Deacon honoured with BEM for extraordinary service to Glasgow community

A Church of Scotland deacon has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his extraordinary "hands-on service" to his local community.

James Hamilton DCS said it was a "huge surprise and shock" to be included in The King's Birthday Honours List 2025.

He has faithfully served the Parish of Maryhill Ruchill Church in Glasgow for 25-years, bringing the community together in a variety of diverse and meaningful ways, motivated by the good news of Jesus Christ.

Mr Hamilton, who is known as Jim, has been instrumental in the organisation and running of the Cadder Gala Day for 25 years.

But the 60-year-old said the award is recognition to all the people who are passionate about serving the local community to "improve people's lives and make it a better place that we can be proud of".

"It is huge privilege to serve as a deacon, being a bridge builder to the communities my congregation serves," explained Mr Hamilton.

"I am the face of the church, however so many people have quietly helped behind the scenes as unsung heroes and this award is also for the team effort."

Community needs

The British Empire Medal is awarded for "hands-on" service to the local community, long-term charitable, voluntary activity or innovative work that has made a significant difference.

Deacons have been ministering in the Church of Scotland for more than 120 years and tend to serve in areas of great need and scarce resources.

A collaborative ministry, they discern the gifts and the needs of the community, work with individuals and groups at grassroots level, nurture relationships, offer pastoral support, training, education and contextualise the gospel in people's daily lives.

Mr Hamilton, who grew up on a free-range egg farm in Hoprig, near Cockburnpath in Berwickshire, has been a deacon for more than 30 years.

He is married to Karen, who serves as a deacon in Cambuslang, and they met at St Colm's College in Edinburgh, a former Church of Scotland training centre.

The Glasgow-based couple have a son named Fraser.

Partnerships

Mr Hamilton's passions in life include cricket and rugby, which he uses in his school chaplaincy role.

"My work includes coaching schools' rugby in five primary schools on a weekly basis," he said.

"The rugby concludes in the summer competing for the Church cup and the sportsmanship trophy.

"I work with under-5s in our Stay and Play project at the church, which is a labour of love, and our 152nd Glasgow Boys' Brigade company.

"I have served on the board of the Maryhill Integration Network, which supports asylum seekers and refugees since its inception and I have taken a special interest in walking alongside people as they navigate the Home Office process.

"Overlapping this is the care and support for the hungry, needy and lonely people in the parish which requires partnership with many different support organisations."

Mr Hamilton plays a key role in the production of the Maryhill Activity Directory, a booklet of all the various all ages activities in the Greater Maryhill area.

"It is biannual and is in its 10th edition and attached to this is the People Make Maryhill event where we say thank you to the unsung heroes working in our communities.

"Getting this award has been a huge surprise and shock, if I am being honest.

"You want to find out who to thank for the nomination.

"I have learned so much and want to thank the various people in the church and parish that have worked alongside me.

"However, I believe we are just doing our work in Jesus's name."

Click here for more information on how to train to be a Church of Scotland deacon.