The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
From pastoring to plastering:
Minister returns to his old trade to help with the renovation of St Matthew’s
Minister returns to his old trade to renovate St Matthew’s Church in Perth.
A former plasterer turned minister has rolled up his sleeves to help renovate his own church.
The Rev Scott Burton dusted down his overalls and tools and set to work on the iconic St Matthew’s building in Perth.
The job is part of an ambitious £900,000 plan to ensure the kirk – one of the city’s most photographed landmarks – is fit for 21st Century worship.
It is hoped the work will help boost the congregation and make the place more inviting for future generations.
Mr Burton said: “It is 20 years since I went from plastering to pastoring, but I’ve still got it.
“Back in the day I’d have been paid good money for this, it is a labour of love.”
Mr Burton, moderator of Perth Presbytery, said he embarked on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) in the building trade when he left school in 1986.
“For two years I worked as a plasterer in Glasgow before going on to become a church youth worker then training as a minister,” he added.
“This part of the job is one of my contributions to some DIY aspects of the project. It stands alongside the voluntary work that’s been done by others in the congregation such as removing the pews, temporarily removing war memorials and carrying out joinery and electrical work.”
The project is nearing completion and Former Moderator of the General Assembly Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison will carry out a re-dedication ceremony at the church on November 27.
With help from various trusts, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the fundraising efforts of the congregation, the £900,000 project began in May.
Some £250,000 of that figure is being spent on the exterior to restore the stonework, guttering and stained glass work and provide a disabled access ramp at the front.
The building with its 212ft high steeple is a focal point of almost every photograph of Tay Street and Mr Burton said the work is part of an ongoing process since it was built in 1871.
The pews have all been removed and mostly sold to boost funds but during the work they discovered that many changes had been made over the years.
The rare access to the high roof revealed a painter named C Christie had left his mark while carrying out work in 1896.
During the work subsidence was discovered which required £35,000 of a contingency fund to be used to ensure that the completed building will be sound for hundreds more years.
“Back in the day I’d have been paid good money forthis,itisa labour of love. MR BURTON