CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

V BOTHWELL: 21^st JUNE, 2005

At BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH on the 21^st Day of June, Two Thousand and Five years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer, Holy Communion having previously been celebrated.

Post preces sederunt

44. SEDERUNT

The Rev. James M. Gibson, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – 32 Ministers; 1 Deacon: 69 Elders)

45. TRIBUTE

The Rev. Shaw J. Paterson in fitting terms paid tribute to the Rev. Macknight C. Cowper who died on 11^th May, 2005. The Clerk was instructed to send an expression of the sympathy of the Court to the family.

The Rev. George M. Donaldson in fitting terms paid tribute to Mr. William Lithgow, Presbytery Elder, who died on 19^th June, 2005. 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. Lithgow.

46. CONGRATULATIONS

The Moderator offered the congratulations of the Court to the Rev. J. H. L. Melrose on the 50^th anniversary of his ordination and to the Rev. Stuart Rogerson on the 25^th anniversary of his ordination.

47. MINUTES

The Minutes of Meeting III and IV (2005) were read and approved.

48. INTIMATIONS

Intimations were made.

49. COMMUNION SERVICE

The Convener of the Co-ordinating Committee expressed the Court’s thanks to the Moderator for his thoughtful and meaningful conduct of Holy Communion, and to the Kirk Session of Bothwell Parish Church for the use of the sanctuary for the celebration, and to all others who had assisted in any way.

50. ADDRESS BY RETIRING MODERATOR

The Rev. Margaret F. Currie, Convener of the Co-ordinating Committee having conveyed to the Moderator the thanks of the Presbytery for his valued service to the Court during his year of office now ending, invited the Moderator to address the Court. The Rev. James M. Gibson expressed his deep appreciation of the honour Presbytery had bestowed on him.

51. ELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF MODERATOR

The Rev. Norman B. McKee was unanimously elected Moderator for the ensuing year and after words of encouragement took the chair and addressed the Court in fitting terms.

52. DILIGENCE OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

At the invitation of the Clerk, Mrs. Alison Macauslane, Elder – Uddingston: Old, reported on the diligence of the Commissioners to the General Assembly.

53. VACANCY PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Vacancy Procedures Committee which was given in by the Rev. Robert M. Kent, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

1. The Presbytery notes the following actions taken by the Vacancy Procedures Committee:

a] Calls have been sustained to the following Charges:

· Hamilton: West – Rev. Elizabeth C. Waddell, from Stewarton: St. Columba`s

· Airdrie: Clarkston – Rev. Lilly C. Easton, from Edinburgh: Craigentinny St. Christopher

· Airdrie: Caldercruix and Longriggend – Rev. George M. Donaldson from New Stevenston: Wrangholm

· Coatbridge: St. Andrew`s – Rev. Fiona Nicolson, from Dunfermline: St. Margaret`s

b] The Committee authorises the release of the Rev. George M. Donaldson from the Church and Parish of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk from 21^st July, 2005 to allow him to assume the Charge at Caldercruix and Longriggend.

c] The Committee appoints the Rev. Dr. D. Cameron Macpherson as Interim Moderator at Wishaw: Old lw Craigneuk and Belhaven with immediate effect and thanks the Rev. Phyllis M. Wilson for her services.

d] The Committee thanks the Rev. Sharon Colvin, Rev. James Grier and Rev. Robert Kent for their services as Interim Moderators and Members of all the Advisory Committees who have served these same vacancies.

2. NEW STEVENSTON: WRANGHOLM KIRK

The Moderator expressed the Presbytery`s good wishes to the Rev. George M. Donaldson on his translation from Wrangholm Kirk to Caldercruix and Longriggend. There being no agreed plan, a report was called for from the Parish Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed.

The Presbytery resolves that the charge of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk should not be subject to readjustment at this time and that leave be granted to call a Minister on a 5-year Reviewable Tenure with the proviso that discussions are entered into with Holytown to effect a linkage, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly`s Committee on Parish Appraisal.

3. COATBRIDGE: MIDDLE

The Moderator expressed the Presbytery`s good wishes to the Rev. James Grier on his retiral and thanked him for his service to the Presbytery and its Committees.

4. WISHAW: ST. MARK`S

The Moderator expressed the Presbytery`s good wishes to the Rev. Henry J. W. Findlay for his 37 years to service to Wishaw: St. Mark`s and Presbytery, for his work within the Presbytery as Convener of several Committees and acknowledged his year as Moderator in 1993-94; wished him well in his retirement as he moved back through to Dunfermline.

54. HAMILTON ATTESTATION AREA PLAN

The Presbytery called for the report of the Hamilton Plan which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener of the Parish Planning Committee.

Parties were called.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

The Presbytery receives the Forward Planning report anent Hamilton and approves the recommendations contained therein, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Committee on Parish Appraisal.

55. WISHAW ATTESTATION AREA PLAN

The Presbytery called for the report of the Wishaw Plan which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener of the Parish Planning Committee.

Parties were called.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

1. The Presbytery receives the Forward Planning report anent Wishaw and approves the recommendations contained therein, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Committee on Parish Appraisal.

2. WISHAW: ST. MARK`S

The Presbytery resolves that the charge of Wishaw: St Mark’s should not be subject to readjustment at this time and that, in terms of the Wishaw Plan, leave be granted to call a Minister on 7 year Reviewable Tenure or on the occasion of a vacancy in either Wishaw: Cambusnethan North or Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old, whichever is earlier, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Parish Appraisal Committee.

56. REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Review Committee which was given in by the Rev. Scott Raby, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

2. The Presbytery notes the intention of the Review Committee to contact Conveners of Local Area and Central Committees in order to share ideas and views.

57. CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Co-ordinating Committee which was given in by the Rev. Margaret F. Currie, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Robert A. Hamilton to act as Depute Clerk during the Moderatorial year of the Rev. Norman B. McKee.

3. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Dr John McPake as Ecumenical Officer of Presbytery.

4. The Presbytery agrees to Joint Services between Motherwell: Crosshill and St. Mary’s; Strathaven: East and West; Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial, Orbiston and St. Andrew`s U.F. Church; Larkhall: Chalmers, St. Machan`s and Trinity; Uddingston: Old and Park; Airdrie: Broomknoll, High and New Wellwynd; Coatbridge: Clifton and St. Andrew`s; and Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old and North, during the summer months.

5. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. James Munton, Rev. David Doyle and Mr. Harry Webster as its representatives on the Presbyterial Panel 2005/2006.

6. The Presbytery notes the attestation of the Electoral Registers of Carfin Parish Church as having 60 members and 5 adherents, and Newarthill Parish Church as having 431 members and 5 adherents.

7. The Presbytery appoints the following as Additional Elders: George Baird, William Barnstaple, David Bell, John Dickson, Thomas Donaldson, David Findlay, Duncan M. Gray, Kenneth Griffith, George S. Harvie, Alistair MacLeod, James McRae, David L. Nairn, James. D. Park, Alexander Porter, Andrew Walsh, David J. Watt, Harry Webster, William Wilson and Robert B. Young.

ADDENDUM

WISHAW: SOUTH WISHAW

The Presbytery agrees:

a) Permission be granted to South Wishaw to continue to use the halls of the former Thornlie congregation in the short term, while noting ongoing concern about non-compliance with DDA regulations.

b) Permission not be granted to either South Wishaw or any other parties, use of the worship sanctuary of the former Thornlie congregation.

c) Instruct the office-bearers at South Wishaw to appoint a representative committee to bring forward plans ensuring that the former Chalmers premises are used to accommodate all organisations under one roof as soon as possible.

d) The situation to be reviewed fully by the 31^st December, 2005, and a decision on future usage to be taken by the Parish Planning Committee at their meeting in January, 2006.

e) If agreed, communicate the above recommendations to the Minister and Kirk Session at South Wishaw, along with the promise of our prayerful concern and support.

58. PARISH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development Committee which was given in by the Rev. Klaus O. Buwert, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

ADDENDUM

The Presbytery thanks the Congregational Development Officer, the Churches and Schools Youth Development Worker, the Children’s Ministry Advisers, Adult Education Advisers, and Child Protection Trainers for all their work throughout the year.

59. STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship and Finance Committee which was given in by Mr. David Watt, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

2. The Presbytery approves the budget for 2005-06 at a net expenditure requirement of £63,800, reduced by £7,500 taken from accumulated reserves.

3. Determines a net assessment of £1.62 per member based on Congregational membership as at 31 December 2004.

60. MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Ministry Development Committee which was given in by Mr. William Wilson, Vice-Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

2. Presbytery withdraws its nomination of Sam Clark as a Reader in training due to Mr Clark’s failure to complete the prescribed course work.

61. PASTORAL SUPPORT

The Presbytery called for the report of the Pastoral Support Committee which was given in by the Rev. Karen E. Harbison, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

2. The Presbytery receives the report of the Quinquennial visit to Motherwell: St. Mary’s, commends the Minister, office bearers and members on the vibrant life of the congregation, especially the large number of children and young people involved, and commends the congregation for the good stewardship of its buildings.

3. The Presbytery notes that the attestation of the minutes of Presbytery (pages 44-78 [2003] and 1-17 [2004]) has been completed; that attestation of Committee Minutes of Presbytery have taken place, and that all minutes produced are in good order. Presbytery notes that the minutes of two Committees have not yet been received and instructs the Pastoral Support Committee to complete this task.

62. PARISH PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

2. HOLYTOWN

The Presbytery resolves that the charge of Holytown should not be subject to readjustment at this time and that leave be granted to call a Minister on 5 year Reviewable Tenure with the proviso that discussions are entered into with Wrangholm to effect a linkage, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Committee on Parish Appraisal.

3. LARKHALL: CHALMERS

The Presbytery approves the request by Larkhall: Chalmers to partition the sanctuary at a cost of £1,500. Funds are to hand.

4. MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW`S

The Presbytery approves the request by Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s to have accounts for property matters, totalling £5,540.12, inclusive of VAT, being paid from funds held on the congregation’s behalf by the General Trustees.

5. HAMILTON: GILMOUR AND WHITEHILL

The Presbytery approves the request by Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill to alter premises to comply with DDA 1995, totalling £1,935 being paid from funds held on the congregation’s behalf by the General Trustees.

6. AIRDRIE: JACKSON

The Presbytery approves the request by Airdrie: Jackson to remove a partition in the halls to enlarge an area paid for by North Lanarkshire Council.

7. AIRDRIE: FLOWERHILL

The Presbytery approves the request by Airdrie: Flowerhill to refurbish toilets, replace fire doors and renew burst water main at an estimated cost of £13,118. Funds are to hand.

8. WISHAW: OLD

The Presbytery approves the request by Wishaw: Old to rewire the church totalling an estimated £46,000. Funds are to hand.

9. HAMILTON: WEST

The Presbytery approves the request by Hamilton: West to alter church and halls to comply with DDA 1995, totalling £14,687.50. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which might be available.

10. BLANTYRE: OLD

The Presbytery approves the Professional Second Follow-on Property Report in respect of Blantyre: Old and awaits the response of the office bearers as to the contents and recommendations.

11. NEWMAINS: COLTNESS MEMORIAL AND BONKLE

The Presbytery approves the Professional Second Follow-on Property Report in respect of Newmains: Coltness Memorial and Bonkle and awaits the response of the office bearers as to the contents and recommendations.

12. DELEGATED POWERS

The Presbytery grants permission to Mr. David Alexander to act on its behalf in matters of property requiring approval during the summer recess and instructs him to report with due diligence to the Presbytery at the meeting on 6^th September, 2005.

63. CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTEREST COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interest Committee which was given in by Mr Duncan Gray, Convener.

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

1. The Presbytery receives the report.

2. The Presbytery commends Mr. Kenneth Small, Director of Organisational Development, NHS Lanarkshire Health Board for his effort in leading the committee in preparing a Business Plan for presentation to the Health Board for the implementation of the Spiritual Health Care Guidance in NHS Lanarkshire.

3. The Presbytery commends the Rev. Allan B. Brown, full-time Prison Chaplain, and his team of Chaplains for all the valuable work they do for the staff and the prisoners at Shotts Prison.

64. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 10.23 p.m. to meet in hunc effectum within Hamilton: West Parish Church on Wednesday, 29^th June, 2005 at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Elizabeth C. Waddell; within Caldercruix Longriggend Parish Church on Thursday, 21^st July, 2005, at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. George M. Donaldson; within East Kilbride: Old Parish Church on Thursday, 28^th July, 2005, at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for a Service of Reception of Mr. Gavin Black, a Graduate Candidate; within Airdrie: Clarkston Parish Church on Wednesday, 10^th August, 2005, at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Lilly C. Easton; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on Tuesday, 6^th September, 2005 at 7.00 p.m.

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Moderator Presbytery Clerk

VI HAMILTON: WEST

At HAMILTON: WEST PARISH CHURCH on the Twenty ninth day of June, Two Thousand and Five years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt.

65. SEDERUNT

The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, the Rev. Karen E. Harbison and others are per signed lists in retentis. (Total 12 Ministers: 14 Elders).

66. INDUCTION

The Edict of the Induction of the Rev. Elizabeth Waddell, to the Church and Parish of Hamilton: West was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Mrs. Waddell having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Karen E. Harbison and the Moderator put to Mrs. Waddell the prescribed questions. To these she returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, inducted the said Rev. Elizabeth Waddell as Minister to the pastoral charge of Hamilton: West. Mrs. Waddell 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. Elizabeth Waddell was added to the Roll of the Presbytery and the Clerk was instructed to send certified intimation to the Session Clerk and to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Irvine and Kilmarnock.

The meeting was closed with prayer.

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Moderator Presbytery Clerk

VII CALDERCRUIX AND LONGRIGGEND

At CALDERCRUIX AND LONGRIGGEND PARISH CHURCH on the Twenty first day of July, Two Thousand and Five years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt.

67. SEDERUNT

The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, the Rev. Ecilo Selemani and others are per signed lists in retentis. (Total 3 Ministers: 8 Elders).

68. INDUCTION

The Edict of the Induction of the Rev. George M. Donaldson, to the Church and Parish of Caldercruix and Longriggend was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Mr. Donaldson having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Ecilo Selemani and the Moderator put to Mr. Donaldson the prescribed questions. To these he returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, inducted the said Rev. George M. Donaldson as Minister to the pastoral charge of Caldercruix and Longriggend. Mr. Donaldson having received the right hand of fellowship, was suitably addressed by the Moderator, who also, in appropriate terms, exhorted the congregation.

The Clerk was instructed to give certified intimation to the Session Clerk.

The meeting was closed with prayer.

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Moderator Presbytery Clerk

VIII EAST KILBRIDE: OLD

At EAST KILBRIDE: OLD PARISH CHURCH on the Twenty Eighth Day of July, Two Thousand and Five years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt

69. SEDERUNT

The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, the Rev. Anne Paton and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 7 Ministers: 6 Elders)

70. LICENSING OF GRADUATE CANDIDATE

The Presbytery, after Public Worship conducted by the Moderator, assisted by the Rev. Anne Paton and the Clerk, received Mr. Gavin Black as a Graduate Candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. Mr. Black was presented with a copy of the Holy Scriptures. Presbytery noted that Mr. Black would serve as a Probationer within the bounds.

The Meeting was closed with prayer.

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Moderator Presbytery Clerk

IX AIRDRIE: CLARKSTON

At AIRDRIE: CLARKSTON PARISH CHURCH on the Tenth day of August, Two Thousand and Five years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt.

In the absence of the Moderator, it was moved that the Rev. James Gibson be appointed to Moderate the Presbytery.

71. SEDERUNT

The Rev. James M. Gibson, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, the Rev. William G. McKaig and others are per signed lists in retentis. (Total 12 Ministers: 7 Elders).

72. INDUCTION

The Edict of the Induction of the Rev. Lilly C. Easton, to the Church and Parish of Airdrie: Clarkston was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Mrs. Easton having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. William G. McKaig and the Moderator put to Mrs. Easton the prescribed questions. To these she returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, inducted the said Rev. Lilly C. Easton as Minister to the pastoral charge of Airdrie: Clarkston. Mrs. Easton 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. Lilly C. Easton was added to the Roll of the Presbytery and the Clerk was instructed to send certified intimation to the Session Clerk and to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Edinburgh. The meeting was closed with prayer.

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Moderator Presbytery Clerk