The Eighth Decade (1976-1985)


During this decade the congregation continued to be led by Mr Paterson. Several improvements to the premises were made.  The Reid Room - built with a legacy from the late Miss J. Reid - filled the void between the church and the Large Hall. At the same time a kitchen adjacent to the Large Hall and a new vestibule at the Baldernock Road entrance were added.

The Organ


Fayre BrochureIn 1980 the organ was overhauled and its action electrified, thanks Organ recital reportto a major fund-raising effort which had as its centrepiece a day-long Autumn Fayre in Milngavie Primary School.
The following is an excerpt from a document entitled 'History of the Organ' (  full text here - a 'must read' for any organ aficionado ):

"During the summer months when the church was closed, the entire Great organ was removed and taken to Mossley, where new soundboards were cut to accept the smaller pipes. The work was carried out, the organ re-erected and working in time for the church reopening on August 26th, a total of five weeks." (! ! Ed. )

Morning services - traditionally held at 11.30am to suit the rural community - were brought forward to 11am and monthly evening communion services were established.

In January 1981 a service to mark the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the present church building took place - this was the first service to be recorded on tape, copies of which were circulated to housebound members of the congregation. Soon after this, the recording of services and the distribution of the tapes became a regular feature in St Paul's.
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A New Stained Glass Window

"To the glory of God and in loving memory of Andrew Nelson Ferguson who served for Sixty Years in 1st Milngavie Boys' Brigade, 1915 - 1975, as Captain. "


Dedicated in 1979.
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Outreach to the Community

Friendship House brochureOutreach to the community continued in the form of the "Good News for Milngavie" campaign in 1978 and the formation of the Lunch Club in 1983. Opening Friendship H.
St. Paul's Church was actively involved in the formation and running of Friendship House - an interdenominational project to establish a focus for fellowship in the community.   As with the Lunch Club, Friendship House continues today, offering warm friendship and an opportunity for spiritual help, to all who drop in, for whatever reason.  A development of this service is 'Friendship Circle' where the otherwise housebound are welcomed all day every Wednesday in Milngavie Town Hall, with transport to and from provided.
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Moderator of the General Assembly

Rev. Paterson in Moderatorial garbMr. Paterson served as Moderator of Dumbarton Presbytery in 1982/83 (taking over from another Milngavie minister, Rev. Roy Paterson, of Cairns Church) then, in May 1984 he was installed as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. An excellent profile was published in Life & Work and some press cuttings can be viewed by following the links below.

 

 

Moderator & Mrs. Paterson at (one of many) receptionDuring his year of office he visited America, Cyprus, Kenya, and Egypt as well as travelling throughout Scotland (read his interesting report sent back to St. Paul's congregation!) and taking part in the service in Westminster Abbey to mark the fortieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Mr J.Hay Hamilton served the congregation as locum minister during this time.

Mr Paterson's year as Moderator was marked in two ways. First the congregation agreed to give financial backing to a project to establish a Technical High School in Sagalla in Kenya. A brass plaque listing all the Ministers of St. Paul's Church was also commissioned.
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A Thriving Girls' Brigade

The Girls' Brigade continued to flourish and several of the girls gained awards under Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, with the first 4 to get the Gold Award receiving theirs at the Palace of Holyrood in October 1979. In 1985, it celebrated its 25th Anniversary.

Staff & Helpers 1980
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Press Miscellany

A selection of press cuttings pertaining to the church and its organisations during this decade will (eventually!) appear here.
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