Barony St John's Church, Ardrossan

Since February 2010, the congregation has been worshipping in the church hall following a significant fall of plaster in the Sanctuary.

In October 2011, the Presbytery's Property Committee expressed concerns about the health and safety for users of our hall, due to the cracking plaster in the ceiling and walls. Our own Property Committee was advised to investigate the causes of the cracking and the possibility of sheeting the hall ceiling as an interim safety measure until such time as the future of the building is determined. It quickly became clear, however, that it is not feasible for any investigative or remedial works to be carried out without requiring the congregation to leave the building for a period of time.

The safety of the congregation, and of members of the public who come into our halls for social and fundraising events, is of paramount importance and we can no longer continue to assume that the building is a safe and suitable environment for us. The Kirk Session and Minister, as Trustees, are responsible for the safety of everyone who uses our buildings and we could be held personally liable should an incident occur. Therefore, at its meeting on 9th November 2011, the Kirk Session agreed that the congregation should cease using the church halls for worship and activities until such time as the future of our buildings is determined.

Scheduled activities and fundraising events have now been moved to alterative venues.

From Sunday 1st January 2012 we will be worshipping in St Andrew's Episcopal Church at the earlier time of 10am.

At the congregational meeting held on December 20th, following the recommendation of the Kirk Session, a motion was passed agreeing to the disposal of the church sanctuary. The Presbytery and General Trustees will be notified and we will keep you up to date with any developments.

At the same meeting the congregation was brought up to date with the Feasibility Study to be carried out on our halls complex. It is hoped to receive a report from the architect some time in February, which will then give us an indication of the scale of works required in order for us to return back to our hall for ongoing worship.

Closing the building was a very difficult decision for the Kirk Session to make and we would appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work to ensure that we can remain together as a congregation until the long term future of the building is decided.

Rev. Dorothy Granger (on behalf of the Kirk Session)