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William Smith
It is with a real sense of loss that we record the passing of our most senior elder, William Smith. For many years he was a very active member of the congregation. In 1947 he was ordained as an elder. A few years later in 1951 Bill became the Superintendent of the Sunday School and remained in that position until 1976.
Bill served as Session Clerk from 1971 to 1992. To this office, as well as that of Sunday School Superintendent, Bill brought real dedication. The minutes he wrote are a joy to read - his handwriting is so clear. Everything Bill did was done carefully and painstakingly.
At the Church door on Sunday mornings he was quick to spot new faces and made a point of welcoming them very warmly to the Service. He also spoke to them after the service.
In more recent times it has been impossible for him to be at Church because he was in a home, but we do 'know that he was always interested in what was happening up the brae in Holytown Church.
May God's richest blessing be on his daughter Betty and his son-in-law Bill.
Livingstone Memorial Parish Church, Blantyre
Dear Friends
I am writing this letter in response to the very kind and generous gift that I received from the Church through the Kirk Session last evening.
It is hard to believe that it was in February 2004 that I was asked to become your Interim Moderator. In one way it has been a long haul but at the same time I have found a great deal of satisfaction in the knowledge that the Church, your Church is very much alive and ready to face the future.
You have a large group of members who are very committed to the service of our Lord and Saviour and who will, I'm certain, give the Interim Minister the same level of support that I enjoyed during my time with you in Holytown.
You are now entering a completely new phase in the life of your Church it is very much a case of "out with the old and in with the new." I wish you every success in the future and with the strength of faith and belief that you have, you will be successful in keeping the "Church on the Hill" very much alive and an integral part of the Presbytery of Hamilton.
Thank you once again for your kindness, I will certainly purchase something with it that will always remind me of the folk of Holytown. Thanks also for the support I was given by so many people during my time with you.
May God's richest blessing be with you always.
Yours sincerely
Colin
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