On Sunday 12th January at 11:00, we’re holding an all age service.
We think about Jesus’ own Baptism, New Beginnings, and our own Baptism.
We’ll finish by saying together our Baptismal Promises.
Anyone who was baptised in Macdonald or Orbiston Churches, Bellshill Central, or any church is invited.
So, the whole community is invited and we will warmly welcome you. Our church has been serving the community since 1873 and we still are!
Wow! I think we’ve finally recovered from such a wonderful day with our Celebration Service, Communion and Celebration Lunch.
We thoroughly enjoyed sharing in the happiness with our guests, including Mary Hernon (depute Lord Lieutenant), Steven Bonnar MP, Rev Alan Mckenzie, Rev Jim Zambonini, Rev Iain Murdoch, family members of Rev Albert Thomson and many more.
A hugg thank you to our locum Minister, Rev Margaret Rose, our Session Clerk, organist for organising the service. A massive shout out to our hard working and committed fundraising and social team for their wonderful Celebration lunch. We were utterly spoiled!
On Saturday 21st October, we held our Anniversary Open Day. The remnants of Storm Babet could not dampen our enthusiasm!
We welcomed some familiar faces and old friends to browse our displays and exhibitions.
We were thrilled to have Profession Robin Webster give us a fascinating presentation on his father’s work, and on our own fine collection of Arts and Crafts stained glass windows.
It was a delight to have our oldest member come along, Sadie Nisbet, to view our displays and reminisce on many happy memories. Sadie can vaguely recall Rev Esson Gillon, who was our minister prior to 1942!
Macdonald Memorial Church Centenary Booklet 1873-1973 – click here to view.
The church building was the first Free Church in the area, built in 1876.
However, services began in Bellshill in September 1873 at the recommendation of the Free Church Presbytery of Hamilton and were for a time held in Mossend school. The charge was sanctioned in 1874.
The rapid growth of the population, employed in coal mines and iron works, favoured the development of the congregation.
The foundation stone of the Church, hall, and manse was laid on 9th June 1876 and by August 1877 the church was ready for public worship. The architect is David Clunas. Read our entry in the Dictionary of Scottish Architects.
Initial Membership figures were: 143 in 1875, and 477 in 1900. The first Minister was William Macdonald, who the church was re-named after in 1912.
The building at 346 Main Street has been called;
The Blackie Memorial Hall was opened in 1950.
Ministers:
bellshillcentral.church 