Who are we?
A Short History
Stonefield Parish Church succumbs to the flames
St Andrew's in construction
Cover of Opening & Dedication Service for St Andrew's
List of those taking part in Opening & Dedication Service
Stonefield Parish Church
The Union of Churches
Unions and Readjustments
In 1965, Stonefield Parish Church was united with the Burleigh Memorial Church to become ‘Stonefield Burleigh Memorial Parish Church’. A second union took place in 1978 when the Anderson Church joined the union. At that time the church was renamed St Andrew’s Parish Church (Stonefield Burleigh Memorial Anderson Parish Church would have been quite a mouthful!).
In 1976, the Rev. James Gregory became the
Minister first of the linked charges then of the united congregation. On 3rd
September 1979, however, Stonefield Parish Church suffered the fate of all
the other church buildings and was accidentally set on fire. The roof was
being restored at the time when a workman left his blowtorch on while he
went for his lunch. The building was just 9 months away from its
centenary! At first it was thought that repair would be possible with a new roof, but soon it was discovered that the whole remaining church
would need to be demolished, partly as a result of weaknesses in the walls
from the land disturbance caused by mining (the reason why the spire had
been removed years earlier). Despite losing their church building, the
congregation remained resilient. During the next 3 years they met
in the Livingstone Memorial Church each Sunday afternoon.
On 21st March 1982, the new St.
Andrew’s Church was opened by the Rev. John Handley, Moderator of
Hamilton Presbytery. Also in attendance were the Very Reverend professor
Robin Barbour, former Moderator of the General Assembly and the architect,
Mr. R. Robertson. It was built at a cost of £187,000. The main sanctuary
has seating for 180, but a sliding partition connecting with the hall
provides seating for 400 if necessary.
With decline in numbers as part of the modern church’s challenge, St. Andrew’s embarked on a philosophy of mission. The church became a ‘mission partner’ with St. Ninian’s Centre in Crieff and a program of mission development began. The laity was challenged to become part of the vision building and the church was structured to develop mission. A Tea Room was established which has become a welcome community resource. A ‘Mustard Seed Prayer Group’ was formed and healing services were introduced. In 1992, Rev. James Gregory retired.