Words said in all innocence unaware of the impact these few words would have on those who have given their service to this church in Shieldhill.
THE UNITED FREE CHURCH was built in 1864, and the Rev Lewis H Irving was the architect as well as the minister. Under his guidance, Muiravon Free Church, as it was known, provided for the spiritual needs of the community. Following the death of Mr Irving, the ministry was undertaken by divinity students, until Rev Alexander Fleming Kerr was appointed as pastor, and ordained on the 14th August 1890. He was so popular, and successful, that the church was extended and a hall was built for the Sunday School. The whole exercise was estimated to cost £1,200 – £500 for the extension to the church, and the new hall, together with £700 to build a new manse on Crossbrae. The congregation and friends subscribed £200, £350 was to be available from grants, leaving £730 still to be raised.
Let us jump forward to 1975 when a new manse was erected at Crossbrae ready for Rev John Paterson and his wife Margaret to start a new episode of ministry in Blackbraes and Shieldhill Parishes. The union of the Church of Scotland in California Nov 1963 with the UF church in Shieldhill saw the name change to Blackbraes and Shieldhill Parish Church of Scotland. Rev Walter McGinty 1964- 70 and Rev William Neill 1970 – 75 ministered prior to Rev John Paterson 1975 – 87. The Rev Andrew McMullin ministered from 1988 – 1996 followed by the Rev James Drysdale conducting worship at Shieldhill only. The building at Church Road in California was demolished and the land redeveloped for housing.
Stability was seen when Rev Louise McClements entered the pulpit under the linkage with Muiravonside Parish Church, a church with an identity of its own founded 1648, the present church built in 1806.
In 2016 the last elected minister Rev L McClements moved on to Lenzie after 8 years serving both parishes. It was a time of change, pulpit supply keeping the doors open to serve the communities of both parishes. In recent years Rev Sandra Mathers fulfilled the roll of ministering at both Shieldhill and Muiravonside
Throughout the years the Church Building housed many objects which triggered memories of the work and witness of those who served the parish since that eventful day in 1864 when the Rev L H Irving inspired a new church to be built in Shieldhill. To simplify the journey let us stroll through the building in a clockwise direction.
Entrance Vestibule
The California Roll of Honour of those who fell in the great wars are remembered, 13 men and 1 woman are not forgotten. Further details of these soldiers can be found on the Shieldhill War Memorial on Main Street.
The Sanctuary
was refurbished with Pews and Pulpit acquired from the former Congregational Church in Falkirk. With the skills of a number of members, none more so than: John Reid, Edward Sneddon and Alex Smith, made the units fit their new home. A clue that they were from another home is the gold numbers on the pew ends, which are not sequential. The pulpit and access stair was trimmed down to suit their new home. When the floor was being renewed a time capsule in the form of a brass shell casing was found containing newspapers, see below. Coins of the realm and church documents relating to that period were also included. Falkirk Archives in Callendar House received these articles for safe keeping.
Banner –
Designed and crafted by Jean Butcher depicting the cross overlying the scene of an industrial and agricultural landscape.
OVER US ALL
HIS LOVE
This small plaque is situated in the west wing depicting the gift by her family, of the roof refurbishment in memory of Nancy Anderson.
Tapestry –
The tapestry on the wall as you enter the sanctuary was transferred from Blackbraes Church when it was closed in 1996. The pattern was drafted by the author and needlepoint worked in wool by Jessie Young of California. It was hung in the hall at California during the short time services were held there after the main building was demolished.
Cross –
the cross manufactured and gifted to the church by Timber Components, Redding. The cross constructed in laminated timber of different species and colours, reflecting those who bear its witness.
Lectern –
made by John Reid in memory of Rachael Williamson, died 4th Feb 1975 Aged 69 years.
Communion Table and Chairs –
in memory of Edward Paterson, Session Clerk from Oct 1936 till Oct 1960, gifted by his wife and family.
Organ –
Gifted by Margaret Murdoch 24th March 2007
Peter Barkhouse, Assistant Organist at St Giles Cathedral Edinburgh prepares for a recital on this recently installed organ
Pulpit Fall and Table Runner –
Crafted by Jean Butcher and Michelle Calder
Iona Cross –
gifted by Rev Smith when making a visit to lead worship in his capacity as Falkirk Presbytery Moderator.
Guides
Vestry
Hall
Meeting place with adjacent kitchen and accessible toilets
Organisations and Fellowship Groups remembered.
Papers found within the Time Capsule –
- Saturday Falkirk Herald 20th Oct 1894
- The Daily Review. 31st Dec. 1864
- The Alloa Circular. 24th Oct 1894
- Falkirk Mail. 20th Oct 1894
- North British Daily Mail. 25th Oct 1894
- The Glasgow Herald. 25th Oct 1894
- The Scotsman. 25th Oct 1894
It is hoped this reflection gives credit to the history, the people, the events, the energy and commitment of so many people over the years.
James M Currie , July 2024
MEMORIES OF SHIELDHILL FREE CHURCH.
Here comes the last though not the least
Of all our subjects here,
The story of the Gospel Feast
Still draws the Christians near.
Some forty years ago Shieldhill
Had no church near this place;
They prayed that if it was God’s will
He would give them His grace.
For years the prayer meetings held
Just down in the Old Row;
They tried to show the fruits of sin,
That evil was their foe.
They pondered well John chapter third
And prayed that they might gain
The truth that Nicodemus taught,
Ye must be born again.
The kitchen then became too small,
God did his work revive,
They got Old Thomson’s little hall,
Which helped them there to thrive.
The Gospel Light began to spread
All round about our hill,
It cheered those Christians who did lead
The prayer meetings still.
A barn next they got to hold
The people that did come;
The old, old story there they taught,
Of God’s beloved Son.
There was a task which faced them yet,
They had a church in view,
And on they laboured hard to get
The work quite carried through.
To hope and trust they never failed
God’s promise they held dear;
Then Irvine came from Falkirk town,
They built their church up here.
For many years he watched the flock
With care and tender skill,
In all the district round he spoke
And did his Master’s will.
He was most generous to Shieldhill,
His heart and soul were there,
He loved to do his Fathers will
Both there and everywhere.
He now is gone, and of his work
Much fruit remains there still;
His memory is in many a heart
All round about Shieldhill.
Trials at times may heavy be,
God’s promises are bright,
Our Master’s yoke is easy, and
His burden it is light.
We have another mission hall
A way south at Blackbraes;
Some hundreds of an audience
Can meet for prayer and praise.
In faith the’ve sown and scattered wide
Good seed o’er hill and dale;
The bread that’s on the water cast
Return will without fail.
And yet the work increasing is
All over muir and height;
A church and manse they now have got
And other prospects bright.
From Seventeen-thirty-one we’ve shown
Great Christian progress here;
The church has been our guiding light
And shines both bright and clear.
The fathers heart has oft been glad
When the Prodigal comes nigh :
“He’ll never miss the water
Until the well is dry.”
The troubles that afflict the just
Are always for the best;
Though rough the path, if we but trust
We’ll reach the promised rest.
We then shall meet our loved ones gone
With Christ above to dwell;
Who now have joined the ransomed throng;
With Jesus all is well.
Falkirk Local History Society 