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The Manse Erected in
1878 the manse is beautifully situated in Banton. The two congregations share
the responsibility of the manse. The accommodation consists
an attractive entrance hall, 2 dayrooms, 3 bedrooms, study, kitchen and
modernised bathroom. The house has full double-glazing and full Calor gas
central heating. An extensive refurbishment took place in 1989. Following an
inspection by a structural engineer in 2001 it was noted that except for some
nail sickness in part of the roof, a clean bill of health be given to the
main structure. Extensive redecoration is however required prior to our
minister taking up residence. There is an extensive, easily maintained,
mature garden to the rear, side and front of the property. There is a garage
for one car and hard standing for five or six more. Carpets and curtains are
available in most rooms. There is a village primary school of 68 pupils that
enjoys an excellent reputation. The local
Health Centre is in Kilsyth (3miles). Here general practitioner and other
services are available. A library van
visits the village every week and there is also a branch library in Kilsyth. There is one
general store/newsagent and sub Post Office in the village. There is a
bowling club, two hard tennis courts, a public house and community centre. Situated in
beautiful countryside, the area boasts suitable facilities for walking,
cycling, golf, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. The Church was
constructed in 1838 as a 'chapel of ease' and was erected a parish 'quoad
sacra' in 1888. The church seats 300 and was renovated in 2000. The Church
has a Worship Weekly
services are held at 12.00pm with the Sacrament of Holy Communion being held
at Easter, June and November. Additional Services are held on Good Friday and
a Christmas Eve Service is held at which members of On the 5th
Sunday of the month there is a service held within the Community Centre of
Banton to enable members of the village who are unable to attend regular
worship, access to be part of the service. Twice a year there is a joint service of Banton and Twechar
congregations which is always well attended. Please bring along friends and family
who will be given a warm welcome to our service. Sunday
School On a Sunday there is “The Rainbow Club” which is
specifically for 3-12 year olds. Meet in the church hall at 12.00pm. Also at Sunday school there is a weekly visit from the church mascot,
Moss who is a 2 year old Collie cross dog who lives in the manse with Sandra,
Robin and Iain. He even has his own article in the Parish magazine which is
published quarterly. He is a friendly dog who loves everyone and makes
everyone feel welcome. Memorial
Service Once a year
there is a memorial service held whereby any congregation members who have
been bereaved are welcome to pray and worship. Any friends and other family
members are always welcome. The memorial service is held at Banton and
Twechar on alternate years. Maintenance The overall
maintenance of the Church buildings is the responsibility of the respective
congregational boards. A full report of condition and necessary repairs is
given by the Fabric convenor to the respective monthly board meeting. The
manse is the joint responsibility of Banton and Twechar Congregational Boards
and a general upgrade of the Manse will be undertaken prior to the new
minister taking up residence. Finances The
congregations are aid receiving but are financially sound and all obligations
to the national church and to Glasgow Presbytery are met from respective
weekly offerings. Special needs are met through various separate fund-raising
activities. The
Congregation The
congregation numbers 84 and although this is one of the smaller congregations
within Glasgow Presbytery, it is an extremely dedicated one. The congregation
numbers have decreased only slightly over the last ten years or so and at
less than1% compares to the Church of Scotland average of 2.8% over the same
period. The congregational board consisting of 17 members meets monthly and
has readily available assistance from congregation members when required.
There are eleven members of session (6 male 5 female). Great emphasis is
placed on the important role that Elders play in the life of the church,
which includes regular visits to parishioners. Banton
Church Hall The hall
adjacent to the church was built and opened in 1949. The main hall
accommodates seating for 70 and has a stage. The sound equipment in the
church may be used if required. There is a small well- equipped kitchen,
toilets and storage. Adjacent is a vestry that is also used as the Session
Room. In a typical week the hall accommodates Sunday School and a Line
Dancing class. It is also used for some of the fund raising activities of the
congregation. The hall was fully renovated and modernised following grant aid
given from the government's Land Fill Tax Credit Scheme during 2000. Support As well as a
long established Clergy Fraternal in the Kilsyth area, Kirks the Gither,
which was born out of the Glasgow Presbytery Mission Plan has been in
existence since 1996. Kirks the Gither gives support to all Church of
Scotland churches within the Kilsyth area with the mission aim: To proclaim
the gospel and increase the followers of Christ. The Future It is a stated condition of the basis of re-viewable
tenure that we work much closer with the other Church of Scotland churches in
Kilsyth towards a new form of ministry. It is envisaged, by Presbytery, that
the Kilsyth area be served by a Community Parish
Ministry at some time in the future. The Kirk Session and members of both
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