'Beacon of hope and service' Ayrshire church marks 250th anniversary

A special service of thanksgiving was held to mark the 250th anniversary of a North Ayrshire church described as a "beacon of hope and service" to the community.

Local dignitaries, representatives from youth and community groups and former ministers joined the congregation of Kilwinning Abbey Church on Sunday for what proved to be a memorable day.

The service was led by deacon Isobel Beck DCS and interim moderator Rev James McNay.

Located in the heart of Kilwinning, the historic church was originally built by John Garland and John Wright, with construction completed in 1774.

It stands on the site of its 16th-century predecessor, which itself was built within the ruins of Kilwinning Abbey, founded in approximately 1188.

The anniversary has been marked in the Scottish Parliament with a motion lodged by West of Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark.

Signed by cross-party MSPs, it notes that the church is "still at the heart" of the community 250 years later and commends it on its work to "support the community of Kilwinning".

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly, was unable to attend the service as he is currently in London to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest to the Church with ecumenical and interfaith partners and political party representatives.

He sent the congregation a letter of congratulations with God's blessings and said he planned to be with them in person in March next year.

Loving Christian service

Mrs Beck said: "For 250 years, our church has been a beacon of hope and service within the community, adapting to the changing needs of those we serve while remaining rooted in our mission of love and support.

"The service was one of thanksgiving for the Church's long-standing role in the community, and offered a reflection of its history and praise for the contribution it has made to the people and the life of the town."

Former ministers including Rev Bill Buchan, Rev Marion Howie, Rev Jeanette Whitecross and Rev Ross Mitchell took part in the service.

It included music from the youth of the church and Katie Roy, a Kilwinning Scout, was presented with the Coronation Medal from David Park, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran - personal representative of King Charles III.

The service was also attended by Anthea Dickson, Provost of North Ayrshire Council, and the church was draped with the colours of the British Legion, the Boys Brigade, the Scouts and the Guides.

Mrs Beck, who has served the church as deacon since 2016, said members of the congregation mounted a "fabulous exhibition" to display the history of the church and great fellowship was had by all as refreshments were served.

"I love serving the people of Kilwinning Abbey and the community," she added.

"We continue to be a busy church with our Sunday morning service, which is now live-streamed to reach those who cannot attend in person.

"We have our Jigsaw club and Grid group for our young people, a warm hub on a Monday, there are various activities throughout the week in our church hall for all ages, including craft groups, Boys Brigade, Guides and the Guild.

"We have a good connection with our three primary schools and the secondary school, provide weekly support to our local food larder and different community projects at this time of year with food and gifts.

"This is all in addition to the daily parish work, and we continue to have a very supportive congregation and hope to maintain this connection between church and community for many years to come."

In a letter to the congregation, Dr Paterson wrote: "Many congratulations on reaching this significant anniversary.

"I am delighted to offer you my congratulations and, on behalf of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, thank you and all associated with the Abbey Church over the years, for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in the community you serve.

"I am sorry I cannot be with you for the Thanksgiving Service this afternoon, but look forward to sharing with you, and to celebrating Communion, on Sunday, 9 March 2025.

"May God continue to bless you as you step forward into your future; building together the Church of Jesus Christ - the theme for my Moderatorial year-within Kilwinning."