Hilary Cameron reports on the legacy of a long-serving minister in Inverclyde.

PARISH NEWS

On August 31 Inverkip Church celebrates 50 years since the opening of the church hall – or the Crawford Memorial Hall to give its official name.

But who was William Crawford and why is the church hall named after him?

The hall was gifted to the church and community in the will of the late Rev William Crawford, the longest serving minister. He served the parish for 51 years, through both world wars, and is still personally remembered by some members of the congregation.

William Crawford was born in Erskine Cottage, Alloa on March 9 1877. He was the second of nine children of John and Williamina Crawford and was educated at Dollar Academy and the University of St Andrews, graduating with an MA in 1899 and a BD in 1902. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Stirling in 1903 and was assistant at Dunblane Cathedral. He was ordained and inducted to Inverkip Parish Church on May 10 1905 following the departure of the Rev Alexander McQuisten.

William served as a Chaplain to HM Forces from 1915 to 1918, and was awarded the Military Cross in 1918. He was attached to the 8th Seaforth Highlanders. He wrote back to the church while on active service, describing his role amongst the most difficult conditions: ‘Sometimes I think that the greatest peril that faces the lads out here is not the shells nor the bullets of the enemy – not anything like that, but the hardening influence of war. War withers the soul.’

The first reference to the need for a church hall appears in the minutes of the Congregational Board in June 1955, the year before Mr Crawford retired. However, the board persevered with its existing hall – a former United Free Church building – before deciding that a new building would be a most cost-effective option.

William Crawford

William Crawford with kirk session, 1955

Mr Crawford died in October 1966, and the following extract minute is contained in the records of the Board: “The Board expressed the desire to put on record the steadfast service rendered, since 1905, by the late Rev William Crawford MC BD, to the Parish of Inverkip until he departed this life suddenly on the 18th October 1966. His influence and example for good lives on.”

His generous gift of a church hall and his many other gifts to the community he loved so well are gratefully and thankfully received and will serve as an everlasting memorial to one who led – as he often prayed from the pulpit in Inverkip – ‘Not tasks equal to his power but powers equal to his task’

The hall was opened and dedicated on August 31 1967, with the keys handed to his niece, Barbara Smith.

Mr Crawford’s successor, the Rev Ronald Maxton, was reported to have said in the local newspaper: “It can be truly said that the length of (Mr Crawford’s) ministry was matched by his devotion to and care of the people of the parish and congregation. The hall itself is a token of his abiding love for this place and its people, and is fittingly called a memorial hall.”

The church hall was extended in 1982 and remains well used by church and community groups alike. Mr Crawford’s photograph, together with some of the other previous ministers, hangs proudly in the vestry as a reminder of his dedication to service to the church and the village of Inverkip.