St John’s Church of Scotland, Gourock, secures National Lottery support
PRESS RELEASE
St John’s Church of Scotland in Gourock has received a National Heritage Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF) and Heritage Environment Scotland (HES) grants totalling £240,000 for an exciting heritage project, Our Church History through Stained Glass, it was announced today.
In 2018 St. John’s were awarded a Development Grant of £10,400 to enable the church to run a pilot programme of events to assess the details of its Heritage proposal.
On the successful completion of the Development Phase and following review by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Board (Scotland) in March 2019 St John’s are now authorised to move to the Delivery Phase of their Heritage Project.
Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project focuses on engaging young people and the wider community in detailing the church heritage, the centrepiece of which will be the creation of a stained glass window designed by local school children to commemorate the church’s 175th anniversary, along with the restoration of the church’s iconic tower and the repair of the church bell mechanism which has not been heard since December 2018.
The building – and its iconic tower – is a focal point for the local community and is currently used by the church members, adult and youth organisations and many community groups. It was built in 1857 and has been used for various purposes over the years.
Riona McMorrow, Head of The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, said:
“A cornerstone of the community for 176 years, St John’s Church is interwoven with the history and identity of Gourock. Now, National Lottery funding will enable more people of all ages to come together to explore and celebrate this rich heritage; whilst vital building repairs will ensure it will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
Commenting on the award, Assistant Session Clerk, Alan Aitken, MBE, said: ‘We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and confident the project will enable us to engage with the schoolchildren and the community in showcasing our historic Stained Glass windows within St John’s church sanctuary and in the restoration of the tower and church bell mechanism.
‘Our church volunteers will be trained as tour guides to enable visitors to enjoy guided tours of our church sanctuary, sharing our church history and timeline with the wider community.
‘Additionally, local schoolchildren will be introduced to stained glass as an art form through workshops hosted in our church buildings.
We are extremely grateful to NHLF Scotland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund HES, Gourock Regeneration Forum, Gourock Arts & Heritage Centre for their support and to everyone who has helped us on our journey thus far.
‘As we continue to celebrate our 175th anniversary, this award will also enable us to carry out the necessary repairs to our iconic clock tower and bell, and to ensure St John’s Church remains an active, vibrant and relevant community organisation.’
Notes to editors
St John’s has been in existence since 1843, and last year we welcomed our new Minister, Reverend Teri Peterson, when we also celebrated 175 years serving the community of Gourock. As part of those celebrations, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Susan Brown, was a guest preacher. As well as holding morning worship every Sunday at 11am, St John’s is at the heart of the community, with our minister, as well as offering pastoral care to the congregation and parish, being Chaplain to Moorfoot Primary School and Clydeview Academy, while she is very actively involved with Gourock Schools and Churches Together and, when possible, attends meetings of Gourock Community Council.
Reverend Peterson is also the Chaplain to the 2nd Gourock Company of the Boys’ Brigade, whose three sections hold their meetings in the church halls, as do the Brownies, Guides, Smurfs and our Summer Mission team. Many local organisations also use our facilities, while local drama groups hold concerts within our sanctuary.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
NLHF Applications are assessed in two rounds. The St John’s Tower Project was initially granted round one development funding of £10,400 by the Heritage Lottery Fund The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by NLHF at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award. St John’s were informed of their successful application following the NHLF Scotland Board meeting on 14th March, 2019.
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.HeritageFund.org.uk.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund
For further information, images and interviews please contact Alan Aitken, MBE, at St John’s Church on 07757 102744 or alanandrewaitken@gmail.com
