THIS year is a very special one in the life of the congregation at St Columba’s Church, Kilbirnie, as they celebrate 50 years of the formation of the church, writes Donald L Reid.

The current minister is Rev Fiona C Ross, who has been responsible for the parish since 2004. However, the history of the church stretches back to the early 19th century.

 Kilbirnie West Kirk, was opened on April 20, 1825, the first minister being Rev James Ferguson. This building was replaced in 1889 being built of red sandstone and this became fondly known locally as the Red Kirk.

 Kilbirnie East Kirk, constructed with white sandstone, was and remains known locally as the White Kirk, and was built in 1843, then reconstructed and enlarged in 1903.

The Red and the White Kirks survived all the historical upheavals within the organisation that ultimately became the Church of Scotland. The two church buildings sit directly opposite each other in the town’s Glasgow Street.

 On January 12, 1964 the former West Church and East Church were united and renamed St Columba’s Parish Church, the congregation meeting in what had been the former East Kirk, and the West Kirk was converted for use as the church hall.

In recent years it was sold and is now used as a children’s nursery.

 At a special service of thanksgiving held on June 15 in St Columba’s and led by Rev Fiona Ross, there were a large congregation and many visitors and representatives from other churches in the Garnock Valley present to help mark the 50th anniversary.

The sermon was delivered by Rev Iain Roy, who had also been present and preached at the 25th anniversary of the church. His theme focused on encouragement, loyalty and teamwork, quoting widely from the Bible and personal experience as a minister.

 The congregation have been extremely busy fundraising over recent years with the aim of building a church hall and meeting rooms.

Their efforts came to fruition earlier this year when the excellent building, linked to the church, was completed.

It was decided that two long-serving elders would play a key role at the 50th anniversary service.

William Smith, former Session Clerk, was invited to cut a cake marking the opening of the hall. Meanwhile, Jim McConnell, who has served as an elder for 49 years, was invited to open the church extension by cutting a ribbon, declaring the new halls officially open to loud applause from the congregation.

 During the very moving service there were solos by the talented duo of Lora Newton who sang Amazing Grace whilst Vikki Graham sang Climb Every Mountain.

Garnock Academy pupils provided the music in the form of a praise band and Paul Sproat from St Columba’s piped the congregation in and out of the service.

The church choir sung Look at the World.

Following the service the congregation were invited to meet in the new hall and enjoy fellowship.

 The ministers who have served in St Columba’s since its formation in 1964 are: Rev Richard M Findlay 1964-1968; Rev George Hudson 1969; Rev Robert WC Galloway 1970-1974; Rev Alexander Thomson 1975-1982; Rev David Broster 1983-2003 and Rev Fiona C Ross 2004- Everyone will join in congratulating Rev Fiona C Ross, office-bearers and congregation of St Columba’s on their 50th birthday and wish them well for the future.