South Wishaw Parish Church facts for kids

South Wishaw Parish Church is a church in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It belongs to the Church of Scotland. This church serves the southern part of Wishaw. This area stretches from Main Street down to the River Clyde. It includes places like Pather and Netherton. The church is part of the Hamilton Presbytery.

The Church Building and Hall

Building Design and Construction

The main church building was designed by Alexander Hinshelwood. It was built in 1874. The building looks like a Gothic church. It has a rectangular shape with pointed gables. There is a tall, square belltower on one corner. This tower has a stone spire at the top. The church walls are made of yellow sandstone. They have special stone edges around the windows. The windows are pointed and arched.

Inside the Church

The inside of the church used to have galleries. These were like balconies on three sides. You entered through a front area called the narthex. Stairs led up to the galleries from here. The church had wooden pews for seating. Cast-iron columns held up the galleries. There was a communion table at the front. Behind it was a fancy wooden pulpit. A large pipe organ was also there.

The Church Hall

The Church Hall was designed by Malcolm Ross. It was built in 1903. This hall added much-needed space for the church. It included a large hall, a smaller hall, a kitchen, and toilets. Originally, the church officer lived there. Now, that space is used for more hall and office areas.

History of South Wishaw Parish Church

South Wishaw Parish Church was created in 2004. It was formed when two older churches joined together. These were the Thornlie Church and the Chalmers Church. The Church of Scotland decided to use the Chalmers Church buildings. These are on East Academy Street. The old Thornlie Church and its hall were sold. The Chalmers Manse (the minister's house) was also sold. A new house for the minister was bought nearby.

Modern Refurbishment

Church Interior Changes

The church and hall were updated in 2012 and 2013. The inside of the church changed a lot. The side galleries were removed. The old pews downstairs were also taken out. The pipe organ was removed too. The narthex area was made bigger. A glass wall was put in to connect the sanctuary to the narthex. A special toilet for disabled people was added. The floor is now made of engineered oak. The seating is flexible and comfortable. A new multi-media system was installed. It has screens and monitors throughout the church. This allows for many different uses. It also has internet and TV access.

Hall Area Improvements

The large hall was also completely changed. The old stage area was removed. A new, modern kitchen was installed. Above the kitchen, a storage area was built. The old kitchen area became a computer suite. It has 10 computers with internet access. These computers are available for community members to use.

There is one more part of the refurbishment planned. This involves expanding the entrance to the hall. The goal is to create a new meeting place. This space will be used along with the improved facilities.

Church Leadership and Community Work

Past Minister

The Rev Dr Klaus of Buwert was the minister until October 2013. He then moved to another church. Before coming to Wishaw in 1999, he served other churches. He was the minister of Thornlie Church. When Thornlie Church merged with Chalmers Church in 2004, he continued to serve the new South Wishaw Parish Church.

Current Minister and Outreach

The Rev Terence C Moran became the minister on August 27, 2015. In 2021, the church started a "New Life Recovery Hub." This hub helps local people who are struggling with difficult life issues. It is open two days a week. The church also runs a food bank alongside this hub.