Church of Scotland
A group of elders who have served the Kirk for 500 years between them have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.Cross-party MSPs congratulated 11 members of the Lochside Union group of churches in Argyll and Bute for their selfless dedication to their congregations and local communities.
The elders were recently presented with long-service certificates signed by Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
The recognition led to West of Scotland Conservative MSP Dr Pam Gosal, pictured right, lodging a celebratory motion at Holyrood.She said she is delighted to “shine a light” on the work of people who have shown “selfless dedication” to their village churches and the communities they serve.
Backed by cross-party MSPs, the motion said the Lochside Union of Craigrownie, Garelochhead and St Modan’s churches played a key role in supporting spiritual life and community cohesion.
Those honoured for their service and living out the never-changing and timeless gospel message of Jesus Christ are-
Jeanette Caldwell – 44 years
Helen Bain – 46 years.
Ken Bradshaw – 50 years
Alistair Cameron – 40 years
Grace Cathcart – 45 years
Eleanor Williamson – 60 years
Joyce DeVenney – 41 years
Terry Wade – 52 years
John McMurtrie – 37 years
Ishbel Scaife – 38 years
Jane Wright – 43 years
Parish minister Rev Christine Murdoch described the parliamentary recognition as “absolutely phenomenal” and said the thought of people dedicating so many years in the service of the Lord “brings a tear to my eye”.
The motion states: That the Parliament recognises the eleven church elders awarded certificates of long service.
“Celebrates their dedication across three communities, Cove, Garelochhead, and Rosneath, as part of the newly formed Lochside Union, acknowledging their commitment, which, it believes, supports spiritual life and community cohesion.”
The motion went on: “Commends the leadership of Rev Christine Murdoch, who presented the certificates signed by the Moderator of the General Assembly, believes that this emphasises the value placed on faithful service within the Church of Scotland, and wishes them the best for all future endeavours”.
The three churches became a triple linkage in January 2014 and formed a union in March 2025, maintaining a presence in Cove, Garelochhead and Rosneath.
Ms Murdoch said: “Coming together as a new Kirk Session of 15 people, we decided it was a good time to pause and honour the service and dedication of those who served on the legacy Kirk Session.
“It’s just amazing that people are willing to dedicate their lives to the church in this way, it brings a tear to my eye.
“The men and women presented with long service certificates on 28 December quietly and honourably live out their faith and come together and do amazing things.”
Ms Murdoch said the elders have served the church in a variety of ways over the years.
“Some have been session clerks, treasurers, Bible class leaders, Sunday school leaders, property conveners, roll keepers, minute takers and presbytery clerks,” she explained.
Ms Murdoch said she would be highlighting the teachings of Isaiah 58 in her sermon this Sunday to reflect the elders’ commitment to service.
“God says: ‘don’t want your fasting and I don’t want your religious observance, I want you to be working for justice,” she said.
“‘I want you to be looking after the homeless, I want you to let the oppressed go free’.
“Reflecting on the work that our congregations have undertaken in the last year, that is what they do.
“They do that through supporting Christian Aid, Tear Fund, Mary’s Meals, Glasgow City Mission and a fund at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh, to ensure that every pupil had a Christmas present in 2025.
“Our congregations are working faithfully to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”
The Lochside Union is part of the Presbytery of Clyde.
Dr Gosal said: “Churches are essential parts of local communities, and elders do such an important job of keeping it all together.
“All across Scotland, in villages, towns and big cities, churches are, to many people, the most important things in their lives.
“They have been a constant throughout history, and it’s right that we recognise those who guarantee that place in the present and for the future.
“I was delighted to shine a light on the work of these fantastic individuals and their selfless dedication to their communities and congregations.”