Hilda makes an art of supporting others

For retired minister, Rev Hilda Smith, going out into the community to share her faith and offer support where she could was always a central part of her ministry.

Although each of the communities she has worked in were different – an urban parish in Glasgow with well attested social issues, a children's hospital chaplaincy and a rural parish in Argyll – offering support has been at the core of her service as a minister of Word and Sacrament.

Speaking as part of the monthly Church of Scotland Talking Ministry feature, Ms Smith said: "Pastoral work within the parish was always my forte. It was a real privilege to be allowed to share in people's lives at the most horrendous of times as well as in much happier times."

Putting aside her original plans to become a languages teacher after a bad reaction to a lumbar puncture, Miss Smith began her ministry In Drumry: St. Mary's in Drumchapel, an area which brought its own challenges but she absolutely loved it.

She said: "There were so many opportunities to offer both pastoral and practical support. We had numerous clubs organised for children and youth, and both came pouring through the doors.

"I also had a really strong connection with the local primary school. The door was always open to me. I was able to support staff in and out of the classroom. The head teacher used me where appropriate and I was happy to help in whatever way I could."

The only reason Miss Smith decided to leave the parish was because the opportunity arose to take up a post as hospital chaplain in the Yorkhill Trust, which included the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and the Queen Mother's Maternity.

"In both Yorkhill and the parish, there were really tough times, but there were many good times, too. We made the most of those because we never knew what was around the corner," Miss Smith added.

"I was known as the ‘Balloon Lady' by both parents and children. I was someone who helped both parents and children relax and enjoy some downtime. Good relationships were built and if and when the need arose for me to take on a different role, that relationship was already established."

Her final charge was at Lochgilphead in Argyll where she still lives following her retirement from full-time ministry in 2021.

There she found herself being supported by the congregation as well as supporting them following some personal bereavements.

"I came to Lochgilphead in 2005 and in the following three years, I suffered two very significant losses which changed my life forever," she revealed.

"It was a dreadful time, but I was surrounded by lovely people and a very supportive congregation which allowed me, in time, to rebuild my life."

Since retiring from ministry, Miss Smith has devoted much of her time to creating and teaching art, a relatively recent interest, but one which still involves her pastoral skills, with a number of ministers among her students.

"There are real mental health benefits and, as pastoral care has always been my strength, this is now my way of continuing to minister to others," she said.

"You don't need any drawing skills. It's not about talent. You will learn a few simple techniques and you will be blown away by what you can do in a short space of time.

"You may say you don't have time. There is always time. You give constantly to others. This is down time for you. Reduce your time on social media. Stop watching news which drags you down. Skip all those things that will be bad for your mental health and start drawing and creating something which will give you and others pleasure."

Read the full interview on our Talking Ministry page.