Perth kirks set to link up

May 20 2008 By Alison Anderson

PERTH’S historic St John’s Kirk looks set to link with St Leonard’s in the Fields, it was revealed yesterday.

The plan is part of a bigger shake-up which will affect all four Church of Scotland congregations in Perth City Centre, who have approved the concept of ‘parish grouping’.

A combination of factors has meant that, for some time now, the Presbytery of Perth and Kirk Sessions of the four city centre churches – St John’s Kirk in the heart of Perth, St Matthew’s in Tay Street, St Leonard’s in the Fields and Trinity overlooking the South Inch, and North Church, Mill Street – have been examining options for the future.

The factors which look set to change the face of worship in the city are diminishing congregations; a shortage of ministers; and greater running costs.

On Sunday members of the four churches met to discuss and vote on proposals to form a parish grouping. This would involve working closer together and sharing the burden of many administrative and pastoral tasks. Examples could be youth organisations, one church magazine, ladies’ and men’s clubs.

In addition, members of St John’s and St Leonard’s were asked to consider linking. They were informed that this could result in one ministerial team to look after both churches, probably a minister with an assistant.

Yesterday, a spokesman for the congregation of St John’s Kirk, Roddy Young, commented: “I can only answer for St John’s and say that both proposals were carried by a substantial majority.

“This was not without discussion and questions, most of which focussed on clarification such as the times of services and where they would be held.”

“The Interim Moderator for St John’s Kirk, the Rev Peter Thomson, gave firm and positive assurance on all the issues raised, confirming the future of Sunday worship in the Kirk and the safeguarding of the special position held by St John’s as the civic church with close links to the Town Authorities.”

The significance of St John’s Kirk makes this the most high-profile church and building in Perth. It has A-Listed status and within its rich history one event stands out: when John Knox preached there in May 1559, adding impetus to the Reformation in Scotland.

St John’s provides the venue for civic and cultural events throughout the year. The Kirkin’ of the Council, Perth Arts Festival and Remembrance are some of the special services held in the kirk.

Mr Young, who is property convener of the historic kirk, added: “The meetings provided an opportunity for Kirk Sessions to ratify the work carried out so far and move forward in the knowledge that they have the support of their congregations.

“In approving these matters St John’s Kirk with St Leonard’s in the Fields and Trinity have secured the future of the churches and can now look forward to providing worship and pastoral care for the members of their own congregations and for the future, a robust ministry for the Parish of Perth.”

The next step in the creation of a parish grouping will be taken on June 10 when the proposals will be put to Presbytery.

In December the PA highlighted how the shortage of Church of Scotland ministers was impacting on many parishes throughout Perth and Kinross, with Perth city centre being especially hard hit, with four churches serving congregations without permanent ministers.

At that time the Rev Douglas Main, clerk to the Presbytery of Perth, admitted the situation presented new challenges but stressed the church was not in crisis.

There are currently eight vacancies for ministers within the Presbytery, four of which are in Perth: Almondbank Tibbermore with Methven and Logiealmond, Kinross, Muthill with Trinity Gask and Kinkell, and Perth’s Craigie, North Church, St John’s and St Leonard’s in the Fields and Trinity.