In 1972, Greenhills Parish Church began with 20 people gathering in the manse for worship. As numbers grew, the congregation became established in Castlefield Primary School until the present building opened in April 1977.
Forty years on, there was a special service to mark the anniversary of the building. The service was led by the Moderator of Hamilton Presbytery, the Rev Gavin Black, and the guest preacher was the Rev Alan McWilliam of Whiteinch Church in Glasgow – son of Greenhills’ first minister, the Rev Tom McWilliam.
Other participants included Chris Coles, one of the first elders; Deaconess Agnes Tait, one of the first female elders; Ella Mathieson, session clerk, present minister the Rev John Brewster, Caleb Nwongbouwoh Muefong from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, the Rev Dr John McPake of Mossneuk Parish Church, and the Rev Dr Gordon McCracken, the Presbytery Clerk as well as local politicians Lisa Cameron MP and Linda Fabiani MSP.
There were reflections on the 40 year history, and commitment about moving on into the future. Many letters and cards were received and there is special appreciation of neighbours at St Vincent’s RC church who gifted a large Irish crystal cross with a personalised inscription. There followed a special fellowship tea with a birthday cake, and in the evening the church hosted the annual joint choir concert for Christian Aid. Pictured from left: Ella Mathieson, Margaret Smithers, Rev John Brewster, Joy Munro, Mary Coles, Sheila McDermott.