Drew Cochrane: Former Largs News editor on St Columba's Church

What we know is that the 131-year-old seafront church will close its stately doors in September as the Church of Scotland amalgamates its three buildings in the town - with Clark Memorial in Bath Street chosen as the continuing place of worship for the three congregations.

As one of the two magnificent historic structures - Clark Memorial being the other - St Columba's is the dominant picturesque landmark on the esplanade, sprawled out on the corner of Nelson Street, opposite the iconic Nardini's Cafe.

Even five years ago we couldn't have contemplated the mighty cathedral-like building being put up for sale. The thought that a football awards night would be staged within its splendour of soaring stained-glass windows and classic wooden galleries and interior would have been met with ridicule and, perhaps, horror. I know long-time members of the Presbyterian congregation who are shedding tears over its demise.

But there I was, being master of ceremonies at the enjoyable social event for Largs Thistle Football Club presentations a week ago, with folk wining and dining in the sacred sanctum to a background of pop music.

Let me say right here that it was a successful, splendid community event, chaperoned by the church's minister, the Rev Dr Graham McWilliams, who is chaplain of the club. It brought together families of the 'youth academy' and not club-colour-wearing supporters fresh from the terraces of Barrfields Park.

It reinforced my belief, and hope, that when the last holy service closes, and the final hymn of praise is sung, the precious place must be retained for the town and community.

In recent years, concerts and performances have been held in front of the altar, pulpits and ecclesiastical trappings, bringing in hundreds who would never have passed through its noble entrance doors, except perhaps to attend a funeral.

For the majority of people who take no interest in religious places and matters, it is worth noting that the church of St Columba has had a presence in Largs for 1400 years. It is said that legendary Irish missionary Columba himself founded the local church in the sixth century from his base in Iona. 

The present edifice, with the 150-foot-high town clock, was built of Ballochmyle sandstone in 1892, with a stunning and spectacular interior of exquisitely carved wood and glorious windows of stained glass all around the sanctum. I recommend that you take the opportunity to view it.

The church contains a rare Father Willis organ with its giant pipes, listed as a grade one historic organ of exceptional interest.

And here's my point.

I know that modern architects are creative, but the massive organ would have to be taken apart, bit by bit. And how could you divide the huge windows among any potential apartments? In fact, famous families like the Brisbanes donated stained glass windows and memorials. What would become of them?

A report to the Church of Scotland's General Assembly earlier this year revealed that only 60,000 people, with an average age of 62, now attend Sunday services in Scotland, with a severe shortage of ministers. It stated that closing churches was painful but necessary. 

St John's, alongside Clark Memorial which is to be renamed as Largs Community Church, will also close, with similar problems of how to sell and adapt it.

The former Kelvinside Parish building on Great Western Road, Glasgow has been turned into the multi entertainment bar-restaurant now known far and wide as Oran Mor - but Largs doesn't have the catchment area to do the same. Bear in mind too, that we will be losing valuable busy community halls.

Dr McWilliams, who is favourite to take over the ministry of the Largs and district churches, is believed to be the 49th minister of St Columba's.  The most famous was probably the Rev William Smith who led the townspeople up to the Brisbane Glen during a devastating plague in the town in the 17th century.

Before he succumbed to the disease at Middleton Farm he prophesied that if holly trees were planted at the head and feet of his grave and the branches were never allowed to touch the plague would never return.  Someone must have forgotten to prune them during Covid! His 'Prophet's Grave' is marked in Brisbane Glen.

On the church website it states: "St Columba's will change and evolve to meet the needs of the community."

Let's pray that it does.

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Thought for the Week

Find a heart that will love you at your worst, and arms that will hold you at your weakest.

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When I read the absurd story about someone complaining about cruise ships sounding their horns in a Highland firth, I immediately thought of Fairlie.

It's been reported that cruise ships' crews have been asked to remain silent as they leave a Highland firth after a complaint.

Boats have traditionally made the signal departing the Cromarty Firth, near the communities of Cromarty and Nigg. The Port of Cromarty Firth said the request to remain silent had followed a complaint, but it has sought views on the future of the practice.

Within days about 2,000 people signed a petition backing the horn blasts. Toria Anderson, who lives in Cromarty and started the petition, said many people looked forward to the area's cruise ship season.

She said: "Some have a musical horn and a funky tune. It is a signal to say 'hello' or 'goodbye'."

The port authority said it would discuss feedback on the farewell tradition at a meeting with nine local community councils on June 29.

The ships continue to sound their horns as they leave the firth, which has been a lucrative cruise ship destination since 1978. Last year, a record number of 109 cruise vessels visited.

They don't know how lucky they are. A few vocal folk in Fairlie complain that they can hear "inaudible noise".