WORSHIPPERS at an iconic church building in Largs packed the pews for its final service - marking a new beginning for the Church of Scotland in the town.
The Rev Dr Graham McWilliams led Sunday worship at the last service at St Columba's Parish Church on June 30.
The congregation at St Columba's united with those of St John's and Clark Memorial last year to form the new Largs Community Church, part of the new united parish of Cumbrae, Fairlie and Largs.
Dr McWilliams conducted the last-ever service at the seafront building, which, on the theme of 'new beginnings', included a baptism ceremony for young Mason Brinkman.
The service was held just four days after Dr McWilliams officiated at the marriage of his own son, Lauder, and bride Taylor Reid in the same building.
All Largs Community Church services are now being held in the building formerly known as Clark Memorial Church.
Speaking at the last service at the St Columba's building, Dr McWilliams said: "This is a building which has had immense significance in the town to people of all faiths and none.
"This is a building which, through the generations, has provided the town's people with sanctuary and protection during wars, floods, pandemics, and times of national mourning, and the hardest times of life and the greatest joys.
(Image: Church of Scotland)
"This is a building where the people of Christ have been privileged to be growing their faith through mission and ministry, through compassion and care, with love for each other.
"But this is just a building, and of itself, it has not been active. These acts of faith will continue for the generations to come, and today, for all the hard work of generations inside and outside the church, we give God thanks."
The decision to form a united parish covering Fairlie, Cumbrae and Largs, and to hold all Largs services in the former Clark Memorial building, was taken by the Church of Scotland last year after appeals to stop the closure of the buildings at St Columba's and St John's failed.
The move was taken as part of the Church of Scotland's efforts to tackle a decline in the number of worshippers, and the rising cost of maintaining church buildings, across the country.
In his final address, Dr McWilliams said: "Who was baptised in this building? Who came to faith in this building? Who was married in this building? Who celebrated the life of a loved one from a funeral from this building, and who has been presented with a Bible in this building? Who has cried a tear or shared a laugh?
"For every person who knows the value of belonging, today is for you.
"For every person here, you not only represent yourself, but your families and your church history, wherever that has taken you.
"Though this building will close, our connection to God remains open and unbroken and vital."
The Church of Scotland announced in December that it planned to undertake feasibility studies into the futures of the St John's and St Columba's buildings.
Interest has already been expressed in retaining at least part of one or both buildings for community use.
A campaign has also been launched to try and save the organ at the St Columba's building.
Dr McWilliams continued: "This church building, with its cherished memories and shared experiences, has been a place where many of us here have nurtured our spiritual lives and grown in faith.
"But listen carefully, because what Jesus is saying the the essence of any Christian community lies in our unity with Christ and with one another.
(Image: Church of Scotland)
"Being a Christian community being with Him and with one another as we now carry forward the spirit of this place in our hearts knowing we are wherever we are and we remain connected through His love.
"As we transition to new beginnings, may this Christian community continue to support each other, gaining faith and bearing fruit in wider world.
"We take comfort that for those people with Christ's promise of joy and fulfillment, to inspire us to remain together as one, filled with hope, and living in trust, and always experiencing His enduring presence.
"Through our commitment to Christ, these acts of faith will continue for the generations to come.
"We celebrate the future to which the people of this generation will contribute, as we continue onwards to a new beginning with the church community of the Parish of Cumbrae, Fairlie, and Largs,"
Watch the final St Columba's Parish Church service below:
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