Fears three kirks will become two
The future of three churches within 700 yards of each other has been thrown into doubt as only one minister remains in place.
The wealthy Portland Church in Troon is seen as being at the greatest risk as it has run without a minister for 16 MONTHS.
Pew sources say there is no movement on a replacement, with the congregation surviving on hired help.
One member said: “Something is not right and there does not seem to be any real attempt to seek a new minister.
“Some of the recent sermons given from our pulpit have raised many eyebrows - one said wives have to obey husbands.
“It is no longer good enough to have a locum and people are not happy.
“From our perspective it looks like an attempt by the Church of Scotland to lose one of the parishes but somehow keep the buildings.
“I don’t believe there is anywhere else in the land with three Church of Scotland kirks so close together.
“There is definitely a story here.” The holy trinity of the Old Parish, St Meddans and Portland are a legacy of Troon’s rich past and the then need to provide more pew space.
Now all congregations could fit into one church with room to spare.
The departure on Sunday of St Meddans minister Derek Peat for a Glasgow Presbytery role means the Rev David Prentice- Hyers at the Old Parish is the only minister.
And Portland session clerk John Reid said in this month’s newsletter, The Parishioner, said: “Our vacancy continues with no progress over the summer months due to holidays.
“Now the church year begins, we will be meeting with representatives from Presbytery in early September.
“We are hopeful that decisions will be made and the present situation in Troon with two vacancies can be resolved quickly.
“It is important that we remain positive. God has a plan for all of us and we just need to have faith.”
St Meddans is undoubtedly the safest building as it just had a £ 250,000 lottery grant for a complete stonework overhaul. If there was any change, it is understood the money would have to be paid back.
Ayr Presbytery Clerk Rev Kenneth Elliott was unavailable for comment.
But a Church of Scotland spokeswoman confirmed: “No decision has yet been reached but it’s anticipated there will be changes to the Church of Scotland in Troon and that there will no longer be three ministers serving three churches. To prepare for this challenge, the three congregations are currently meeting locally, and with representatives from the Presbytery of Ayr to discuss how they can best meet the needs of their parishes in the future.”
“Ordained Local Minister Rev James Hogg and Interim Moderator Bill Duncan will be working hard to support the congregations of Troon St Meddan’s and Portland for the time being.” • Troon Old was founded in 1823 and been in the present Gothic- style building since 1895. Minister since 2013 is David Prentice- Hyers from Tennessee.
• Portland Church - Present building opened in 1914, last minister Jamie Milliken left April 2018 after six years for a sailor’s life as a Royal Navy chaplain. Vacant.
St Meddans Church - Founded in 1888 in Gothic style with 105- foot spire, tallest thing in Troon. Minister Derek Peat left on Sunday after 7 years.