Special guest at kirk's '˜birthday'

Carluke St John's Church 175th anniversary celebrations continued with a visit from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland on Sunday.
Two in tartan; Moderator Rt. Rev.Brown with St Johns Rev. Dr. ObinnaTwo in tartan; Moderator Rt. Rev.Brown with St Johns Rev. Dr. Obinna
Two in tartan; Moderator Rt. Rev.Brown with St Johns Rev. Dr. Obinna

The Right Reverend Susan Brown preached to an extended congregation including visitors and their families from Crawforddyke Primary School choir who performed during the service.

Also attending were the 1st Carluke Scout Group and 3rd Carluke Boys’ Brigade.

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During the morning service, the church’s own ‘Grace Notes’ group sang two songs. It was also a chance for St John’s minister, Rev Dr Elijah Obinna to don his kilt!

The first communion service of the Free Church which was to become St John’s, was held on Sunday August 27, 1843 in a local inn.

To mark this special date, this year’s anniversary service recognised the long service of many of its current elders, including Frances Cadzow and Sandra Peat, the first women to be ordained as elders in St John’s more than 40 years ago.

The combined service to the church of those recognised with certificates presented by Rt Rev Brown totalled over 600 years. It was a memorable, uplifting community occasion enjoyed by all in attendance despite the dreich weather on the day.

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Last week the church held a special anniversary history display with hundreds of old photos and newspaper clippings, some dating back to the church’s earliest days.

Among the many interesting facts re-discovered about the church was that its congregation’s first meeting was at a local inn!