THE MAGAZINE OF BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH SCOTLAND S OLDEST COLLEGIATE CHURCH Registered Scottish Charity No: SC gratifying to witness.

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1 THE MAGAZINE OF BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH SCOTLAND S OLDEST COLLEGIATE CHURCH Registered Scottish Charity No: SC Minister: The Revd. J. M. Gibson, TD. The Manse of Bothwell, 4 Manse Avenue, Bothwell, G71 8PQ Tel: jamesmgibson@msn.com Church Office Tel: (Tuesday Friday 9am-1pm) bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com Church Website: Church Centre: Chapterhouse Café: FROM THE MINISTER September is looming large and, for me, that means a new session of church activity is about to be launched. Since my own summer holiday will not come along until later in the year, work over the summer period has been unending. How fortunate I am that that is the case. Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of so many people, ours must rank high among the busiest churches in Scotland. The church Quire Restoration project aside, activities of many groups who meet within the church Centre week in week out continues, while the installation of our splendid new window in the main hall of the Centre has led to the redecoration of the Russell Memorial Hall including a complete upgrading of the lighting and sanding of the floor. Worship over the holiday period has been consistently well attended and, of course, weddings, baptisms and funerals have been held in church, as and when. I say, again, how fortunate am I. But now, the church Choir are returning to their usual Sunday stalls: the first practise of their new season having already taken place; youngsters are enrolling for membership of the Sunday Clubs including teenagers in ACTS and, before many more weeks have passed, regular sessions of our MESSY church will taking place. All of which would not be possible if it were not for the army of volunteers within the congregation and from beyond who faithfully come together and let the church benefit from their gratifying to witness. So: what lies ahead? More of the same? Well, yes but a lot more beside. And it s far from being busy just for the sake of it. In spite of all manner of unexpected challenges, our Quire project experts are successfully ensuring that steady progress is being maintained as the masons begin the task of replacing the ancient stone slabs back into position on the roof. Once this is complete, work will move to the inside of the Quire. Hopefully, with a gentle winter, the project may be completed early in the new year. Planning is already underway for a suitable Act of Rededication to be held and, thereafter, a Year of Celebration to be enjoyed. Meanwhile, the Kirk Session s study group on the needs of the Elderly in both congregation and community continues its work. It is expected that their findings will lead to some exciting new developments. Already the benefits of the Report made by our study group on Young People in Church and Community can be clearly seen at Sunday Worship through a slight alteration to our usual liturgy. Children in the Sunday Clubs will now join the congregation towards the end of each service rather than at the beginning. This change allows staff more time for lessons and activities within their rooms at the church Centre. Messy Church continue activities for adults and 1 IN THIS ISSUE Autumn 2015 From The Minister FTM Continued Church Register Bothwell Guild Statement of Purpose Church Harvest Ceilidh From the Organist s Bench MESSY Church Financial Review Report Change of Details Church Family BBQ 2015 Ladies Who Lunch Allovus World Mission Used Stamps Nepal Earthquake Appeal Kirk s Oldest Grave Restoration Update/Invitation Living the Questions Rotas Page P1 P5 P5 P6 children each month from September. Add to this the news that the Youth Steering Group brought together by the Kirk Session are investigating funding for the employment of a part-time Youth Worker and, also, the further alteration of the church Centre to accommodate more storage and a designated Youth Den, no time is being wasted developing the resources we have and cultivating our future potential. September also sees the creation of a Youth Team Committee. Chaired by the Minister, this committee will bring together, twice or three times per year, representatives of all our youth-based activities. This will give our leaders opportunity to work more closely together for the good of each organisation. Add to all the above the usual routine of special services, funerals, weddings baptisms, ongoing administration, organisation of another congregational pilgrimage, the visitation of members and those within our community, the planning and conducting discussion groups: a busy

2 Baptisms: June 14th. Alexa Grace Allan, daughter of Perry and Emma Allan, 39 Smithycroft, Hamilton. August 16th. Oscar Jack Gemmill son of William Gemmill and Adele MacDonald, 46 Osprey Drive, Uddingston. Blessing: August 9th. Aidan Neil MacInnes, son of Neil and Julia MacInnes, 15 Kingston Avenue, Uddingston. Marriages: June 12th. July 3rd. July 4th. July 18th. August 7th. Funerals: June July August New Elders: CHURCH REGISTER Hayley Bowman and Robert McDonald, 79 Cochrane Street, Bellshill. Ml4 3EE. Nancy McLenachan and James Struthers, 11 Castle Court, Bothwell. Jennifer Miller, 7 Belleisle Avenue, Uddingston and Stewart Morrison, 82 Old Station Court, Bothwell. Gillian Calder and Kristopher Pate, 1 James Healy Drive, Hamilton. Laura McGraw and William White, 9 Craigpark Way, Uddingston. Natalia Viola and Stuart Nicholson, 18 Cullen Place, Uddingston. The Minister invites the prayers of the Congregation for the family and friends of the following who recently received Christian funeral: Mrs Muriel Deans, 2 Farm Court, Bothwell. George Pollock Esq, 19 Castle Court, Bothwell. Mrs Ann Purse, c/o Stark, 83 Wordsworth Way, Bothwell. Mrs Ellen Kirkwood, 9 Waverley Court, Bothwell. Mrs Jessie Rae, 27 Fife Court, Bothwell. Mrs Ellen Moore, Hattonlea Nursing Home, Bellshill and previously, Mill Road, Bothwell. Adam McPherson Esq, 46 Woodlands Crescent, Bothwell. Sheriff John Stewart, Advocate, 43 Greive Croft, Bothwell. The Kirk Session wishing to add to their membership, Ordained and Admitted the following on Sunday 30th August 2015 to serve as Elders at Bothwell Parish Church: Mrs Margaret Dobie, Rosefield, 28 Mote Hill, Hamilton. Mrs Heather Duddy, 33 Hamilton Park North, Hamilton. Mrs Hazel Gilmour, 24 Clydeview, Bothwell. Bruce Moyes Esq, 22 Fairyknowe Gardens, Bothwell. Jim Provan Esq, 5 South Deanpark Avenue, Bothwell. Mrs Suzanne Smith, 38 Castle Gate, Bothwell. Statement of Purpose Bothwell Parish is a congregation of the Church of Scotland and is part of the worldwide family of people belonging to the Christian Faith, worshipping God through Jesus Christ. In to the love of God for all, we seek to serve our IT S CEILIDH TIME! (CHURCH CENTRE) SATURDAY, 10th JIM CARSON & HIS BAND! TICKETS 15pp. incl: Fish & Chip supper. 2 FROM THE MINISTER time is going to be had! So, how is it going to be for YOU? After all this is OUR church NOT mine. If you value its existence and ministry and are physically able, why not get involved? Involvement doesn t have to tie you down more than you would wish. Involvement can be almost anything from attending worship to volunteering to help with some activity either as part of a church group OR acting on your own fundraising, say; or driving a neighbour or friend to/from church on a Sunday. YOU could make all the difference to the life of OUR church and to the activities, outreach and wellbeing of OUR congregation. And it could all begin with a phone call YOU make to the church Office or a word YOU might drop in the ear of someone saying you are willing to do something. YOU could make this not only a busy year, but a GREAT year indeed! The aim of the Church of Scotland Guild is to invite and encourage men and women to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and enable them to express their faith in worship, prayer and action. Our activities in the coming session begin on Monday 5th October 2015 when we meet within our church for our annual Dedication Service conducted, as usual, bu our Minister. Thereafter, we adjourn to the church Centre for fellowship and refreshment. All our meetings are open to anyone interested in coming along to join us. We are always eager to welcome new friends. As in previous years, we are looking forward to a varied and interesting programme of speakers and activities taking us through till next Spring.

3 TREASURER S REPORT Having joined the church Finance team last year, I ve been working myself into the responsibilities of church Treasurer. Thankfully, this has been made easier for by the help received from other members of the team and from my predecessor, Alastair Scott. At the beginning of the year we launched a Finance Review which included an invitation to members of the congregation to appraise their financial giving to the church. Because of ongoing building restoration, it is now some years since we last had the opportunity to mount such an exercise and this has meant that, of necessity, over the past few years we have balanced the books by dipping into our reserves. Though it s still early days to offer a definitive result, the signs are looking positive and encouraging. Only three months since the main thrust of our Review and it would seem our givings by Standing Order have increased by approximately 1,100 per month. On top of this, Gift Aid will be claimed bringing in another 2,600. Consequently, our Open Plate income has decreased by roughly 200 per month presumably as members have transferred payments to Standing Order. While this is, undoubtedly, good news we can never allow ourselves to be complacent. Our church has several outreach projects in an advanced stage of planning for the good of both our congregation and wider community and we must always ensure that these can be fully funded. As time goes on, the Finance team will be pleased to keep the congregation updated regarding our financial health. In the meantime, we would invite anyone who has not already done so to please consider reviewing your giving to our church. If you would like to do so via Gift Aid, assistance can be given by contacting the church Office. Have Your Details Changed? If you have moved house recently or know of any forthcoming changes, please let the church Office know either by telephoning or sending an to From THE ORGANIST S BENCH GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE PAIRS! Most people know that organists have to platy notes with their feet as well as with their fingers. Not everyone realises just how many notes and how quickly, though. At times, it is pretty hectic in the pedal department and quite gymnastic. In order to help big, fat feet find the right pedals and play them in quick succession, there are specialist shoes made very light and flexible, with a small heel and slightly pointed toes. Until recently, these were only available from the USA. However, they were more or less guaranteed to make the halt and lame virtually balletic! I few years ago, I ordered some on-line specifying, as requested, all foot dimensions in centimetres for my moderate size nine feet (American sizes are, of course, different). Then, having paid a fistful of dollars, I settled down to wait. Two weeks later, a box arrived which I hurriedly destroyed in my enthusiasm to try my new magic slippers. They were minute size 4s! Disappointed, by stoic, I ed my displeasure gently and gave repeat dimensions. An apology was quickly received followed, a fortnight later, by another pair of black Organ Master s footwear. Unfortunately, they were size 13! My second expression of displeasure, being somewhat less gentle, brought a swift, grovelling response and, two days later, a super fast special airfreight package containing no less than two pairs of the correct size. Success. Hurrah!!! It made me feel a bit like the child in the story though one pair too small, one pair too big, last ones just right. They were good, those shoes. Really did help. Still do, though they still allow vagrancy unless kept under continuous supervision and vigilance. Trouble is both pairs are now nearly worn out. I was relieved to find them now available directly from a British firm in the southwest, without the extra hassle and expense? Ha, the price is doubled and they are cheaply made somewhere in the Far East. Think I am beginning to sympathise with the bears.. Phil Hotham MONDAY, 21st CHURCH CENTRE TEA SERVED AT 6.00pm. CHILDREN & ADULTS WELCOME! MESSY Church, held its first event in June. Monthly meetings will take place throughout the year on the third Monday of each month. A team of volunteers is in place, led with great enthusiasm by Valerie Gibson. It is hoped that the numbers attending will grow even more over the coming months. The church Youth Church committee is looking to social media to promote all the current activities within the Church, with the launch of a new youth website and a dedicated Facebook page for Messy Church Future initiatives, such as the employment of a Youth Worker and the refurbishment of the Church Centre to create a dedicated space for a Youth Club, are currently under consideration and updates will be provided to the congregation in the coming months. David Hepburn Chair, Youth Committee 3

4 CHURCH FAMILY BBQ - AUGUST 2015 Just about the best ever was the verdict on the day. And what a glorious, sunny, hot day it proved to be. Adults and children turned out in style and in number. Beef burgers, sausage rolls and trays of home-baking were liberally washed down by soft drinks aplenty and glasses of wine. The youngsters enjoyed garden games and bouncy castle activities or,, patiently, stood in line for our guest face-painter (who, just as patiently, worked hard all afternoon!). For older children, not to mention the adults, croquet on the back lawn was the game of the day. A GREAT start to a new session! It s back by popular demand LADIES WHO LUNCH. Last held by the Bothwell Parish Church Socialisers in 2012, when it proved to be a very enjoyable and worthwhile fundraising event in aid of the church Quire Restoration Appeal. So why not put this year s date in your diary; and take the opportunity to socialise and buy some Christmas gifts at our super gift fayre? The event will be held on SUNDAY, 22ND at the STRATHAVEN HOTEL where we have been able to keep the price at the 2012 level of just ALLOVUS - new session starts! Slightly later than planned because of the renovation work being undertaken in the main hall ALLOVUS begins another session on THURSDAY, 3rd SEPT. Some careful planning has ensured an exciting programme of events for members old and new to enjoy. Membership is OPEN TO ALL no matter whether they are members of our congregation or not. Current valued members even come each meeting from Uddingston. ALL are very welcome. Uncovering Bothwell Kirk s Oldest Grave Over the past couple of months, one of our Elders, Elizabeth French and husband David have been quietly toiling away clearing scrub, weeds and tree stumps on that area of ground between church and Centre and, in particular, the overgrown Hamilton Tomb. Assisted by sons Ross and Blair and, sister, Evelyn their efforts have made a real difference. By coincidence, they uncovered the oldest known grave, inscribed James Naismith, Portioner, Bothwell. Died Aged PER PERSON including a glass of vino! Transportation may be available on the day for those who might need it. Look out for further information about ticket sales so that you are not disappointed. Further information, if required, may be obtained from Marilyn Jack (852138). = Please save used stamps. Post them in the box in church narthex and help save a life! 4

5 QUIRE RESTORATION UPDATE Ever since the first announcement was made that a new discussion group was going to be formed called Living the Questions, uptake for places in the various groups held has been almost immediate. In the early Autumn the present group will meet again to take their discussions further. Perhaps over the coming weeks you may hear about it from those taking part. The course is repeated at different times of the year and, so, if you hear favourable comments and think it might be the sort of thing for you in the future, just let the Minister know or contact the church Office to book a place! An Invitation from the Contractors An invitation has been kindly extended from our Contractors to anyone who may have a particular interest in seeing, at close quarters, the repair and restoration work being carried out on the church Quire Roof. Already, a small number of folks have braved climb both outside and inside the Quire. Can you spot any suppressed nervousness? Assurance was later given by our adventurers that the climb was well worth the effort and the repair work being carried out was amazing to see. The walls of the Quire having now been stitched together (at 18 metres the longest If you know of anyone requiring a home visit from the Minister, or if you have a change of details, please complete the WELCOME CARD placed on each pew and hand it in to the Church Office. Thank you. For details on the current activities being held within the church Centre please see the noticeboard or look up: bothwellparishchurch.org.uk stitching to be carried out anywhere in the United Kingdom!) and cracks infilled, the ancient stone slabs are now being very carefully replaced into their original position on the roof. Shortly, pointing will begin to the outside walls. As work continues to the outside of the Quire, what cannot easily be seen is the work already taking place within the Quire. To enable work high up in the building, and to ensure the safety of the whole internal structure of the Quire, a huge wooden truss has been erected. Internally, stone is being indented, cracks are being filled and the decorative roof-ribs are being stitched and made secure. Once this is complete, pointing of the walls will be undertaken before the stained-glass windows, newly refurbished, are replaced. Thereafter, it is intended, new lighting will be installed. Because of the major technical complexities involved in this project, work is currently running some weeks behind schedule. Hopefully, major external work may be completed before the worst of the winter. We are then hoping for completion around Easter What a celebration that will bring! If you would be interested in accepting the Contractor s Invitation, please contact the church Office and let Marie know. Places are strictly limited as the groups are small in number. However, we will do our very best not to disappoint. 5

6 Sunday Welcome / Duty Rota Office bearers should please arrive at Church for duty by 10am. Anyone unable to fulfil their duty should please arrange cover. Please note that only two of the office bearers will be required to assist with counting the collection after the service. 6 J Gilmour, S Greenshields, K Hamilton, J Hart 13 I Henderson, J Henry, D Hepburn, L Horn 20 M Hutchison, M Jack, D Lee, G Moore 27 H Marsh, J Marsh, C McQueen, R Parsons 4 Boys Brigade Company 11 G Ormiston, J Provan, Dr Ritch, B Sharp 18 E Sommerville, E Terrace, Dr Thomson, A Watt 25 G Whitton, A Wilson, E Barr, E Buttery 1 Communion Arrangements 8 J Carson, N Carson, S Cook, D Craig 15 J Crichton, S Crichton, J Cumming, J Dalziel 22 E Dempsey, M Dobie, H Duddy, V Gibson 29 Boys Brigade Company 6 B Gillespie, H Gilmour, J Gilmour, S Greenshields 13 K Hamilton, J Hart, I Henderson, J Henry 20 D Hepburn, L Horn, M Hutchison, M Jack 27 D Lee, H Marsh, J Marsh, G Moore Sunday Coffee Rota As usual, volunteers are asked to please swap any inconvenient dates with each other. New volunteers are most welcome to join the list and should please contact Marilyn Jack tel The Parsons & The Wilsons 4 Boys Brigade Company 13 Mrs A Thomson 11 Mrs E Buttery 20 Mrs N Carson 18 Mrs E Dempsey 27 The Ormistons 25 Mrs C Cahill 1 Mrs J Craig 6 The Parsons & The Wilsons 8 Mrs S Crichton 13 Mrs A Thomson 15 The Frews & The Hepburns 20 Mrs N Carson 22 Mrs J Hamilton 27 The Ormistons 29 Boys Brigade Company Church Flowers Chancel War Memorial 6 Mrs E Forrest Mrs M Jaap 13 Mrs S Crichton Mrs E Buttery 20 Mrs S R-Young Mrs M Maillie 27 Mrs I Glen Mrs G Whitton 4 (Harvest) Mrs J Provan Mrs M McMurdo 11 Mrs B Peacock Mr J Dalziel 18 Mrs G Ormiston Mrs F Lorimer 25 Mrs F McOmish Mrs J Young 1 (Communion) Dr G Ritch Mrs P McAulay 8 (Remembrance) Mrs J Lee Mrs E Sommerville 15 Mrs H Bryce Mrs A Freeland 22 Mrs A Hepburn Mrs D Gibson 29 (Advent) Mr T Abercromby Mr J Hart 6 Mrs J Hamilton Mrs V Crate 13 Mrs M Greenshields Mrs U McLundie 20 Mrs P McAulay Miss M Jack 27 Mrs A Hamilton Mrs S Frew Sunday Crèche 6 S Smith E Easton 13 A Hepburn E Barr 20 E Terrace E French 27 S Frew N Carson 4 H Gilmour M Donnelly 11 J Craig J Provan 18 P Maxwell J Wilson 25 G Ormiston S Smith 8 E Easton A Hepburn 15 E Barr E Terrace 22 E French S Frew 29 N Carson H Gilmour 6 M Donnelly J Craig 13 J Provan P Maxwell 20 J Wilson G Ormiston 27 NO CRECHE NO CRECHE 6

7 A Short History of Bothwell Continuing the instalments of the notes prepared by the late Rev. S. J. Hamilton, B.A., on the history of the parish. Part 2 of 2 The Reverend Gavin Hamilton, minister of Bothwell enjoyed an interesting and successful career. The second son of John Hamilton of Orbiston, who fell at Langside fighting for Queen Mary, he was born about 1561 and educated at the university of St Andrews where he graduated Master of Arts in Six years later he became minister of the Second Charge, Hamilton. Translated to Bothwell in 1594, he returned after a decade to his former parish where he ministered in the First Charge. Apparently one of the king s led horses he was appointed by James VI to the temporalities (properties and revenues) of the old bishopric of Galloway, with the priory of Whithorn and the abbeys of Glenluce and Dundrennan. A year later, he became Dean of the Chapel Royal and constant moderator of the presebytery of Kirkcudbright. The climax of his career was reached in 1610 when, on the 21st October, he was consecrated in London to the see of Galloway. It is interesting to note that, at this ceremony, he was not re-ordained, Presbyterian ordination being then recognised by the Church of England. He died in February His wife was Alison, eldest daughter of James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, who bore him five children, one of whom married John Campbell, bishop of Argyll. Like his predecessor at Bothwell, he was a man of some weight and standing in the ecclesiastical councils of the realm; and while still minister at Bothwell he had several important duties to perform outwith his parish. On 26th June 1595, he was appointed by the General Assembly to give information against such of the brethren as had dilapidated their benefices in the bounds of Clydesdale, Renfrew, Lennox and Dumbarton and was one of the commissioners chosen by the Assembly for constituting an interim platt for the same bounds. By the Assemblies of 1598, 1600 and 1601 he was empowered, with others, to plant such kirks in burgh-towns as are destitute and on 16th May 1601 was appointed, with others, for trial of the brethren in the bounds of Irvine and Ayr. All that said, one point must be noted which does not seem to redound to his credit as far as the temporalities of the parish are concerned. The following particulars would make it obvious he had something to do with the alienation of the church lands and property at Bothwell. In 1604, with the consent of Sir Walter Scott of Branxholm, then patron of the parish, he granted to his brother, John Hamilton of Orbiston in feefarm and heritage: 1 the whole of ten pound lands of Orbiston and the manor-place, with the houses, yards, orchards and fishings along with the tithes of the same, 2 the lands of Carnbrew, Unthank, Stevenson, Alderstoun, Carfin, Jerviestoun, Riccart-Johnstoun and Kirklee in the barony of Bothwell, 3 the mill of Orbiston, 4 the nether mill of Orbiston on the Calder, 5 the church lands of Bothwell with the houses, gardens and pertinents reserving, however, to the provost and his successors, serving the cure of Bothwell, a reasonable glebe of four acres of the said church lands, with the mansion, gardens and other premises which were then occupied by the provost. As minister of Bothwell, Gavin Hamilton s stipend was the hail dewtie of the prowestrie of Bothwell 222, with the vicarage 6 13s 4d (Scots) - a total of 19 1s 2d (Sterling). At times, he seems to have been responsible for paying the stipend of the minister of Shotts. 7 7 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of membership of the Church should be make contact with the Minister who will be happy to speak with them. Discussions held are entirely open-ended with no prior commitment being involved. The emphasis is upon informality and sharing our thoughts. An open invitation is, therefore, extended to all who may be interested. The Minister may be contacted on a Sunday at church, or during the week at the church Office. A New Way to Receive Your Magazine? Did you know that the magazine can be found on our Church website? category/magazine By reading your magazine on-line via laptops, Kindles, tablets and i-phones, and not receiving a paper copy, you would be helping the Church to continue to develop as an eco-congregation and you would also be helping us to save money in printing costs. If you decide this is an option for you, please send an to the office bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com detailing your name and address, to allow us to make adjustments to the number of copies printed. John Crichton Session Clerk