Thursday September 8
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Galston Parish Church in East Ayrshire used the occasion of Doors Open Day to celebrate the bicentenary of a former minister’s invention.
The Stirling Engine was patented in 1816 by the Rev Dr Robert Stirling, who was minister in Galston for 54 years. Last year, the congregation organised the replacement of the memorial stone to Dr Stirling in their churchyard.
As part of the weekend, a Songs of Praise service was held, attended by more than 150 people. There was a display of the work of church organisations and a Stirling Exhibition, with working engines and models demonstrated by enthusiast Willie Kidd.
During the service author James Rizzo from Malta and Dr Marie Laurie of Glasgow (both pictured) made three presentations to the congregation. The first was a hard-bound copy of ‘Stirling Engine Projects – Volume 1’, the latest book to be published by Mr Rizzo. The second was a powered model Mr Rizzo had made, almost exactly as in the patent application, of the 1816 Stirling’s vision of how the ‘air engine’ would work. The third gift was a specially prepared presentation of the full text and drawings of the 1816 application on an appropriately ‘scrolled’ board, slightly enlarged so as to be legible at some distance. This had been created by Simon Laurie, brother of Marie.
The nearby Hogg Hall hosted teas, a display of photographs from the church’s photographic competition and there were books, cards and souvenirs on sale, also for charity. As a result £170 had been donated to Ayrshire Hospice and £26 to the church.
In addition to the service, around 100 more people visited the church in the afternoon during Doors Open Day. Visitors came from near and far with the USA, Malta, Sweden, Japan and England all represented.
Over the summer, the linked congregations of Blackridge Parish and Harthill St Andrews, in North Lanarkshire, have had four child baptisms and admitted 13 news members: particularly encouraging as the charge is in vacancy.
To celebrate, a congregational breakfast was held in Blackridge and a lunch in Harthill.
Pictured are some of new members.
The new Church of Scotland church in Castlemilk, Glasgow, opened its doors this weekend for a special service attended by more than 400 people. At the same time, the church announced that it has suspended its foodbank in favour of a new programme of community meals. Full story on the Church of Scotland website.
Post Tags: Parish News Round-up
Stories from East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire and Glasgow in this week's round-up
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Stories from East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire and Glasgow in this week's round-up
Read More >
Stories from East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire and Glasgow in this week's round-up
Read More >
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