The Fifth Decade (1946-1955)

The end of the Second World War left much sadness and devastation behind not only in Scotland, but indeed all over the world. Building a new life on the ruins was not easy; rationing, the loss of man power and lack of resources affected every family in the land and the church too - yet faithful persistence helped to overcome the obstacles.
In 1946 the Milngavie Churches launched an Expansion Movement with “Open Door” meetings in the local picture house and door-to-door visitation. One year later the Church of Scotland congregations formed a permanent Joint Committee to foster further co-operation. The hope of a new beginning was in the air.

The church needed urgent repairs to the roof and the main steps and the heating needed improvement also. In 1946 an appeal was made to the congregation for £1,000 to cover the works. The result was tremendous; St. Paul’s became one of the first churches to be equipped with a modern, oil-burning thermostatically-controlled heating boiler.

Baptismal Font

In 1948, by an anonymous donation, a Baptismal Font was added to the Sanctuary, a long-felt need thus being satisfied.

1949 - Rev. Donald M. MacDonald marries & leaves for Nairn!

In 1949 the Rev. Donald M. MacDonald was married to a member of the congregation, Miss Dorothy Weir.  Shortly thereafter, he was called to be minister of Old Parish Church at Nairn. His ministry in Milngavie had been richly blessed: the membership of St. Paul’s grew from 700 to 850 and the annual giving of the congregation also increased from £900 to some £2,000! He was sorely missed.

Rev. T. Downie

On 6th June 1950 the Rev. Thomas A. Downie was inducted as the ninth minister of the congregation.

Mr. Downie was a graduate in Arts of Glasgow University and he gained his Theology diploma from Trinity College, being an outstanding scholar in a number of fields. He came from a nine years' long ministry at North Parish Church, Dunfermline. After his arrival, he soon formed a deep attachment for the church and the people. Among his innovations was his contribution of a Pastoral Letter to the church magazine, adding spiritual depth to the publication.

Significant points of note during his ministry include:

• The formation of a Social Guild with the aim of fostering a family spirit among the congregation.
•  Overhaul of the organ.
• The Fallen of the Second World War were commemorated by the installation of the Hearing Aid System (dedicated Nov. 1951)

December 1951 Quarterly Record

New Stained Glass Window

A further stained glass window lifted the decoration of the church; it was the gift of Mr. William Hutchison, headmaster of the local school, in memory of his late wife, Jessie S. Hutchison.  It is situated in the West Clerestory.

A Thriving Sunday School

The Sunday School grew steadily having a total of 216 children and a dedicated group of teachers!

Attendance Cert. 44/45 (Margaret Hamilton)	Sunday School Teachers Balloch Park, 1953	S.S. Teachers -pulling together (Picnic 1954)	Attendance Cert. 46/47 (Joyce Fleming)

June 1953 Quarterly Record

Individual Communion Cups
         introduced April 1954

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September 1954 Quarterly Record

The Church 1955

1955 saw a new mission initiative in the community: the "Tell Scotland Campaign", part of which was the remarkable 'Billy Graham Crusade' in Kelvin Hall.

On 22nd May 1955 the jubilee of the laying of the Memorial Stone of the church building was marked with special services.

By the end of the year, however, the congregation was searching for a new minister once again: in November 1955 the Rev. Downie became minister of St. Luke's Church, Edinburgh. This decade had its share of challenges and difficulties too. The steadfastness and commitment of the people was once again evident as they successfully rose to these challenges