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HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN KIRK

 

Joint Session and Congregational Board Meeting on 16 February 2010 

 

 

MINUTES

 

 

The Session and Congregational Board of Houston and Killellan Kirk met at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16 February 2010 in the Church Hall with the Rev. Donald Campbell, Minister in the Chair.  The Rev Donald Campbell constituted the meeting with a prayer and a reading.

 

Sederunt/Apologies:

 

44 members attended the Meeting as detailed in the Sederunt book.  Apologies were received from 10 members.

 

Finance:

 

Mr John King presented the 2009 Accounts which had previously been circulated and presented to the Congregational Board at a previous Meeting on Tuesday 2nd February 2010.

 

  • During the year, our Offerings plus tax reclaimed on Gift Aid totalled £149,455, an increase of £330, with total income showing an increase of £3,866 to £164,549.
  • There was an increase of £2,376 in our allocation to 121 George Street but other expenses have been contained which means our total expenses were up £1,527 to £140,273 creating a surplus in the General Account of £24,276
  • We have transferred £10,000 from the General Account to the Fabric account leaving a balance in the General Account of £46,651
  • After this transfer the Fabric Fund stands at £71,365. The Kirk Carnival brought in £5,310 which is a substantial sum considering that the day was the wettest in recent memory
  • During the year the balance of the loan for the Manse extension was repaid One major item of expenditure was the new hearing system in the Kirk. This was charged to the Legacy Account which along with the installation of new electrical switches reduced the balance of this account by £14,378 to £17,555
  • From the statement of funds our total assets are £136,095 an increase of £12,557 over last year.
  • £123,100 is held with The Church of Scotland Deposit Scheme where the current interest rate is 1.89%

 

Treasurer’s Report continued/-

 

 


Page 609

 

Treasurer’s Report continued

 

Financially we have had a good year and I would like to thank the Finance Committee for their input and support with a special mention to Anne & Jack who give so freely of their time and financial acumen and to Douglas who has spent so much time negotiating with Scottish Gas to ensure we get the best possible energy rates.

 

Mr King clarified a number of points in the form of question from the Members, thereafter the Accounts were approved, proposed by George Colquhoun and Seconded by Allan Gilfillan.

 

Mr King once again thanked Mr Graeme Finnie, who attended the Meeting in his capacity as Independent Examiner, for all the help he had given Mr King and the Finance Committee.  Mr Finnie stated that he would be happy to continue as Independent Examiner, this offer was gratefully accepted.

 

Mr John McKechnie summarised the Budget proposals for 2010/2011 which had been circulated prior to the Meeting.   A number of items were highlighted i.e. a salary increase for the Organist, the Church Officer and the Church Secretary. 

 

The Chairman thanked Mr King, Mr McKechnie and the other Members of the Finance Committee for all the hard work carried out throughout the year and in particular for the extra work involved in the preparation of the Annual Accounts.

 

Fabric Committee Update:

1.     Mr John Wilson highlighted a number of issues that had arisen since the last Meeting:

2.     Repair to the Belfry – it has been found that one of the rafters in completed rotted and more extensive work than previously proposed will have to be carried out at an extra cost.  It would be of advantage to have Cox repair the roof when the rafter is replaced as this would come within the warranty terms.                 Action – Fabric Committee

3.     Jock and Jenny Plinth – it is hoped that glass covers will be installed in about 4 week’s time.  Ian Spearing has volunteered to paint the frames beforehand.

4.     Fire exit lights are being replaced in the halls and extras will be installed at the stairs end of the big hall.  The fire alarm has had a new battery installed to replace a defective one.

5.     A notice board has been installed for the Sunday Club in the big hall.

6.     Taps have had replacement parts fitted in the ladies and gents toilets.

7.     Service plan for the heating boilers has been increased to cover 365 days, with parts included, as the previous plan did not cover weekends.  The extra premium costs sare less than we paid out for parts last year.

8.     The console for the sound system was replaced under warranty.

9.     Estimates are currently being obtained for redecoration of the Manse lounge.  To date we have received two similar quotes, the smaller of which is likely to be accepted.

 

Fabric Report continued/-

 

Page 610

 

Fabric Report continued:

10.  Estimates are required for a replacement front door in the Manse. Action – Fabric Committee

11.  Lead flashing was replaced in the roof of the small hall.  A leak in the Manse garage roof was also repaired.

 

Mr Wilson wished to thank all of the Fabric Committee, in particular at this time, to Mr Ian Spearing and Mr Jack McNeil.  Mr Wilson highlighted that the cost of repairs was only kept to a minimum through the hard work of the Committee members.

 

The Rev Campbell thanked Mr Wilson and his team, on behalf of the Session, the Congregational Board and the Congregation for their continuing excellent efforts often at unsociable times.

 

AOCB

 

New Communicants – the first of the new Communicants will be admitted on 28 February and the remainder on Sunday 7 March 2010.

 

Church Extension Project Presentation:

 

Mr Iain Cameron and Mr Alastair McGregor gave a very detailed, informative, presentation of the current position with the above project.  Mr Cameron updated the Members on ‘where we currently are’ and ‘where we hope to go from here’ with regard to planning permission etc.

 

The Session and Board Members were given a ‘Google visualisation display’ of the proposed plans; paper copies of the plans were also displayed on the notice board in the hall for all members to view and comment on.

 

Questions were invited and a wide ranging discussion followed.  One of the major concerns was how this project would be funded.

 

At the end of the discussion the Rev Campbell commended these proposals to the Members and asked that we be willing to take the leap of faith that Mr Cameron had spoken about.

 

It was agreed that the proposals should be taken forward to the Congregation.  The display will be shown in the Church on three Sundays, one of which will be the week of the stated Annual General Meeting.  The Congregation will then be asked to make comment on the plans.

 

The Rev Campbell highlighted to the Meeting that the majority of the work already carried out on the Project, had been done on a voluntary basis at no cost to the Church and Mr Cameron and Mr McGregor are due our very grateful thanks.

 

The Meeting closed at approximately 10pm with the Benediction.

                                             

 

 

At Houston and within Houston and Killellan Church hall, the Kirk Session met on Sunday 29th November 2009 at 1400hrs. The meeting was constituted in prayer by Rev. Donald Campbell, Moderator.

 

This meeting was convened for the purpose of considering the next stage in the ‘Election of new Elders’

 

1. As agreed by the Kirk Session on 27th October 2009, the Moderator, in conjunction with the Session Clerk and Deputy Session Clerk, produced a list of 19 members (on screen) who were considered to meet the agreed criteria of the number of nominations received, church attendance, involvement in Church life, welcoming capacity and enthusiasm for the Church and sense of Christian commitment. .

The Moderator explained that no fixed number of Elders had been agreed.

The meeting was informed that it has never been agreed policy in our Kirk Session not to admit Elders as spouses of Elders. 

If any Elder had an objection or concern about any member on the list produced, the Elder was asked to contact the Moderator within 14 days i.e. by 13th December 2009.

In the event that no objections are raised, all 19 members will be approached to establish their interest in becoming Elders.

The need for complete confidentiality was stressed again.

 

2. Retiring offerings for charitable causes at this year’s Christmas services. The Moderator asked Elders to consider suitable charities.      Action – The Moderator

 

3. New members. The following persons were admitted by resolution of the Kirk Session viz.-  Mrs Margaret Lang, 2 Crosslee Park, Crosslee PA6 7BW,  Mr John Baxter, North Glen Farm, Langbank, PA14 6YH and Mrs Ruth Baxter, North Glen Farm, Langbank, PA14 6YH.

 

4. The Clerk read out a letter from the Convenor of Adams House in Elderslie, asking for our support. Last year we agreed to give £150. No agreement to this request was given at this stage but, on a motion from Caroline Morrison, it was agreed to discuss the whole issue of donations to Charitable causes at the January Session meeting. – Action – S/Clerk

 

5. Date of next Session meeting – Tuesday 5th January at 1930 hrs in the Church Hall.

 

The Moderator thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting with the benediction at 1450hrs.

 

 

-----------------------------------                                   --------------------------------------

Rev Donald Campbell,                                                James McBeath, Session Clerk

Moderator   

 

                                             Page no 1 – 23.06.09

 

 

Minutes of the Joint meeting of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board on 23rd June 2009 in the Church Hall.

 

Rev Donald Campbell constituted the meeting in prayer.

 

1. SEDERUNT/APOLOGIES.   47 members attended with 14 apologies.

 

2.  MINUTES  The minutes of previous Board meetings of 21st April and 10th May were   agreed – proposed by Adam McCartney and seconded by John King

All outstanding items were on going. Ref para no 14 requires to be agreed  re non church organizations. ACTIONClerk, Fabric and CPS.

 

3. SAFEGUARDING REPORT.. – Cath Close                                                                       Those Kirk Session members present agreed to ratify the following members, all having received Disclosure Scotland Certificates. viz

Mrs Jean Best, 9 Ranfurly Road, Bridge of Weir – Starzone

Mrs Norma McBeath, 12, Brackendene, Houston – Starzone

Miss Lindsay McCourt, 32, Craigburn Cres, Houston- Starzone and Youth club

Mr Stephen Randtoul, 2 Crawford Road, Houston

Mrs Sarah McEwan, Greenbank, Lintwhite Cres, Bridge of Weir – Starzone

 

4. MEETINGS. Details of the forthcoming Session and Board meetings from August 09 to June 10 were agreed.

 

5. NEW CHURCH REAR HALL COMMITTEE REPORT – Iain Cameron, Acting Convenor.

Iain’s full report is shown at Appendix A.

In answer to questions, Iain emphasized that negotiations were at a very delicate stage and that we need to proceed with caution. It is planned to advise members of the congregation of progress via the Church record in Sept/Oct..

In answer to a question from Malcolm MacGadie regarding the need for such an extension, the Minister said that the current kitchen/ toilet did not even meet basic hygiene standards never mind Health and Safety and Disability Discrimination legislation. The vestry was totally inadequate in area, which was a concern vis a vis  Behind the Scenes, weddings and funerals. While the facilities may have been acceptable 50 years ago, they are not in 2009.

The Minister explained that it is not proposed to replace the current Halls.

The meeting agreed to Iain Cameron’s request to extend the Committee’s brief to include the investigation of providing temporary improved toilet facilities at the Church.

Iain was thanked for producing a very detailed report of what had happened up to the present.

 

                                                Page no 2 - 230609

  

6. TREASURER’S REPORT – John King

 

Copies of the current accounts, along with a report from the Treasurer, were circulated to members prior to the meeting.

It was agreed that the cost of the peripheral  sound items should be allocated the Legacy budget.

 

7. FINANCE REPORT – Jack McKechnie

 

Jack reported that although we are still in surplus we have to keep a close watch on our expenditure.

 

8. FABRIC REPORT- John Wilson 

 

John’s report had been previously circulated to members.

It was agreed to replace the fire in the Manse at a cost of  £461 to include the cost of the removal of a squirrel’s nest.

After discussion, it was agreed that the estimates received for painting of the exterior of the Halls and the hall and stairway of the Manse should be reviewed again by the Fabric Committee. As far as value for money is concerned it was agreed to leave the matter to the discretion of the Fabric Convenor and his committee who should meet in July/Aug to make a decision.

 

9. CHURCH RECORD – Bob Finnie.

 

Bob’s report had been previously circulated.

It was noted that the Record will now be published 8 times per year and that John Melrose had taken over from David McLay as Editor. The Minister expressed our grateful thanks to David who had carried out the role of Editor over the past 21 years most efficiently and effectively.

 

10. WELCOME PACK – Barbara  Ann Brown.

 

Barbara Ann outlined 4 welcome items which had been drawn up by the Kirk Session Mission team. The Kirk Session would be asked to ratify these at their August meeting viz.

Fillan welcome card for children

Welcome leaflet

New occupancy note

Welcome pack

 
 Page no 3 - 230609

  

11. UNITARY FORM OF CONSTITUTION    (All spiritual, financial  and temporal matters to come under jurisdiction of the Kirk Session)

 

Copies of this form of Constitution were available at the meeting and members were asked to consider the information provided.

This matter will be discussed at the August Kirk Session meeting.

 

12. ECO CONGREGATION/FAIRTRADE.

 

This year’s General Assembly instructed that all congregations should have a plan for measuring energy consumption. ACTIONFabric Convenor.

Many congregations are now eco congregations and also fairtrade ones. The Minister asked if anyone would be prepared to take on the role of Co-ordinator. Fiona Rodgers said she know someone who might be interested. FOLLOW UP ACTION. – Minister/Session Clerk.

 

13.AOCB.

 

a) It was agreed to allow the Church of the Nazerene the use of our Hall from 1000-1600 hrs on 29th August 2009, without charge.

 

b) It was agreed to produce an updated Church Directory to all Office Bearers by 1st January 2010.              ACTION. The Church Secretary.

 

 

The Minister closed the meeting in prayer at 2120hrs

  

Rev D Campbell. -----------------------------------

 

 

Allan Gilfillan, 
-------------------------------------

Clerk to the Congregational Board

 

 

James McBeath,
------------------------------------

Session Clerk.

  

                                   
Appendix  A  - 230609

 

Houston and Killellan Kirk

Session/Congregational Board Meeting – 23rd June 2009

 

New Church Rear Hall Committee Report

 

Since June 2008 when I last reported the Committee has met on at least six occasions both informally and formally.

 

Until January 2009 the Committee comprising Donald Campbell, Minister, John Wilson, Fabric Convenor, Alastair McGregor, Design Consultant, Norris Hamilton, Project Architect and I met informally on a regular basis to progress project matters.

 

During this period design of the suspended first floor only design option was progressed, additional contacts were made with Renfrewshire Council and Historic Scotland’s representatives, similar projects were researched and additional site information relation to the church graveyard was sought.

 

In addition contact was made with the Presbytery and the Church of Scotland to obtain their advice and their knowledge of church hall extension projects of a similar nature. This contact resulted in a meeting with the representatives of both the Presbytery and the Church of Scotland Trustees in January 2009. Following the meeting at which both Presbytery and Church of Scotland Trustee representatives’ recognised the need for and   indicated their wholehearted support of our Church Rear Hall Extension proposals a Grant of  £ 5000.00 for was made available to cover the ‘Feasibility Stage ’ costs of the planned project.

 

From February 2009 the Committee has met formally twice and minutes have kept of the meetings. This resulted from receipt of the Church of Scotland ‘Feasibility Stage’ Grant and the consider view of the small informal committee of a need for additional financial and legal advice relating to the proposed project. Consequently the Committee was enlarged to include Jim McBeath, Session Clerk, Helen Dunn, Depute Session Clerk (Legal Advice), Alan Gilfillan, Clerk to the Board and Jack McKechnie, Finance Convenor.

 

Since February the basic hall extension design brief (to meet both current statutory and client requirements) has been clarified for both two storey and suspended upper storey only options, contacts have established with Church of Scotland Legal Department, further contacts have been made with Renfrewshire Council and Historic Scotland’s representatives, contacts have been established with the West of Scotland Archaeological Society, similar identified projects have been researched and visited where appropriate, Church ground ownership position has been clarified, funding advice in relation to anticipated project costs of between £250k to £ 400k has been sought from the Finance Committee and the likely fee for Structural Engineering advice has been agreed. Whilst further ongoing design development has at the present been placed on hold a full topographical site survey of the graveyard has been prepared and a shallow site investigation of the rear gravel path area was carried out to confirm that no graves were evident within this area. The costs of the topographical site survey and path site investigation work have covered by the ‘Feasibility Grant’.

 

The project has now reached its first ‘delicate’ stage. Further necessary site investigation work will require excavations with the rear graveyard area. These site investigation excavations currently planned in the grass areas between the existing gravestones will require advice to be sought from the West of Scotland Archaeological Society (who control all historic graveyard excavations) and if deemed appropriate by them an application to be made to the Sheriff for a Warrant. Whilst the Committee is anxious to proceed it has to be recognised that receipt of such advice, approval of site excavation proposals and granting of the appropriate Warrant may take some time. An approved specialist Contractor will also likely have to be employed to undertake such site investigation work if approved. Such works are also likely to make the proposed project ‘public’ for the first time with perhaps some resulting local or wider opposition.

 

Although the Committee currently considers the proposed ‘within graveyard’ church rear hall extension the best option, it has and will continue to consider all other alternative hall development options available. Whilst none of these alternative options are likely to be situated within the graveyard area all will come with their own problems due to anticipated locations within adjacent private ground or designated ‘green belt’ areas and the specific archaeological excavation requirements associated with each. The Committee does expect that at some point there will be some local or wider based resistance or opposition to the current proposed ‘within graveyard’ development. Some local or wider opposition to some if not all of the other current options is also considered likely.

 

Between now and the end of 2009 the Committee intends to continue to progress site and existing building investigation work, maintain contacts with and seek advice from all Church, Public and other interested parties, progress design development work and obtain necessary additional legal and financial advice. Its next formal meeting will be held during the early part of September.

 

If there are any Questions I will attempt to answer them.

 

Iain R. Cameron

Acting Convenor

23rd June 2009

 

                                    

Page no 388
 

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