A JOYOUS occasion was celebrated at Saltcoats St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church last Wednesday as Revd Sarah Nicol B.Sc BD Mth was inducted into the charge by Ardrossan Presbytery.

The church was packed with the clergy and elders of Presbytery; members of St. Cuthbert’s; friends and guests of the new minister and friends of the church from the wider community.

The Solemn Induction Service was deeply moving as Rev. Nicol and the congregation took their vows.

The Moderator of Ardrossan Presbytery and Interim Moderator of St. Cuthbert’s, Rev. David Watson B Sc BD of Largs Clark Memorial Church, officiated, assisted by Rev. Hilary Beresford BD and Rev. Jeanette Whitecross BD. The right hand of fellowship was given to Rev. Nicol by all Presbytery members present. The music was wonderful, thanks to the voices from the choir stalls and indeed from the pews and due in no small part to the resounding sound of the organ played magnificently by Rosemary Smith, St. Cuthbert’s organist. Mrs Jean Hunter, Presbytery Clerk, organised this special service and is to be sincerely thanked for all her efforts.

Reverend Sarah Nicol is the first woman minister in the 110 year history of St. Cuthbert’s and was inducted in the year that sees the Church of Scotland celebrate 50 years since the decision was taken to ordain women as Ministers of Word and Sacrament.

After a break for refreshments, an informal social followed. This happy occasion was chaired by Rev. David Watson. Mr Andrew Cook from Kirn and Mrs Pauline Weibye from Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh introduced Sarah to the congregation after a St Cuthbert’s welcome from Elsa Kirk, Session Clerk. Thereafter Sarah took the chair and thanked all those who had made her and her husband Stewart so welcome in Saltcoats. As Sarah’s former charge was in Aberdeen it was fitting that she was welcomed on behalf of local clergy by Rev. Alec Noble of Saltcoats North Parish, himself an Aberdonian.

Presentations were made to Revd Sarah Nicol; Mr Stewart Nicol; Revd David Watson and to our locum minister, Mr Bert McCool. As St Cuthbert’s so values the contribution made to the church and to the community by our young people, it was a delight to see Megan Roberts (Youth Group); Grant McLellan (Boys’ Brigade); Sarah Park and Amy Park (both Youth Group) make the presentations with grace and great footwork.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr Simon Hales of St Cuthbert’s Session; the Doxology and Benediction pronounced by Rev. Sarah Nicol and a most joyous evening was brought to a close.

Rev. Nicol will be in the St Cuthbert’s pulpit from Sunday 5th August and is already fully involved in her new charge. All are welcome to attend Sunday worship at 10.45am in St Cuthbert’s.