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In 1890 the Rev Robert B Dickson was translated to the Parish of Stair in Ayrshire. Interestingly in the early years of the church North Dalrymple who was to become the Earl of Stair was a manager in the church.
Later in the year the Rev J Sutherland Hunter arrived. Surely the most momentous event of this ministry happened in November 1895 when the church was struck by lightning. Membership rose sharply - approximately 12%. The possibility of building a Church Hall was also discussed but no building was erected at that time.
Following the departure of the Rev J Sutherland Hunter at the end of 1905, the Rev John D Dykes was inducted in June 1906. Much change took place in the early years. First of all a Church Hall was built and opened in 1910. Secondly the church was extended to its present form. The seats in the gallery are still the original ones but those in the area of the church were renewed. Due to the change in the design a new pulpit without a precentor's desk was put in place. The church reopened in April 1914. This was, of course, only a few months before the outbreak of the First World War. The War Memorial in the vestibule of the church remembers those who gave their lives and those who served.
In October 1926 the Rev Robert Douglas became minister. The major change in the early years was the installation of electricity in the church buildings. Gas lighting had been used from the middle of the 19th century. The first major milestone was celebrated in April 1938 - the Centenary, although it was a little late to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the church building being opened.
The Rev Robert Douglas served as a Chaplain from November 1942 to June 1946. During his absence the Rev Robert Paterson of Calderbank was Interim Moderator and other services were conducted by Mr. Alex G Campbell.
A Welcome Home Concert and Presentation was held in the Church Hall. For Mr. Douglas this was an emotional reunion with the congregation from whom he had been separated but with whom he had maintained constant contact throughout his absence. At the end of 1947 Mr. Douglas moved to Glasgow.
The Rev James McLeman was inducted in May 1948. This was a time of much change. The Pipe Organ was installed, new choir chairs, hymn books, praise boards, offertory bags, a brass salver and two brass vases and a table lectern were all gifted. In a specially prepared brochure Mr. McLeman echoed something which could still be written "Holytown Church has always gathered to itself the warm affection of its people. These gifts, reverently given and gratefully received, ensure that our Sanctuary will continue to be a place of beauty and holiness from one generation to another." The chancel was changed once again in 1953 when the stained glass windows we see today were put in place.
After the departure of the Rev James McLeman to Burghead in 1956, the Rev James Richmond (later Dr. Richmond) came to Holytown in September 1956. He introduced "The Parish Supplement" in January were introduced in 1957. Quarterly communion services were introduced in 1957. Seat rents were abolished in 1959, more than a century after the opening of the church. Dr. Richmond left in 1961 to become a lecturer in Nottingham University.
The Rev Thomas Swanston became minister of Holytown Parish Church in 1962. One of the first innovations was the purchasing of an ink duplicator on which the Parish Magazine, Financial Statements etc. could be produced. Later Bible Reading Notes were also produced. The Roneo 750 certainly worked hard for us. Our "father figure", Mr. David I Paterson retired from his position as Session Clerk after having given 35 years' service. His local knowledge was invaluable to many wishing to trace relatives or the whereabouts of a building and so on. Mr. Swanston went to Inverness in September 1971.
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