Two Wishaw churches are set to close for worship by the end of the year thanks to radical plans announced by the Church of Scotland.
The Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale have taken the decision to amalgamate St Marks Church in Coltness, Wishaw Old and Cambusnethan Old and Morningside.
On Sunday, January 5, services will commence of Wishaw New Kirk in the St Marks building. But that means the Wishaw Old and Cambusnethan buildings will be closed for worship with final services set to be held on December 29.
Confirming the news on its Facebook page, Wishaw Old Parish Church posted: “In 1840, our church building opened as a Chapel of Ease and became a Parish Church in its own right in 1855.
“Wishaw Old Parish Church is the oldest building in Wishaw and our church spire with its clock faces is a landmark on Wishaw Main Street.
“In the past 184 years, we have brought the word of God to the people of Wishaw and beyond, through well over 10,000 services led by 11 ministers and numerous Interim Moderators and Readers.
“Thousands of people have been baptised, married and have had funerals in our sanctuary, they’ve came to our Sunday School, Saturday and Midweek Cafes, our Women’s Guild, our Men’s Club, our Youth Fellowship, Guides, Brownies, Rosebuds and our Boys’ Brigade Company.
“It is therefore with great sadness that we announce that the Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale have taken the decision to close our church for Sunday Worship after the service on Sunday, December 29.
“From January 1, we become part of Wishaw New Kirk Church of Scotland, which will be based in St Marks Church in Coltness.
“Although Wishaw Old is closing for Sunday worship, our building remains open. There will still be services taking place at various times in our Church, also our various organisations currently using our building such as our Saturday Cafe, 2nd Wishaw Boys’ Brigade Company, Wishaw and District Brigade Band, our Men’s Club and various lets from the YMCA will continue to meet in our premises.
“We would like to welcome all past and present members to join us for worship over the Christmas period and especially on 29th December for our final Sunday Service.
“As the timing of our closure for worship was six months earlier than we had expected and at a time of year that it is inconvenient for many, we plan to hold a more formal closing service in the new year.
Writing on social media, Cambusnethan Old and Morningside Parish Church stated: “Since 1650 there has been a church here and sadly it has been decided by The Church of Scotland that, Cambusnethan Old and Morningside Parish Church will close after Sunday service on December 29.
“This will be the last and final Church of Scotland service held in this beautiful building as it bids farewell to the community of Cambusnethan and Wishaw.
“All members, past and present, friends, neighbours and the community are invited to join with us to honour the work and dedication of the people who contributed so much, not only to the local community, but world mission.”
A spokesperson from St Marks added: “Sunday, December 29, will be the final service of Wishaw St Marks Church and we intend to mark the occasion with a special service, to which all past and present members, and anyone with a connection to St Marks, will be very welcome.
“Everyone is invited to stay after the service for a final cuppa, blether and maybe even a mince pie and some shorty.
“On Sunday, January 5, services will commence of Wishaw New Kirk in the St Marks building, the new charge is the amalgamation of Wishaw St Marks, Wishaw Old and Cambusnethan Old and Morningside following the reorganisation of churches in the Wishaw area.
“All will be welcome to come along to the new charge. More details will follow in due course.”
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