CongregCommittee Report for the Year 2006

It was with a great sense of joy, a little bit of pride, much gladness, a lot of relief and yet with humble gratitude and grateful thanks to Almighty God that the Congregational Committee had seen their prayers answered when the new McFerran Hall, ancillary rooms, extensions and repairs were completed and opened on Friday 8^th September, 2006 by our former Clerk of Session Mr James S Tweed OBE JP and dedicated by Rt Rev Dr David Clarke, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. The barbeque lunch on the Saturday with fun and games for the children gave families and friends an opportunity to explore the new buildings and extensions. Mr William Crawley, presenter of BBC Sunday Sequence programme was the special speaker at the Sunday morning service of thanksgiving.

Our theme for the project was 'Building for Today and Tomorrow'. We feel we now have a Church complex fit for purpose today'. It is up to us to use them for the advancement of Christ's kingdom in Cairncastle. In our legacy for 'tomorrow' we trust that future generations will appreciate the vision and dedication of former Kirk sessions and Congregational Committees and the sacrifices made by members of the Congregation.

Tribute must be paid to the immense amount of hard work, time and effort devoted to our Projects Sub-Committee under its convenor Dr Paul Johnston and his team of Mrs Jean Hunter, Mrs Catherine Lynas, Mr Cowper Lynas, Mr Mark Gilbert, Mr Tommy Stewart, Mr Harry McCabe and in the earlier stages by Mr Tom Blair. Rev Anne Tolland was a valuable contributor.

Our main contractors McGarel Bros of Carnlough completed the work on time. We appreciated their cooperation in that we

were able to use the Church every Sunday and for the way in which they cleaned up and vacated the site for weddings and funerals.

Since the opening and dedication the folding doors between the Church and Lecture Hall vestibules have been fitted. The Coffee Bar in the Lecture Hall entrance will soon be in place. Fire Appliances and Safety Notices have been fitted. Jack Robinson and Harry McCabe have a certificate to say they have basic knowledge in the identification and use of fire appliances. To comply with Health and Safety regulations safety glass has been fitted to windows on Church stairs. A pew in the Church has been shortened to provide wheel chair access. An LCD screen has been fitted to the front of the gallery. It is already proving a great benefit to Minister, Choir, Praise Group and Sunday School children. We are indebted to our 'Almost resident sound engineer' Mr Willie Hunter for erecting same. An anonymous donation has been received towards the cost of the Screen.

There were nine stated meetings of Committee during the year plus one called after morning Service. We again record our very best thanks to our Chairperson Rev Anne Tolland for her enthusiastic, capable and dedicated leadership.

Voluntary labour by members of Committee continues to be much appreciated particularly our Property Convenor Mr Harry McCabe and Mr Willie Hunter our 'Sound Engineer'. Thanks also to Mr Harry McCabe and Mr Willie Hunter and all who volunteered to cut Manse lawns and trim hedges. Mr David Wright is our weed control expert around the Church and McFerran Graves. We have an on-going obligation to tidy up the McFerran Graves at Drumnagreagh. Volunteers always welcome.

Many thanks also to our Church Officer Mrs Irene Moore assisted by her husband Nat for all her hard work and commitment.

It was nice to receive a letter from Rev Lena Cockcroft as President of Cairncastle Community Association conveying their congratulations and good wishes to the Church on the completion of the extensions and renovations and also from Father Gregory Cormican Parish Priest of St Joseph's.

GIFTS When Mr and Mrs James and Audrey Tweed moved house they gave their piano to the Church. It has recently been re-tuned and is in use in the McFerran Hall. We are most grateful to James and Audrey for this kind gesture. We were thrilled to receive a most beautiful cross-stitch picture of The Last Supper' completed by Mrs Margaret Clements. The workmanship is superb and is indicative of the long patient hours she spent on it. It will be much admired when it goes on display. The very useful gift of a lecturn from Mrs Edna McAllister in memory of her husband Rev James McAllister has been much appreciated. It was constructed from a surplus Church pew.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE ETC.

With permission of the landowner trees overhanging the boundary wall were cut back. Many thanks to the volunteers who trimmed and cleared away the hedges around the Church and for access from the adjoining field again granted by the landowner. The large McFerran picture frames have been restored (free of charge) and new mounts successfully fitted to replace the old damp stained ones. The Church lawns will be re-laid at a suitable time. Following the Architects Report for the 2006 Presbytery Consultation Process the Manse electrical wiring was updated where required to meet present day regulations. The Manse cooker finally 'gave up the ghost' and had to be replaced. Our Minister has been honing her cooking skills on the new one. Manse security Lights have been upgraded and Velux windows need some attention. A new photocopier has been installed in the Church 'Office' and is already proving its worth in printing Orders of Service, The

Bulletin' and eventually our Annual Report Booklets. For general repairs and maintenance our only source of income is our Harvest Appeal Offering. We greatly value the contributions from all of you to this vital fund and pray and need your continued support. Deteriorating woodwork in the Church windows (probably long in excess of 100 years old) will require attention in the near future.

THANKS

As usual there are those in our Church who quietly provide essential services who deserve our thanks:- Mrs Jaci Johnston - Editor of our Church magazine, The Bulletin' and Mr Cowper Lynas who arranges the printing of our Annual Reports. Then there is the Overhead Data Projection team of Mr Willie Hunter, Mr Robert Stewart and Mr Cowper Lynas who Sunday by Sunday ensure the hymns etc. appear on the screens in the Church. When this report was written the Congregational Committee had completed its term of office. We thank them all for their hard work and commitment at an extremely important and busy time in the life of our Congregation.

The office bearers carry a heavy burden of responsibility. Our best thanks are due to them:- Mr JB Robinson (Secretary), (as directed by Committee), Mr Mark Gilbert (Treasurer), He deals efficiently with the additional work load of Pledge Forms and Building Fund Income. His report will keep you abreast of our financial situation. Mr Harry McCabe (Assistant Treasurer), Mrs Jean Hunter (Freewill Offering Secretary, United Appeal Secretary and Harvest Appeal Convenor), Mr David Rainey (Freewill Offering Treasurer), Mr David Holden (Deed of Covenant Secretary) and Robert Stewart (Fund Raising Convenor).

It is always with great sadness that we recall the passing of some very faithful members of our Congregation and remember with gratitude their contribution to the life and

work of our Church. We have appreciated contributions in their memory from their relatives to our funds. We tender our sympathy to their families and all who are ill or laid aside.

We have been very pleased to welcome new families who have joined us and appreciate their active support. We thank those who have given continued support and encouragement over many years. As your Committee we have been extremely proud of you and the Congregation for your tremendous enthusiasm and practical support of the new build, extensions and repair project. We pray for your continued practical and prayerful support in the ensuing year.

Finally, to God be the Glory for we feel He has been answering our prayers. We trust He will continue to bless our Minister and people and guide us all in the way ahead.

JB Robinson Hon Secretary