PROFILE OF LINKED CHARGE

VIEWFIELD ERSKINE CHURCH
Stirling

linked with

CHURCH OF THE HOLY RUDE
Stirling

.

Contents

1. Foreword by Interim Moderator

2. Viewfield Erskine Church

3. Church of the Holy Rude

4. Way Forward.

1. Foreword by Interim Moderator, Rev. Colin McIntosh

Viewfield Church became vacant in January 2006 upon the translation of its minister. The Holy Rude became vacant upon the retirement of its minister in April 2006. Holy Rude was at that time linked with Allan Park South in the centre of Stirling.

The Presbytery then initiated a review of the ministry provision in the city centre and entered into negotiations with the four charges concerned with a view to establishing a sustainable strategy for the future. These discussions proved to be protracted.

Part of the Presbytery’s plans involved severing the linkage between the Holy Rude and Allan Park South and the creation of a new linkage with Viewfield. From an early stage, the office bearers of both Viewfield and the Holy Rude responded positively to this proposal. The long delay in effecting the new linkage was due to difficulties encountered with other elements of the plan not involving our two congregations. Although it has not proved possible to implement the entire plan, the new linkage has been able to go ahead with the overwhelming support of all members, and the congregations of Viewfield and the Holy Rude are now eager to leave behind their long vacancies and move into the future in joint co-operation.

Services

Services will alternate between churches on Sundays as follows:-

January to June (inclusive): 11.30am

July to December 10.00am

Profile

This profile outlines the 2 churches. Section 2 gives information on Viewfield and its activities. Section 3 is devoted to Holy Rude and its activities. Section 4 highlights some aspects of the way forward for the linkage and its responsibilities.

2. Viewfield Erskine Church

The Church

Viewfield Church is situated at the North end of the City of Stirling, easily accessible on foot, by public transport and/or by car. Built in 1860, it is an attractive Church with a modern stained glass window depicting the Creation. There are two halls, the larger with a kitchen, a stage, and a crèche and the smaller with an integral kitchen. The building is well maintained having had new heating, lighting and new cushions installed in recent years.

History

The origins of the Church date back to 1752 when the original Viewfield meeting house was built on the site of the present church. Throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the Presbyterian movement in Stirling evolved and by 1900, the United Free Church of Scotland was represented by Viewfield and Erskine in St. John Street. Following union in 1909, the building in which the new united congregation worshipped was named Viewfield and the congregation called Viewfield-Erskine. A century later, the congregation is reinvigorated in its linkage with Holy Rude.

The Manse

The Manse, situated in the Terraces residential area of the City, in a quiet cul-de-sac, within five minutes walk of the City centre, is a semi-detached Victorian house. It is five minutes walk away from a good Primary School and 20 minutes walk from a new High School.

The Congregation

The Congregation of over 380 is largely elderly, but with middle-aged and younger members as well. There is an active and participatory Sunday School of approximately 20, mainly younger children.

The Parish, which is mainly residential, is situated around the Church, in the Riverside area and in part of the Cornton area.

Although we are a gathered congregation, a fair proportion comes from within the Parish, particularly from the Riverside area.

We believe that there is considerable potential for Viewfield Church to become a focus for the community, especially when the plans for development by the City Council, in our parish, are complete. We are looking for someone to guide us in this.

Worship

In addition to Sunday services (section 1), Holy Communion is celebrated four times each year – March, June, September and December. Special services are held for the local primary school, Easter week, Christmas Eve and New Year.

Music for the traditional morning service is led by our choir and supported by the excellent singing of the congregation. There is a very good pipe organ.

A loop system is provided for the hard of hearing.

Eldership

There is a Kirk Session of 22 Elders – 10 women and 12 men. The Congregational Board consists of 9 Elders and 9 members.

Other Activities

There is an active Guild with approximately 40 members.

A coffee morning meets every Wednesday with approximately 16 members.

A Brownie pack meets in the hall. The Church supports the pack by providing free use of the hall, and by contributing two special collections a year.

Previous ministers have been chaplains to a local Primary and Secondary School.

Services in the church are recorded and tapes made available for those unable to attend. There are activities for children aged 3-13 and a crèche at the morning service. Tea and coffee is served on the last Sunday of each month. A church magazine is delivered quarterly. The congregation also enjoys a broad social life with social evenings, Burns Suppers, ceilidhs, quizzes and an organised summer holiday.

Looking Forward

The Church has been vacant for three years, but hard working, friendly and supportive members have kept the Church alive and active, with a strong belief that we will continue to be a Christian presence in Stirling for many years.

3. Holy Rude Profile

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