THE congregation at Saltcoats’ Kirkgate Church is celebrating after the completion of major works on the 155-year-old building.

It’s hoped the first service in the refurbished church can be held this weekend.

In 2017, major works were undertaken on the exterior stonework of the church on Chapelwell Street, and several stained glass windows from the former Barony St John’s Church in Ardrossan were reinstalled.

However, in January 2019 the church’s ageing heating system broke down and was unable to be repaired, forcing the congregation to meet in the church hall.

Shortly afterwards, a small section of the church ceiling also fell down due to the cold, damp conditions.

A major programme of refurbishment in the sanctuary was then identified, and due to the need to raise extra funds to allow the repairs to proceed, along with delays relating to the Covid-19 restrictions, work wasn’t able to get under way until May.

Now, seven months later, the church is ready to welcome worshippers to the sanctuary once more.

A church spokesperson told the Herald: “The church pews have been removed to allow the sanctuary to become a much needed multi-functional space.

“Scaffolding was required to allow the new ceiling and LED lighting to be installed, and a modern underfloor heating system is now in place, along with a state-of-the-art AV system which will let the congregation continue to livestream their services on the internet.

“The historic pipe organ had been wrapped up in plastic sheeting to protect it from all the dust and dirt throughout the project and it has now been retuned by the organ tuners.

“Finally, the whole sanctuary has been redecorated in a light and bright colour scheme.

“There are still a few outstanding things to be completed, most notably carpeting on the floor, which will happen in the new year.

“After several delays, prayers have finally been answered and the first service in the refurbished church should be held on Sunday, December 19 – a wonderful Christmas present for the hard-working congregation.”

For more information visit kirkgatechurch.org.uk or search on Facebook.