|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
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. 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, 3 bedrooms, study, kitchen and modernised
bathroom. The house has full double-glazing and full Calor gas central
heating. An extensive refurbishment took place in 1989. Following an
inspection by a structural engineer in 2001 it was noted that except for some
nail sickness in part of the roof, a clean bill of health be given to the
main structure. Extensive redecoration is however required prior to our
minister taking up residence. 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 the village every week and there is also a branch library in Kilsyth. There is one
general store/newsagent and sub Post Office in the village. There is a
bowling club, two hard tennis courts, a public house and 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 is soon to celebrate 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 recently 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 10.25am 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 specifically for
3-12 year olds. Meet in the church at the beginning of the service and then
go to “The Ark”. For further details contact 01236 826129. The Church was
constructed in 1838 as a 'chapel of ease' and was erected a parish 'quoad
sacra' in 1888. The church seats 300 and was renovated in 2000. The Church
has a Worship Weekly
services are held at 12.00pm with the Sacrament of Holy Communion being held
at Easter, June and November. Additional Services are held on Good Friday and
a Christmas Eve Service is held at which members of 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 On a Sunday there is “The Rainbow Club” which is
specifically for 3-12 year olds. Meet in the church hall at 12.00pm. Also at Sunday school there is a weekly visit from the church mascot,
Moss who is a 2 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. Maintenance The overall
maintenance of the Church buildings is the responsibility of the respective
congregational boards. A full report of condition and necessary repairs is
given by the Fabric convenor to the respective monthly board meeting. The
manse is the joint responsibility of Banton and Twechar Congregational Boards
and a general upgrade of the Manse will be undertaken prior to the new
minister taking up residence. Finances The
congregations are aid receiving but are financially sound and all obligations
to the national church and to Glasgow Presbytery are met from respective
weekly offerings. Special needs are met through various separate fund-raising
activities. The
Congregations The
congregation numbers 84 and although this is one of the smaller congregations
within Glasgow Presbytery, it is an extremely dedicated one. The congregation
numbers have decreased only slightly over the last ten years or so and at
less than1% compares to the Church of Scotland average of 2.8% over the same
period. The congregational board consisting of 17 members meets monthly and
has readily available assistance from congregation members when required.
There are eleven members of session (6 male 5 female). Great emphasis is
placed on the important role that Elders play in the life of the church,
which includes regular visits to parishioners. Twechar
Parish Church The
congregation is made up of 115 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 4-5 years have
increased. There are on average 2/3 weddings per year with baptisms and
funerals as required. Congregation numbers have remained constant over the
past ten years or so. 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. There is a rota of leaders. Pastoral Care Group This is to 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. Banton
Church Hall The hall
adjacent to the church was built and opened in 1949. The main hall
accommodates seating for 70 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. In a typical week the hall accommodates Sunday School and a Line
Dancing class. It is also used for some of the fund raising activities of the
congregation. The hall was fully renovated and modernised following grant aid
given from the government's Land Fill Tax Credit Scheme during 2000. 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 It is a stated condition of the basis of re-viewable
tenure that we work much closer with the other Church of Scotland churches in
Kilsyth towards a new form of ministry. It is envisaged, by Presbytery, that
the Kilsyth area be served by a Community Parish Ministry at some time in the
future. The Kirk Session and members of both Banton and |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
