Church of Scotland
A Clydeside minister was left “overwhelmed” by her send-off from her congregation and community as she marked her retirement.Rev Margaret (Maggie) McArthur’s final service saw more than 200 well-wishers pack into Cardross Parish Church, then stay on for a farewell tribute lunch.
There were also gifts and tributes for Mrs McArthur, who was retiring after 30 years in ministry, the last 10 at Cardross, which lies on the north side of the Firth of Clyde between Dumbarton and Helensburgh. She was previously minister at Fernhill and Cathkin Church in Glasgow and the linked churches of Muckhart, Dollar and Glendevon in Stirlingshire.
The gifts included a photobook of highlights of her decade at Cardross, a framed photo of Mrs McArthur and her husband Neil, signed by all the members of the congregation, a specially constructed church-shaped cake and a “considerable” donation.
Tributes to her decade of service at Cardross were led by former Moderator of the General Assembly, the Very Rev John Christie, who said that her ministry and pastoral care has had a profound and lasting effect on the community.
Dr Patrick Trust of Cardross Community Council also thanked Mrs McArthur for her contribution to Cardross, including setting up Cardross Cares ahead of the Covid lockdown. This saw each street in the village have its own designated street champion to ensure essential shopping and medicines were delivered to those isolating.As a lasting memento of her service, each year a child in the village who has demonstrated a particular act of kindness, care and compassion – qualities personified by Mrs McArthur – will be awarded a “Maggie’s Medal”.
Dr Trust said: “Maggie did a lot with the schools. We discussed with teachers and the community and thought an award for care, and kindness and compassion would be very appropriate.”
Mrs McArthur, who is pictured below with her husband Neil and grandson Harris, said that the unexpected tribute was a wonderful thing to be part of.
“It was absolutely amazing – completely overwhelming,” she said.
“The level of detail was incredible – the level of thought that went into these gifts and the amount of time and effort and energy in making the day go the way it did.
“The people who were organising it were just incredible. I cannot tell you how grateful I am.
“It’s been a real joy and privilege to be in Cardross for 10 years, but also to be in the ministry for 30 years.
“It’s been a great experience and I’m so grateful.”
