brief history3

The church remained vacant until the induction of the Rev John Linkens in February 1973. The emphasis in this ministry was on Children's Missions and Family Services. In 1977 the Proclamation of Banns of Marriage in the Church ceased after having been initiated in 1883. Mr. Linkens left in August 1978.

The period which followed will long be remembered. A sist was placed on vacancy proceedings. Consequently a locum was appointed - the Rev James S Salmond. During the ensuing months we experienced a time of revitalisation, a period of much heart-searching as well as a testing, trying time particularly for the office-bearers. In all of this we were indeed fortunate that we had in our midst such a far-sighted and sincere man as Rev Salmond. This period culminated in our successful Appeal to the General Assembly of 1979 and our subsequent Petition to the National Committee which dealt with Probationers and the Transference of Ministers. Finally on 15th October 1979 the Rev James S Salmond was inducted to Holytown Parish Church.

One of the major events has been the celebration of one hundred and fifty years of worship in Holytown Parish Church, beginning with the Morning Service on Sunday 25th October 1987. We were happy to give a special welcome to Mrs. Semple and her daughter, Mrs. Price, daughter and grand-daughter of the Rev John D Dykes, Mrs. A Douglas, widow of the Rev Robert Douglas and her daughters. Mrs. Roy and Mrs. McNeil. We also had the Rev Alistair Malcolm and the Rev George T Sherry, both former members of the congregation and Mr. Robert Rendal] who was then a Salvation Army Captain. The Rev Thomas Swanston and Mr. Robert D Kernohan (formerly Editor of "Life and Work) as well as the Rev George T Sherry took part in the service. The "Top Ten" Hymns, chosen by the congregation, were sung at the Evening Service. The Glasgow Phoenix Choir gave a Concert and the Communion Preparatory Service was conducted by the Rev Robert Brown who was then Moderator of Hamilton Presbytery. After the Morning Communion Service on 1st November the congregation gathered in the Hall for tea and sandwiches and were able to see a display of photographs spanning many, many years.

A weel-kent figure is no longer with us - George Gilchrist. George rang the bell and kept a watchful eye on the folks coming up the brae. His death in January 1990 marked the end of an era. His faithfulness was an example worthy of being followed. He still lives on in the hearts and minds of all of us who have been privileged to know him.

Holytown Parish Church still stands like a sentinel guarding the village, a village which has witnessed many changes over the years. At one time the mainstays of the population were farming and mining but these are now merely memories. The Newhouse Industrial Estate constructed at the end of the Second World War and more recently the emergence of Eurocentral have brought major change to the district. Throughout these ever-changing times the people have shown determination and vigour. The innate warmth and friendliness shown to stranger and friend alike remains unchanged.

The church set on a firm rock has endured many storms throughout its history but its durability is as nothing when compared with the durability of our God and His son Jesus Christ. As the metrical Psalm 72 states: