Celebrating 175 years in community

Church anniversary

Members of Airdrie Baptist Church recently celebrated its 175th anniversary.

The first baptist chapel was built on Airdrie’s Graham Street in 1843 and went on to become the Albion Ballroom.

This was after the town’s first baptists met at a chapel on the town’s Baillie’s Lane.

Throughout the 1800s the location of the baptist chapel changed and the present building was opened in June 1890.

It has remained on Graham Street, across from Airdrie Sheriff Court, ever since.

For the anniversary the church opened on three days of the week to allow family and friends to visit their place of worship.

In the church’s sanctuary, windows told stories of the range of church activities including prayer gatherings and youth fellowship as well as the foodbank.

A thanksgiving celebration took place on November 24.

Reverend Dr Peter McDonald from Cairnlea Parish Church and Reverend Edwin Gunn, a friend of the baptist church, spoke alongside former minister Reverend Tom Glover.

Dave Brackenridge and friends provided musical arrangements and the signing of favourite hymns such as Amazing Grace.

A fellowship meal on the Sunday concluded the celebrations of the 175th year.

Readings and music from groups and members of the church family preceded an epilogue from Reverend Ross Murphy and a closing hymn.

Congregation member Morag Carmichael said: “It means a great deal to be part of the church and working in the community of Airdrie and the surrounding areas.

“The anniversary celebrations were very much enjoyed by all.”

Services are held at the church at 11pm and 6.30pm every Sunday.

A foodbank is also available from 11am on Fridays.