IT'S a time of change for Church of Scotland worshippers across the Three Towns - and nowhere is that more true than at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Saltcoats.

The building on Campbell Avenue is due to close later this year, as part of the Ardrossan Presbytery Mission Plan - marking the end of 115 years of worship in the building.

And two other big chapters in the church's story have already closed - with the retiral of its minister and its treasurer.

Ann Turner and her late husband Findlay became treasurers in 1968, and Ann continued in the post after Findlay passed away 13 years ago - before deciding to step down from the role last month.

A presentation was made during Sunday worship to recognise Ann's years of dedication and commitment to caring for the church funds - with her final set of accounts at the church's stated annual meeting marking the end of an era.

 

A spokesperson for the church commented: "Not only has Ann been a devoted custodian of the church accounts - the congregation all know and appreciate her commitment to anything that involved finance and fundraising for St Cuthbert’s, not the least of which has been her locally renowned annual plant sale.

"For 30 years - even through Covid, a way was found - it has been the number one church fund raiser generating in excess of £50,000.

"Congratulations and well done Ann."

And Ann was not the only person from the church to retire last month.

On Easter Sunday the Reverend Sarah Nicol conducted her final service after 40 years in the ministry, the last five of them spent in Saltcoats.

Brought up in Zambia, where her father worked in forestry, Sarah returned to Scotland in her teens. 

Following her ordination to the ministry in 1983, she worked in churches for the deaf in Edinburgh and Aberdeen - and soon after her arrival at St Cuthbert’s five years ago introduced sign language to the congregation.

This was quickly picked up by many members of the congregation - though some of the more mature members, though willing to give it a try, took a little longer to get the hang of it.

Sarah is looking forward to spending her retirement in Dunfermline, close to her daughter and son-in-law.

Presentations were made and Sarah looks forward to her retirement in Dunfermline close to her daughter and son-in-law.

From all at the Herald, we wish Ann and Sarah all the best in their retirement