Page 4 - Contact Winter 2018

THE BIG DAY
Saturday 27th October 2018 was a very
special day in the ongoing story of High Kirk
Presbyterian Church. As a congregation
we had made a big decision and a large
investment in refurbishing and expanding
our suite of buildings to continue our varied
existing ministries but also, under God, in
the hope that new ministries would be
developed. Many were unsure what the new
extension would really look like but on the
Saturday of the Opening day, it became clear
that people were amazed at the beautiful
space that had been created.
The intent of the original planning group and
Uel Marcus, the architect, was that we would
seek to utilise as much as possible of the
existing building and not extend the footprint
of the building too much. We are pleased
that this has been achieved and commend
Uel’s very creative use of space and David
Hamilton’s attention to detail and the
quality of the workmanship. As members
of this congregation I know that for them, like
me, this has been a labour of love. We are all
especially pleased at the airy, bright foyers
and that people who are passing outside can
see in and observe that there is a lot of
activity going on day and night. This building
is pulsating with life.
At the heart of the vision of High Kirk is to
build disciples of Jesus and the new rooms
facilitate new environments to do that for
young and old. But also we are a church
that wants to increasingly look outwards in
serving our community in love and we are
pleased that we have a dedicated room for
Bob’s Store and a clothing bank, as well as
extra rooms for our English classes and Bible
studies.
Eight years ago a group from Session and
Committee had visited a number of churches
which had expanded their social spaces
including Bangor West, Orangefield in
Belfast, Wellington and Green Pastures in
Ballymena. But it has taken this time for the
vision to seed, indeed expand and come to
fruition. I am thankful for all who have been
involved over these years in bringing the
vision to reality.
I am also grateful for all who have given
to this project and for those who have
contributed interest free loans to help us
avoid paying interest to the bank. Thank you
to you all. We are almost half way to paying
off the cost already. Let’s keep going and
clear this as soon as possible. Thank you
also to the finance team under John Jenkin’s
leadership who come up with creative ways
for people to give, such as our smartie tubes
project.
At 11.30 a.m. on Saturday morning of the
Open day I did wonder how many would
come for the opening. I need not have been
worried - hundreds came and enjoyed food,
fellowship and tours of the building. The
children had a terrific time on the various
attractions in the McCaughey Hall and we
all benefited from the refreshments laid on
throughout the day by Marie Hamilton and
her dedicated team. It was a joyful day. On
the tours, people were also able to see some
of the many organisations that we have and
were amazed at the variety of ministries on
offer.
The current Moderator Dr Charles McMullen
opened the new foyer and led us in a prayer
of dedication. He and his wife Barbara
enjoyed the tour of the building and Charles
admitted to being a bit envious! We were
also delighted to have Russell Birney and
some of his family with us as Russell opened
the new minor hall which is being called the
Birney Room in recognition of twenty three
years of faithful ministry in High Kirk. He
was very honoured to be asked and it was
an emotional day for him. In the evening the
young and young at heart enjoyed a ceilidh
in the hall and all agreed that it was a great
day.
I am personally excited by the potential of
this building. Yes it is just bricks and mortar
and glass, yet as God’s Spirit dwells in his
people and as we boldly offer ourselves for
ministry and mission there is no telling what
God can do through this building, dedicated
to His glory.
Thank you to all for your support and
prayers. I am honoured and privileged to
serve you as minister in this great church.
To God be the Glory.
Norman