The Partick Free Church (Continuing) congregation has entered a new and exciting phase with the acquisition of a permanent place of worship.
In June 2016 Partick United Free Church entered into a rental agreement with Partick FC(C) to share the Partick UFC building, but by the end of November 2016, Partick UFC voted to dissolve due to declining attendances. The congregation then handed over the buildings and all their assets to the United Free Church trustees. In time the UFC Trustees set a price and offered the buildings for sale to Partick FC(C). The result was that within the last few days the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) purchased the former Partick UF Church and Halls.
“It is remarkable the way things have worked out and progressed,” said Partick minister Rev Andrew R Allan. “When we initially began to share the building we could not have predicted what has happened so quickly,” he said.
Mr. Allan went on to say, “It is true to say that the Partick FC(C) congregation have had difficulties regarding property in recent years but I’m happy to say that all these problems are now behind the congregation. This property acquisition is the first undisputed place of worship owned by our denomination in Glasgow.”
Mr. Allan said further,“Our grateful thanks to the denomination’s Finance & Sustentation Committee, the General Treasurer, Southern Presbytery and General Trustees for their help in securing the property. We are also thankful to the United Free Church of Scotland trustees for the amicable way in which the whole transaction was completed. Now we must work diligently and pray that the Lord will bless the gospel among the people of the west end of Glasgow.”
Partick FC(C) Session Clerk Mr. Norman Smith said, “We also remember the former office bearers, members, and adherents of Partick UF Church, for what has happened will be tinged with some sadness for them. We are grateful to them that they wished the building to remain a place of worship and not to be sold off commercially.” Tribute was also paid to the former interim moderator of Partick UF Rev Douglas Campbell, minister of Milngavie UFC. “Arguably he was the one who initially got the two congregations together in the first place and started the ball rolling,” said Partick FC(C) elder and treasurer Mr. John N Gillies.
Mr. Allan is pictured receiving the keys of the buildings from Rev John Fulton, centre, right, General Secretary of the UF Church of Scotland. Looking on are the Partick office bearers, left to right, elder Norman Smith, Donald Allan, deacon, and elder John N Gillies.
“For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Acts 18:10
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