XV MOTHERWELL:
6th DECEMBER, 2005
At MOTHERWELL:
DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS
on the 6th Day of
December, Two Thousand and Five years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON
met and was constituted in prayer.
129 SEDERUNT
The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator,
the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk and others as per signed lists in retentis
(Total – 54 Ministers; 1 Deacon; 74
Elders; 6 Corresponding Members).
130 WELCOME
The Moderator addressed appropriate words of
welcome to the Rev. David E. P. Currie and the Rev. R. David Currie.
131 MINUTES
The Minute of Meeting XIV (2005) was read and approved.
132 INTIMATIONS
Intimations were made.
133 UDDINGSTON PLAN
The Moderator expressed an interest
and it was agreed that the Rev. Margaret F. Currie moderate for this item of
business.
The
Presbytery called for the report of the Uddingston Plan which was given in by
Mr. David Alexander, Convener of the Parish Planning Committee.
There were
laid on the table Citations from the congregations within the
Uddingston/Bothwell/Bellshill Attestation Area returned duly served.
Parties
were called, appeared and spoke.
It was
moved and seconded:
The Presbytery
receives the Plan for the Uddingston and Bothwell Area and approves the
recommendations contained therein, subject to the concurrence of the General
Assembly’s Committee on Parish Appraisal.
It was
moved and seconded as a Counter motion:
The
Presbytery receives the Plan for the Uddingston and Bothwell Area and rejects
the recommendations for Uddingston: Old and Uddingston: Park, and asks the
Committee on Parish Planning to come back with alternative proposals.
On a vote
being taken For and Against, it carried For the Deliverance.
Ms Rhona
Clark recorded her dissent, complained and begged leave to appeal. Thereafter she presented to the Clerk a
Petition from the congregation of Uddingston: Park signed by 173 Members and
Adherents, in favour of retaining Uddingston: Old and Uddingston: Park as two
distinctive and complementary congregations.
134 WISHAW:
The
Presbytery, meeting in Private, called for the report of the Co-ordinating
Committee which was given in by the Rev. Margaret F. Currie, Convener.
There was laid on the
table the Citation from the congregation, returned duly served.
Parties were called
and appeared.
It was moved and
seconded :
(i) The Presbytery notes: [a] that there is significant concern over
the well-being of the congregation of Wishaw: South Wishaw; [b] all reasonable steps of a pastoral nature
have been taken to remedy the situation without success; and [c] the situation requires further action by
the Presbytery.
(ii) The Presbytery agrees to institute
proceedings under Act I 1988 anent Congregations in an
(iii) The Presbytery appoints, as of 6th
December, 2005, the Committee of Inquiry of the Rev Dr J McPake (Convener), Rev
A Gibson, Rev A Moore, Mr H Ballantyne and Mr J Toms.
It was
moved and seconded as a Counter Motion:
The
Presbytery agrees to appoint a Committee of Investigation to visit Wishaw:
South Wishaw in a Pastoral capacity and to determine if there is a need to
establish a Committee of Inquiry under Act 1 1988 anent Congregations in an
Unsatisfactory State (as amended by Act XI 1992, VII 1994, VI 1996, IV 2002 and
II 2003), and to report back to the March meeting of Presbytery.
On a vote
being taken For and Against it carried For the Counter Motion.
It was
moved, seconded and agreed as an additional Deliverance:
The
Presbytery further agrees to appoint the Committee of Investigation of Rev Dr J
McPake (Convener), Rev A Gibson, Rev A Moore, Mr H Ballantyne and Mr J Toms.
135. REMIT –
ECUMENICAL RELATIONS
The Presbytery
called for the presentation of the Remit given in by the Rev. Dr. John. L.
McPake.
It was
moved, seconded and agreed.
1. The
Presbytery receives the report
2. The
Presbytery resolves to transmit the report to the Committee on Ecumenical
Relations.
3. The
Presbytery instructs Local Area Mission Committees of the Presbytery to prepare
an audit of ecumenical projects and initiatives within their area and report to
the Co-ordinating Committee by 30th April, 2006.
136. 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 agrees to the request of the Rev R David Currie to transfer his
membership from the Presbytery of Glasgow to the Presbytery of Hamilton.
3. The
Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Registers of Wishaw:
St Mark’s as containing the names of 452 members and 1 adherent, and of
Airdrie: Flowerhill as containing the names of 739 members.
4. The
Presbytery agrees the request of the Rev Colin Sutherland to continue in his
Charge for a further year after his 65th birthday (from November
2006).
5. The
Presbytery notes with concern the increasing demands on the Clerk’s time on the
mornings of Committees and Presbytery itself. Presbyters are urged to examine
matters requiring the Clerk’s assistance and to ensure that these are brought
to him at an alternative time.
6. The
Presbytery instructs the Kirk Sessions of
Carfin and Kirk O Shotts to return the questionnaire on the Disability
Discrimination Act.
7. The
Presbytery notes that ‘leave to appeal’ was begged at the last meeting of
Presbytery and that no appeal was forthcoming.
8. The
Presbytery appoints Mr. Robert Allan, Elder at Larkhall: St Machan’s as an
additional Elder.
9. The Presbytery agrees to seek an
Interim Minister to serve in the congregations of Holytown and New Stevenston:
Wrangholm Kirk as they begin to move forward to form a Linkage.
ADDENDUM
The Presbytery notes the appointment
of Dorothy Getliffe as Pastoral Assistant at Wishaw: St. Mark’s, during the
vacancy, on the basis of one day per week.
137. VACANCY PROCEDURES COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the
Vacancy Procedures Committee which was given in by the Rev. Robert Kent,
Convener.
It was moved, seconded and agreed.
1. The Presbytery notes the following appointments made by its
Vacancy Procedures Committee:
·
Interim Moderator – Rev. Robert Hamilton (Airdrie: New Wellwynd) for
the prospective vacancy at Motherwell: Crosshill.
·
Advisory Committees – Wishaw: St. Mark’s:- Rev. Karen Harbison
(Convener), Mr. Joseph Wallace, Rev. George Donaldson, Mr. Iain Kennedy. Motherwell: Crosshill:- Rev. Mhorag
Macdonald (Convener), Mr. Angus MacKay, Rev. Amelia Davidson, Miss Olive
Coventry.
2. The Presbytery sustains the Call at Hamilton: St. Andrew’s to the Rev. Norman Macleod on the basis of 7-year Reviewable Tenure or until a vacancy occurs at Hamilton: St. John’s, and appoints 2nd February, 2006 for his Service of Induction.
3. The
Presbytery appoints 2nd February, 2006 for the Service of Induction
at
The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish
Development Committee which was given in by the Rev. Dr. Klaus O. Buwert,
Convener.
It was moved, seconded and agreed :
1. The Presbytery receives the report.
2. The
Presbytery receives the Study Leave Report from Susan Reford who attended a
Course called “Seeking God in the midst of Life” at a retreat at Lee Abbey in
3. The
Presbytery receives the report from the Ministry Team at East Kilbride:
Moncreiff and commends them for their strong pastoral care, in particular for
the bereaved with Griefshare, their development of the Caring Group, and also
plans for reaching out to young people more effectively.
4. The Presbytery invites nominations from
church members within the bounds, between the ages of 18-25, to be its Youth
Representative at the General Assembly in May, 2006. Names to the Parish Development Committee by
the beginning of March, 2006.
139. MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT
The Presbytery called for the report of the
Ministry Development Committee which was given in by the Rev. Michael G. Lyall.
It was moved, seconded and agreed:
1. The Presbytery notes that Steven
Preston, 24 Glen Prosen, East Kilbride, G74 3TA and Stuart McIlroy, 17
Dentdale, East Kilbride, G74 4LP are now Candidates for the Readership.
2. The
Presbytery notes receipt of the following Study Leave report – Rev. David Burt
(
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 instructs the Clerk to
write to the Convener of the Social Care Council expressing Presbytery’s
concern that the title “Church of Scotland” is not included and that the
“Church of Scotland” is not sufficiently emphasised in the style and typography
of its literature, especially in regard to the insufficient emphasis given to
the Cross in the “CROSSREACH” logo. The Presbytery further instructs the Clerk
to ask the Council to ensure that the style and typography of future
publications be amended to give due prominence to the Cross.
2. The Presbytery receives the reports from the part-time Hospital and Prison Chaplains and notes their contents. The Presbytery thanks them for their services as Chaplains.
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. The Presbytery instructs the Parish
Planning Committee to include within the final Presbytery Plan the Plan for
Coatbridge (2002), the Plan for Strathaven, etc. (2002/2003) and the Plan for
Blantyre (1997).
3. BELLSHILL: MACDONALD MEMORIAL
The Presbytery approves the request
to repair the pipe organ costing £16,960 based on contractor’s quotation. Approval is also given to seek grants and
loans which may be available.
4.
The Presbytery approves the request
to redecorate and replace the carpeting in the sanctuary costing £19,170
including VAT based on contractors’ quotations.
Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which may be available.
5. WISHAW: OVERTOWN
The Presbytery approves the Professional Second Follow-on
Property Report and awaits the response of the office bearers as to the
contents and recommendations.
142. PASTORAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE
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. (i) The Presbytery receives the report of
the Quinquennial Visitation to
(ii) The
Presbytery commends the Minister, Office bearers and Members for their
commitment to the work of Christ’s church in the parish and for their work with
children and young people.
(iii) The
Presbytery commends the congregation for their vision, in particular, with
regard to their partnerships with other churches and their work in the new
housing development of West Craigs.
ADDENDUM
(i) The
Presbytery receives the report of the Quinquennial Visitation to
(ii) The
Presbytery commends the Minister, Office bearers and congregation of
(iii) The
Presbytery notes that the project to extend the church building has been subjected
to numerous delays and that none of the allocated £100,000 has been made
available.
(iv) The
Presbytery notes with concern that the manse provision is still deemed
unsatisfactory, notwithstanding the
comments made in 2001.
(v) The
Presbytery notes with approval the wish of the Kirk Session and Congregational
Board to depart from the proposal to extend the church building in favour of
utilising the £100,000 allocation to bring the manse provision up to General
Assembly requirements.
(vi) The
Presbytery approves the application of
(vii) The
Presbytery invites the Parish Planning Committee to consult with New Charge
Development Committee to review the tenure for the ministry at this charge.
(viii) The
Presbytery invites Parish Planning Committee to approach the Presbytery of
Glasgow with a view to realigning the boundaries in the Jackton area, with
reference to the
143. 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 affirms that Local Area Mission Committee
remain a vital part of its structure, work and witness.
3. The Presbytery agrees to hold a Conference Session early in
2006 in order to discuss issues relating to Local Area Mission Committees.
144. STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
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 application
by Uddingston: Burnhead to make payments to the Ministries and
3. The Presbytery thanks the Rev. James
Hastie for his diligent support for the Presbytery’s work through his services
as Acting Treasurer.
4. The Presbytery appoints Mr. Robert Allan, ACMA, CPFA, as
Treasurer with effect from 1st January, 2006
145. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further
business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.37 p.m. to meet in hunc effectum
within Hamilton: St. Andrew’s Church on Thursday, 2nd February, 2006
at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Norman MacLeod, B.Th.;
for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls
on Tuesday, 7th February,
2006 at 7.00 p.m.
…………………………………………………
Moderator
…………………………………………………..
Presbytery Clerk