConnell / Rev. A. Lusk
Area 8 – Rev. W. B. McDowall / Mrs. E. Wilson
6. The Presbytery appoints the following to serve as Additional Elders from September, 2003.
George Baird (Hamilton: St. John’s)
William Barnstaple (Motherwell: South Dalziel)
David Bell (Wishaw: St. Mark’s)
Sheena Bell (Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill)
John Dickson (Airdrie: Broomknoll)
Thomas Donaldson (Wishaw: Old)
David Findlay (Airdrie: Calderbank)
David Forrester (Coatbridge: Clifton)
James Frew (Chapelton)
Duncan Gray (Wishaw: Coltness Memorial)
Kenneth Griffith (Airdrie: Clarkston)
James McIntosh (Uddingston: Old)
James McRae (Strathaven: Avendale Old)
David Nairn (East Kilbride: Old)
James D. Park (Hamilton: West)
Alexander Porter (Hamilton: Cadzow)
Frank S. Reford (Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s)
Andrew Walsh (Strathaven: Rankin)
David J. Watt (Airdrie: New Wellwynd)
Harry Webster (Hamilton: Cadzow)
Elizabeth G. Wilson (Uddingston: Old)
William Wilson (Hamilton: North)
Robert B. Young (Hamilton: Hillhouse)
87. BOARD OF MINISTRY
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 :
1. READERS
a) The Presbytery notes that Mr. Tom Stevenson has successfully completed the prescribed course of Training for Learning and resolves that the Service of Admission to the Office of Reader takes place within Hamilton: South Church on Wednesday, 25th June, 2003, Presbytery to meet at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m., the Rev. Margaret Currie to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk, and the Rev. Robert A. Hamilton to assist the Moderator.
b) The Presbytery agrees to admit Mr. Malcolm Anderson, member of Blantyre: St. Andrew`s and Mr. J. Morton Speirs, member of Blantyre: Old, as Candidates for the Readership.
c) The Presbytery agrees to the progression of Mr. Ian McDonald, member of East Kilbride: West, to the status of Reader in Training.
2. MINISTRY
a) The Presbytery agrees to transfer the supervision of Mr. Robert Simpson, a candidate in training for the Ministry, to the Presbytery of Edinburgh.
b) The Presbytery nominates as a candidate for the Ministry of the Church of Scotland, Miss Margaret Rose, 10a Dunlop Street, Strathaven, who has successfully attended an Assessment Conference.
3. STUDY LEAVE
a) The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave report from the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson (Strathaven: Rankin lw Chapelton) in respect of studies in connection with a post graduate Diploma in Palliative Care course at Glasgow University from 17th March to 31st March 2003.
b) The Presbytery notes receipt of the following study leave applications – the Rev. John Brewster (East Kilbride: Greenhills) to attend lectures and seminars at the joint Institute of Theology at St. Andrew`s University from 11th to 15th August, 2003; and the Rev. Dr. John McPake (East Kilbride: Mossneuk) to undertake research in connection with an M.Th. course at Glasgow University from 8th September to 5th October, 2003.
4. VACANCY SCHEDULES
The Presbytery approves and resolves to transmit to the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry the following Vacancy Schedules:
COATBRIDGE: OLD MONKLAND
Total Members – 364 and 2 Adherents
2000 Total General Income - £29,865
2000 Endowments - £6,516
2001 Total General Income - £37,563
2001 Endowments - £6,516
2003 Proposed Stipend - £19,486
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full
£300 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
LARKHALL: ST. MACHAN’S
Total Members – 620 and 18 Adherents
2000 Total General Income - £87,087
2000 Endowments - £171
2001 Total General Income - £86,046
2001 Endowments - £171
2003 Proposed Stipend - £21,370
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full
£300 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
88. ORDER OF THE DAY
VACANCY BUSINESS
Under an Order of the Day at 8.05 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
COATBRIDGE: OLD MONKLAND
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Old Monkland, in favour of the Rev. Scott Raby, L.Th, 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 150 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, unanimously agreed to translate the Mr. Raby from the Church and Parish of Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven to the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Old Monkland, it being confirmed that his pastoral relationship to Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven shall continue until he is actually admitted to Coatbridge: Old Monkland.
The Presbytery appointed his Admission thereunto to take place within Coatbridge: Old Monkland Parish Church on Wednesday, 13th August, 2003, Presbytery to meet at 6.15 p.m. for the Induction Service at 6.30 p.m., the Rev. Margaret F. Currie to be Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson to be Clerk, and the Rev. James Grier to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated
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 agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy at Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.
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. P. M. Wilson as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven.
2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. W. S. Dunn, Convener and the Rev. P. Grant, together with Mrs. F. McDonald and Mr. I. White to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship Committee, which was given in by the Rev. J. Hastie, Vice-Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
COATBRIDGE: OLD MONKLAND
The Presbytery notes that the unjustified shortfalls of £5,867 have now been repaid in accordance with the terms of deliverance 106.8 (2) of 3rd September, 2002 and requests that the justified shortfall of £3,492 now be written off.
TRANSLATION OF THE REV. IAN M. WATSON
There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. Ian M. Watson, LLB, BD, to the Church and Parish of Kirkmuirhill; confirmation from the Presbytery of Lanark of date 17th June, 2003 that the Call had been sustained, the Citation of the congregation of Caldercruix and Longriggend 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. Watson from the Church and Parish of Caldercruix and Longriggend to the Church and Parish of Kirkmuirhill, it being confirmed that his pastoral relation to Caldercruix and Longriggend shall continue until he be actually admitted to the Church and Parish aforesaid. Mr. Watson was enjoined to await for and obey the orders of the Presbytery of Lanark as to the date and time of his admission to his new Church and Parish and the Presbytery of Lanark was requested to give intimation of his admission as soon as it takes place.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
The Clerk was instructed to forward an Extract Minute of these proceedings to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Lanark.
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 agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy at Caldercruix and Longriggend and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.
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. J. Grier as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Airdrie: Caldercruix and Longriggend.
2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. J. Jackson, Convener and the Rev. N.B. McKee, together with Mr. J. W. Sommerville and Mrs. M. MacAuslane to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Airdrie: Caldercruix and Longriggend.
At this point the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson took the Oath de fideli in order that he could function as Clerk at the induction of the Rev. Scott Raby.
89. FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Alexander, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery resolves to recall the decision of 5th May, 2003 to grant the congregation of Wishaw: Old permission to call a Minister on a basis of Terminable Tenure, agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy and await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.
The Presbytery, meeting in private, called for the report of the Superintendence Committee which was given in by the Rev. W. S. Dunn, Convener.
91. STATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery, meeting again in open Court, called for the report of the State Education Committee, which was given in by the Rev. J. S. Cook, Convener.
1. The Presbytery welcomes the publication by North Lanarkshire Council of the consultative document on Language and Communications Unit at Petersburn Primary School, Airdrie.
2. The Presbytery welcomes the proposals that a unit for primary-aged pupils with autistic and autistic spectrum disorders be established within Petersburn Primary School, Airdrie, and commends North Lanarkshire Council in this additional provision.
3. The Presbytery notes that funding to start up the unit in the school year beginning August, 2003, will be achieved from within existing financial resources.
4. The Presbytery notes the success of the two candidates in the May elections who stood as single issue candidates protesting the proposals of South Lanarkshire Council PPF for Secondary Schools in Hamilton and Blantyre.
5. The Presbytery notes the publication of the Scottish Executive’s response to the national debate on Education for Excellence and commends the priorities to meet each child’s individual needs and thanks Mrs. Marion Dickie for her work on this.
It was moved, seconded and agreed to add a new No. 5 and re-number:
The Presbytery notes with concern the current proposals from South Lanarkshire Council relating to the provision of non-denominational Secondary Education in Hamilton and Blantyre leading to the closure of Earnock High School and urges the Council to rethink its strategy.
92. WORLD MISSION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the World Mission Committee, which was given in by the Rev. K. O. F. Buwert, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery reminds congregations of our Faithshare Partner from the Philippines, Miss Mendoza’s forthcoming visit from September for 6 months and invites congregations and organisations to remember her when planning their autumn programmes. The Presbytery notes that arrangements should be made through Mr. George Baird.
93. 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 notes the resignation of the Rev. James Munton as part-time Chaplain at Coathill Hospital and thanks him for his service and notifies the Board of National Mission accordingly.
2. The Presbytery approves the nomination of the Rev. James Munton as part-time Chaplain at Wester Moffat Hospital for 1 session per week.
3. The Presbytery, following the resignation of the Rev. James Munton, seeks applications for the position of part-time Chaplain at Coathill Hospital to cover 1.70 sessions per week.
94.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.08 p.m. to meet in hunc effectum within Hamilton: South Parish Church on Wednesday, 25th June, 2003 at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Setting Apart of a Reader; in hunc effectum within Coatbridge: Old Monkland Parish Church on Tuesday, 13th August, 2003 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Scott Raby; for Holy Communion within Airdrie: St.
Columba’s Parish Church on Tuesday, 2nd September, 2003 at 7.00 p.m. and thereafter within that church for Ordinary Business, of which public intimating having been made, the meeting was closed with prayer.
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Moderator
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Presbytery Clerk