Joy as church marks 100 years of history
The congregation of a West Lothian church is celebrating a very special milestone.
Last week marked exactly 100 years since St Columba’s Church in Bathgate opened for public worship in 1916.
The chu rch had very close links with the congregation in Armadale before moving to a meeting room in Jarvey Street, Bathgate, which was its base until the building of the present church.
Lady Ba i l l i e o f Polkemmet gave the land on which it is built and financial aid was also provided by Lady Christisen.
Since that time there have been many changes to the church, culminating in this most recent refurbishment to mark the centenary celebrations.
Funding towards the St Columba’s renovation works has been provided by Avondale Environmental and West Lothian Council through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Jackie Jackson, who is a member of the congregation, said: “We are very grateful for all this help.
“The building upgrade includes the installation of a lightning conductor, repairs to stop water ingress, repainting and decorating both inside and out, upgrades to both the lighting and sound systems and repairs to the organ.
“So what better way to celebrate the centenary of God’s goodness in establishing St Columba’s Episcopal Church in Bathgate than with a celebration Eucharist.
“Our rector Christine Barclay and a team of dedicated workers spent a great deal of time planning the details of the celebrations.
“Invitations were sent out to members of the congregation, past and present, to former clergy and to ministers of other churches in the area, not forgetting the Bishop of Edinburgh and his family.
“The newly refurbished building was looking splendid and so welcoming but space is at a premium and perhaps we should have asked for elastic walls to be included in the upgrade.
“However, somehow we all managed to find a seat and it’s probably true to say that during the service we did indeed experience close fellowship.”
The service was led by the Bishop of Edinburgh, the Rt Rev Dr John Armes, and the Gospel was read from the Bible that was presented to St Columba’s Church at its dedication 100 years ago.
Jackie said: “In his sermon Rev Cameron stressed that the church was not just the building but, more importantly, the people in it.
“There then followed the dedication of gifts to St. Columba’s.
“These beautiful works of art, which will be greatly treasured, include a wooden candlestick made by Penny Lyons, an illuminated wooden cross made by Eric Dobson, a banner depicting St Columba, sewn by June Bremner, and a collection of views of the church painted by Len Barham.
“The music was led most ably by our choir, kindly augmented by friends from other congregations, with Margaret Lumsdale on the newly repaired and upgraded organ. The congregation were also in good voice.
“Part of the collection taken during the offertory hymn will go to the Bathgate Memory Cafe and the Bathgate Street Pastors.
“After the service there was time to look around the building and admire all the improvements. Then we all made our way to the church hall for chatter and fellowship over a delicious buffet supper, including a magnificent cake baked by Liz Frew and decorated with a splendid model of the church.
“It was truly a time of celebration and an evening to remember as we go forward to serve the people of Bathgate in the next 100 years and beyond.”
It was truly a time of celebration and an evening to remember