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The linkage between
the Parishes of Banton and Twechar
was formed in 1975 and an excellent relationship exists between the churches. The
Parishes The villages
of Banton and Twechar are
situated in Central Scotland some six miles apart with the small town of Both parishes
have a long and interesting history with Twechar
being linked to the Roman invasion of Britain (Barrhill
Roman Fort and the Antonine wall) and Banton being linked to the 17th Century covenanters
struggle (Battle of Kilsyth 1645). Both churches
enjoy a high profile in their respective communities with church elders and
members being represented on many of the committees, school boards, social
groups and clubs. Elders from both churches are represented on the 'Kirks the
Gither' group centred on
the four local Church of Scotland churches. Banton Church Hall
The hall
adjacent to the church was built and opened in 1949. The main hall
accommodates seating for 60 and has a stage. The sound equipment in the
church may be used if required. There is a small well- equipped kitchen,
toilets and storage. Adjacent is a vestry that is also used as the Session
Room The hall was fully renovated and modernised following grant aid given from the government's Land Fill Tax Credit Scheme
during 2000.
The Manse Erected in
1878 the manse is beautifully situated in Banton.
The two congregations share the responsibility of the manse. The
accommodation consists an attractive entrance hall,
2 dayrooms, bedrooms, study, kitchen and bathroom. The house has full double-glazing and full LPG central heating.
There is an extensive, easily maintained,
mature garden to the rear, side and front of the property. There is a garage
for one car and hard standing for five or six more. Carpets and curtains are
available in most rooms. There is a village primary school of 68 pupils that
enjoys an excellent reputation.
The local
Health Centre is in Kilsyth (3miles). Here general
practitioner and other services are available. A library van
visits Banton every week and there is also a branch library in Kilsyth.
There is one
general store/newsagent in Banton and 2 in Twechar. Each has a
bowling club and public house. Banton also has two hard tennis courts and a community centre.
Situated in
beautiful countryside, the area boasts suitable facilities for walking,
cycling, golf, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. The
Churches Twice a year there is a joint service of Banton
and Twechar congregations which is always well
attended. Please bring along friends and family who will be given a warm
welcome to our service. The Church was
opened in 1902 and in 2002 celebrated its centenary. It is an elegant
building of red stone built in early Gothic style. The church includes many
beautiful fittings not least of which is the renovated 'Willis'
organ, much admired by visitors, which was originally powered by water
pressure but later converted to electricity.
Worship Weekly
services are held at 10.15am with the Sacrament of Holy Communion being held
in May and November. Members of the Sunday
School On a Sunday there is “The Ark” which is for
3-12 year olds who meet in the church at the beginning of the service before going for their own teaching. The children return at the end of worship to tell adults what they have learnt and any news they may have. For further details contact
01236 826129.
On the 5th
Sunday of the month there is a service held within the Community Centre of Banton to enable members of the village who are unable to
attend regular worship, access to be part of the service.
Sunday
School Rainbow Club (2-8yrs) Chris + Club (9-12yrs).
Also at Sunday school there is a weekly visit from the church mascot,
Moss who is a 4 year old Collie cross dog who lives in the manse with Sandra,
Robin and Iain. He even has his own article in the Parish magazine which is
published quarterly. He is a friendly dog who loves everyone and makes
everyone feel welcome.
Memorial
Service Once a year
there is a memorial service held whereby any congregation members who have
been bereaved are welcome to pray and worship. Any friends and other family
members are always welcome. The memorial service is held at Banton and Twechar on alternate
years. The
congregation is made up of 76 members of whom 94 live within the parish. Sunday
worship has an average attendance of between 35 to 40,
Communion attendances being slightly higher. Since Sandra has resumed
the post of minister at Twechar, the congregation
numbers in the past 6-7 years have increased. There are on average 4/5 weddings
per year with baptisms and funerals as required.. The congregational board
meets monthly and is assisted by congregation members and parishioners when
required at various fund raising events. The Kirk Session consists
twelve elders (6 male and 6 female) and great emphasis is laid on the
important role each plays in the Church's life.
Worship Group There is a
worship group at Twechar which consists of 3
members of the congregation who assist and participate on a regular basis.
In addition there is a rota of readers.
Pastoral Care Group This small team of volunteers
aide and assist the minister and elders in care of the congregation and the
parish.
Twechar Daycare Association Twelve years
ago the District Council who was looking for premises for a new Daycare
Centre approached the church. Following discussion an agreement was reached
whereby the Church hall located next to the church was refurbished to
accommodate this group. The Daycare Association was formed to offer a place
where the elderly or infirm could meet for fellowship and care and has proved
a successful venture for both church and Community. The group meets Monday
Wednesday and Friday each week from 10.30am to 3.00pm. Lunch is provided and
a programme of activities is available. Support As well as a
long established Clergy Fraternal in the Kilsyth
area, Kirks the Gither, which was born out of the
Glasgow Presbytery Mission Plan has been in existence since 1996. Kirks the Gither gives support to all Church of Scotland churches
within the Kilsyth area with the mission aim: To
proclaim the gospel and increase the followers of Christ. The Future We hope and pray that we can increase our mission and spread the gospel in our rural parishes. |
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