Thomas Baldwin reports on a refurbishment which has transformed a Lanarkshire church into a community hub.

A Lanark church has re-opened after a £100,000 refurbishment to transform it into a community hub fit for the 21st century.

The interior of Greyfriars Parish Church has been modernised to create a versatile and flexible space to enable the congregation to worship in more imaginative ways.

Replacing the pews with chairs and installing remote controlled blackout window blinds means the building is suitable for a range of activities like theatre productions, film screenings and fitness classes.

The new look church, which has been redecorated, rewired and fitted with new carpets and heating system, officially reopened on September 3 and was rededicated by the Moderator of the General Assembly on November 19.

Minister, the Rev Bryan Kerr, said he was “absolutely delighted” with the result of the work, which took three months.

“Everything just looks fresh, clean, loved and cared for which is what we aimed for”, he added.

“Members have reacted positively and we have managed to retain the building’s character so it still feels like church.

“The congregation have always used the church in creative ways for the community and this allows us to take it the next level.

“They are really open to new ideas and exploring what it means for us in terms of developing our own faith.”

Mr Kerr said audio-visual equipment had been relocated to the balcony to free up space and round tables had been bought to hold informal cafe-style services.

He added that plans were underway to create a Labyrinth on the floor and bookings to hold Clubbercise fitness classes, complete with disco music and glow sticks, and a production of a comedy called A Monk’s Tale had been secured.

“We feel that the building we now have will serve our needs and enable us to serve the community better.

“We hope that people will be able to see the real possibilities for Greyfriars going forward.”

Members held joint services with nearby St Nicholas Church, other Christian denominations and used the church hall while the work was carried out.

The Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Rev Derek Browning, said it was a “pleasure” to preach at the church and bless a new banner and wood communion plates made from former pews. He also unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

The sanctuary re-dedication service was led by Dr Browning, Mr Kerr, and the Rev Louise MacKay, minister of St Nicholas Church.

Local dignitaries including the Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, Ian McAllan, Depute Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Millar Stoddart, MSP for Clydesdale, Aileen Campbell, and Frank Gunning, chairman of Royal Burgh of Lanark Community Council, attended.

Dr Browning said: “I had a lovely day at Greyfriars Parish Church where I was invited to rededicate the building after its refurbishment, and also bless a new banner and communion plates.

“It was a great turn out and a very warm welcome.

“It was a pleasure to preach the sermon and meet the people.”

Mr Kerr said it was a “great honour” to have the Moderator rededicate the church to the glory of God.

He revealed that the service was the culmination of years of planning and work, noting that the Kirk Session first discussed refurbishing the sanctuary in 1994.

Mr Kerr said: “During the service, the Moderator also dedicated a new banner, designed and made by volunteers in our banner group.

“They have expertly picked out the colours from around our refurbished sanctuary to tie them all into a banner that depicts a cross at the centre and an almost explosion of colour and shards from the cross.

“It symbolises our need to take the message of Jesus’s life and ministry to our community.

“We also had Clydesdale Community Initiatives take some of our old pew wood and turn them into beautiful plates that we will use for serving bread at our services of communion.

“Those old dependable pews, that for many were a sign of constancy within the church building, now have a new life.”

Correction

The article in the December issue about the reopening of Dunscore Church should have read: ‘Church reopens after £200,000 refurbishment’. We apologise for the incorrect headline which appeared on the story.