MEMBERS of a Saltcoats church were honoured as they chalked up almost 1,500 years of service between them.

At a recent special service held in Saltcoats St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, 29 members were recognised for their long and dedicated service to the church.

They received their awards for fulfilling their roles as elders, choir members and leaders of church organisations for commitment ranging from 25 to 65 years.

Conducting the service and making the presentations was visiting preacher Rev Alan Ward who said: “I am in awe of the comThese St Cuthbert’s members have put in almost 1500 years of service between them. mitment and stamina of so many people who have served the Church so faithfully for so many years. You are an example of dedication which we hope many others will follow.”

Certificates were presented to Choir members William Parker 27 years; Jean Mitchell 28; Rosslyn Lee 32; Elizabeth Barclay 32; Jessie Brown 45; Rosemary Smith 46; John Gallagher 47; Ann Turner and Ena Grove 50; Evelyn Slater 65.

Elders receiving awards were Simon Hales and Nan Smith 30 years; Joan Gordon, Sheila Hanlon and William Parker 31; Hunter Grove and Robert Hunter 35; Evelyn Slater, John Gallagher and George Hammersley 40; Robert Brown 44; William Hogarth 49; Bill Smith 51; Chris Knight 54; Peter Milne 62; John Aitken and the late John Barbour 63; finally Archie MacIntyre 64.

The service by two stalwarts of the Sunday School teaching staff Senga McCallum and Julie Fisher with 44 and 25 years respectively was also recognised.

The 40th anniversary as an officer in the 5th Saltcoats Girls’ Brigade by retiring Captain Lorna Hamilton and 62 years of active involvement at all levels in the Boys’ Brigade by Chris Knight also warranted recognition.

Management of finances is a constant and hugely important commitment in any church.

This year saw the 50th set of accounts prepared by Ann and the late Findlay Turner.

A remarkable total of 1,436 years has been recorded by these members to the Church of Scotland with the vast majority of that service being to Saltcoats St Cuthbert’s.

Many of the recipients and members of the congregation took the opportunity to meet afterwards to share lunch and the fellowship that the occasion provided.

Congratulations to all of those honoured from everyone at the Herald.