A Priest for Mid-Argyll & Arran

June 2013

Diocese of Argyll and The Isles

Scottish Episcopal Church

Overview

This profile presents an exciting ministry in the Scottish Episcopal Church, rooted in the beautiful context of mid Argyll. A priest is required to be the leader of the Scottish Episcopal churches in this area, as a key member of the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles team. This priest will support the worship & spiritual life of the charges, develop the lay teams of these communities and lead these churches into growth.

This ministry is centred at Christ Church, in the town of Lochgilphead, delivering and developing worship and pastoral ministry in that incumbency. The clergy accommodation is in Lochgilphead. This ministry will also deliver and develop ministry in the smaller dependent congregations of St Columba's, Poltalloch and All Saints, Inveraray. The charges are shown as blue markers below. The ministry also involves oversight and occasional visits to St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran (not shown on this map).

Inveraray

Poltalloch

Lochgilphead

Table of Contents Introduction ...... 3 The People ...... 4 Plans for ministry: Mission Possible ...... 6 Extending the ministry: The ‘Dalriada’ Project ...... 8 Person Profile: Our new priest ...... 10 Mid Argyll as a region...... 11 The Church in the Community ...... 13 The church buildings & their histories ...... 14 The Rectory ...... 17 Further information & links ...... 18

2 Introduction

The Diocese of Argyll and The Isles provides Anglican ministry in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. People are drawn to the region for holidays, a better lifestyle and often for retirement. Local industries include tourism, forestry, agriculture, fishery, renewables and support services. As a stipendiary priest in this area, you are called to minister to this diverse population, growing Christian communities and proclaiming the gospel in both traditional and innovative ways. There is a long-term future for the Scottish Episcopal Church in this area: you will lead them into this future. There are three distinct aspects to this ministry:

 Ministry in Christ Church, Lochgilphead, St Columba’s Poltalloch and All Saints’ Inveraray, working with the existing local ministry teams to provide pastoral care and deliver a worship pattern;  Oversight of St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, supporting the existing worship/pastoral team with occasional midweek and/or Sunday visits with overnight stays;  Exploring a relationship with the churches on the Isle of Islay and in Campbeltown to see if they can be drawn into a similar oversight arrangement as that in Arran, and how this ministry may develop.

This ministry presents some significant challenges and opportunities.

All the church communities (of every denomination) in this area are small and have a history of gentle decline. Resources are limited, both people and money. The fabric of the church and other buildings in the wet west coast climate requires maintenance and strategic management. The geography of the region is also a challenge, especially as relationships are explored with the outlying charges. The Scottish Episcopalian churches in the area are hungry to see growth in confidence and a deepening of faith and spiritual life to support their long term future in this region.

These churches have active lay ministry teams who help to provide the pattern of worship and pastoral care. Members of these charges participate in study programmes and diocesan events. They are carrying out fundraising activities and are becoming more socially active as communities. The churches are moving towards a vision of a self- confident, welcoming Anglican presence in mid-Argyll. With the right priest, equipped with the right skills, experience and attitude to grow this vision, encourage, support and lead these communities, growth in faith and confidence is possible.

The diocese is also excited to be offering to support this ministry. The Bishop of Argyll and The Isles, the Rt Rev'd Kevin Pearson, sees this appointment as a key element of the diocesan vision of transforming our people and communities. There are, in addition to the bishop, six full time stipendiary posts in the diocese, so the importance of this appointment cannot be understated. Financial, pastoral and training support from the diocesan team will be given to the new priest.

Find out more about the diocese on the website www.argyll.anglican.org and the Facebook page: Scottish Episcopal Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.

The purpose of this document is to identify the sort of priest who would thrive in this area, stimulating mission, growing community and creating a long-term healthy future for the Scottish Episcopal Church in mid-Argyll and the wider Dalriada region.

3 The People

The charges of mid-Argyll have active lay members and retired clergy among them. These local ministry teams lead worship in all the churches, sharing the ministry with the incumbent. Encouragement, support and development of these teams are key elements of the ministry in this region.

The previous rector, Canon Roy Flatt, died following a brief illness in 2011. He had served the charges for 28 years and was also dean of the diocese from 1999 to 2005. The Ministry Team, with the assistance of two retired priests, maintain services at Christ Church, Lochgilphead and the chapel of St. Columba, Poltalloch. At All Saints’ in Inveraray, the congregation has worked to maintain a pattern of Sunday services - usually lay-led non-eucharistic liturgies – to continue the churches’ presence in the community. A Sunday morning service takes place in Lochgilphead most weeks, with afternoon services in Poltalloch and, occasionally, Inveraray. Midweek time for a priest would be split between these charges and some visits to Arran, with a few Sundays on Arran each year.

From the vestries: “The congregations are grateful for the tireless efforts of all who have helped and supported us through the vacancy. The challenges of this difficult period in our church’s history have both brought us together and made us aware of the ways in which we need to grow and make more effort to attract worshippers. We are now keen to find a rector who will lead us, and encourage the expansion of our congregations into the wider community.”

Christ Church Lochgilphead & St Columba’s Poltalloch

http://Christ Churchlochgilphead.blogspot.co.uk/ Facebook: Christ Church Lochgilphead

There are about 40 members and adherents, with approximately 26 communicants in the last four or five years. There are usually about 14 worshippers in church on Sundays – but not always the same 14. Most of the congregation are communicants. Christ church is ably served by a vestry of nine including chair, secretary and treasurer which meets formally approximately monthly, but informally far more frequently.

An interim priest from London, the Rev’d Dr Keith Riglin, was asked to spend a few weeks in the charges in Spring 2012 to work with them on worship, discipleship and planning for their future. From the vestry: “As a congregation we are ‘welcoming, generous, open and affirming’, according to the report of the Rev Dr Keith Riglin. He found the vestry to be ‘open to

new suggestions, willing to engage creatively in thinking of new ways of The Bishop and Rev Dr Keith working and determined to maintain and develop an Episcopal presence in Riglin in Christ Church the town.’

From the vestry: “Through the vacancy we have demonstrated our ability and willingness to work to raise both our finances and awareness of the profile of the Episcopal Church at local markets and events. To these ends we have brought local visitors into both church and rectory for various events with more planned. We appreciate that there are avenues yet to explore to assist with raising of funds, and we value the talents we are developing as a group to cope with these challenges.”

The Christmas Fair – busy shoppers in the church

4 All Saints’ Inveraray: http://allsaintsinveraray.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook – All Saints Scottish Episcopal Church Inveraray

There are four official members of All Saints’. Many visitors are welcomed to the church on weekdays, especially in the summer months. A mid-week pattern of services, with an occasional traditional Sunday service would suit the needs of this tourist focused community. Occasional ‘festival’ services are also held, such as ecumenical carol services and bell-ringing occasions. The Roman Catholics have conducted their worship in All Saints since 1965 and there are good ecumenical relations.

The Bell Tower Sub-Committee is an important part of the Scottish bell-ringing community, the local church community and an important part of the ministry of All Saints’. The new priest would have a key role in the maintenance and development of this relationship in the wider church.

From the members of All Saints’: “We are a small congregation with a large visiting worldwide “unseen” congregation who leave numerous prayer requests on our Prayer Tree and often have a need to talk. So the ability to listen, laugh, welcome and empathise with all Joyous occasion reaching out to the world: A Scottish- who come into the Church will be vital. To a new priest Australian wedding in All Saints’, May 2013 we offer our support, commitment and enthusiasm to do all we can to keep this beautiful Church’s presence in the community. “

St Margaret’s Whiting Bay, Arran

Arran is an island of roughly 5000 people although the population trebles during ‘the season’ in the summer. The island is nearly 60 miles around by road. It is served by 2 ferries: the closest one to Lochgilphead goes from Clonaig to Lochranza at the North end of Arran. The other one goes from Ardrossan to Brodick, a much longer journey from mid-Argyll. These run regularly with seasonal timetables. From mid-October to Easter the Lochranza ferry only runs once a day, from Tarbert rather than Claonaig. The CalMac Winter Timetable gives all the details. At present there are 12 members on the roll of St Margaret’s. These Anglicans of Arran are scattered throughout the Island, making 11am the most convenient time for Sunday Worship. Wednesday Eucharist is held at 12 .15pm during the summer and autumn.

St Margaret’s is a small, intimate building with room for a few traditional features gathered from redundant churches, Sunday attendances can be anything from 8 to 26 depending on the weather and the time of the year. Summer visitors are attracted, some of whom come 3 or 4 times during the year. It is always good to see them and their families. Worship is led by the two Lay Leaders whose styles are very different. All members make huge contributions, including operating our sound system each week, readings, intercessions and administering the chalice. Pastoral care is undertaken by the Lay Leaders and help is sought for weddings and funerals - these duties were carried out by the rector of Lochgilphead. St Kiaran’s Campbeltown visit St Margaret’s We have a retired Priest who comes fairly regularly through the year to celebrate with us.

5 Plans for ministry: Mission Possible

The Diocese of Argyll and The Isles is fully committed to stipendiary ministry in mid-Argyll. The leadership that the right full-time priest can bring to the church communities in this area is essential to build their confidence, guide them into strategic plans for mission and to grow and enhance their spiritual and worshipping life. The right full-time stipendiary priest will lead these charges into spiritual and numerical growth.

Mission possible

The diocese is entering the third year of a programme to renew mission and encourage all congregations in their ministry. A year of ‘Building the Vision’ and an education year, ‘Equipping for the Vision’ is now being followed by ‘Sharing the Vision – Mission Possible.’

Every charge is being given leadership (local and diocesan) to help the able and enthusiastic church members to create, resource and deliver a programme for their church. Every charge will have a different programme, or mission plan, but the common threads of well-delivered liturgy, good preaching and a outgoing, warm, welcoming community are emerging. Building the Vision in the Diocese

Support for the charges and their priests is provided by the diocesan officers:

The Bishop, the Rt Rev’d Kevin Pearson (based in Oban) The Dean, the Very Rev’d Andrew Swift (based in Dunoon, to the south) The Congregational Development Officer, Alison Clark (based in Oban, living on Bute) The Diocesan Secretary, Dr Peter Kemp, & the Diocesan Treasurer, Jean Ainsley (both based in Oban)

Alison Clark has been working with charges throughout the diocese to help them develop their plans from ‘Building the Vision’ to ‘Mission Possible’ and beyond. She will work with the priest in mid-Argyll to create and deliver, as required, the right programme for the charges.

The new priest for mid-Argyll will be the leader for these charges, helping them, with this diocesan support, to create their plan, improve their worship and to grow in confidence, theological literacy and self- awareness. Training and support for the new priest will be provided to help in this task.

An enterprise model for mission

The financial basis of stipendiary ministry in mid-Argyll requires support from both the diocese and the province. As the charge needs support from the province, it is technically ‘suspended’ and a priest in charge (as opposed to a rector) is appointed by the bishop, in periods of three years. The canons of the SEC allow this suspension to be continued indefinitely and the re-appointment of the priest in charge for further periods of three years as required and agreed locally, at diocesan level and provincially. Everyone is VERY keen to renew the three year periods, as this is a sign that mission is taking place and congregations are being transformed.

The provincial support (in the form of ‘Grants for Ministry’) takes the form of annual payments of up to 50% of stipend. This support is initially available for the mid-Argyll/Dalriada charges for up to five years, subject to annual review. A diocesan contribution to ministry costs will also be provided, subject to annual review. It is

6 anticipated that growth in the confidence and spiritual life of the charges will result in numerical and financial growth, reducing the need for provincial and diocesan support over the next few years.

The vestry and the priest will be required to produce an annual plan as part of the application for the provincial ‘Grant for Ministry.’ This plan will outline what the charges intend to do as their ‘Mission Possible,’ then report on progress as each year passes. This has been found to be a very helpful process for other charges in the diocese. Support and guidance in carrying this out will be provided by the diocese.

To support a full-time stipendiary priest in this ministry requires approximately £44,000 per year. Approximate figures for 2013 comprise:

Stipend £24,000 Pension & Employer’s NI £10,500 Travel £4,000 (mileage & occasional ferries) Administration £1,500 (telephone, office etc.) Accommodation expenses £4,000 (Council tax, servicing, repairs) Total £44,000

The charges additionally need to fund worship, fabric and other church expenses as well as the quota payments needed to support diocesan and provincial ministry.

There are financial challenges for the area in maintaining and growing this ministry. The starting point for the charge ministry finances is:

Charge contributions £25,000 Provincial (Grants for Ministry) £12,000 Diocesan £7,000 Total ministry costs £44,000

The charges have committed to raising funds required to begin the above enterprise plan. Careful stewardship, managed growth, and, if necessary, limited use of reserves will all be used to ensure that ministry is supported and allowed to flourish.

Delivering the model

The new priest, with the vestry and treasurers of the charge, will manage this enterprise model. The most important part of delivering mission in mid-Argyll and Dalriada is growth in the confidence of the charges, and effective spiritual leadership and strengthening and deepening the faith of the congregations. Growth (in outreach, numbers, finance) can only follow if the church communities are healthy.

The bishop, the diocesan staff and the province are all confident that the right person will successfully deliver this model, and that the process of congregational development and ‘Mission Possible’ will result in growth of every kind. This model is working in other charges in the diocese, and remarkable progress has been made in relatively short time periods.

Any applicant for this post can be absolutely re-assured that they will have the complete support of all the diocesan staff, and will be helped in every way possible to make this project Good management of resources work and for them to personally thrive in this challenging but rewarding ministry.

7 Extending the ministry: The ‘Dalriada’ Project

The profile has described ministry in the mid-Argyll region, with oversight of St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay, on the Isle of Arran. This section describes a wider aspiration: the 'Dalriada Project', named after the ancient kingdom that once covered this whole area. It must be emphasised that this is not currently a live programme, and the charges described below are not participating at present in this project. This is, at this time, a diocesan aspiration.

With the example of St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay, where the priest will provide support and oversight for the local team, it has been proposed that this ‘oversight’ model of ministry might be extended to the teams in other charges in the wider area. Building effective supporting and training relationships with the church community leaders in these wider charges would be essential.

Charges in this wider area (including St Margaret’s) have been told to set aside any traditional model of priestly ministry for this project. It is not possible for one priest to deliver a traditional model, even of multiple charge ministry, in such a geographically large area. Creative but sustainable management of time and resources may allow these other charges to share in the idea of ‘Mission Possible.’ The use of telephone, e-mail, social media and internet based conferencing (all being developed in the province and the diocese) would also enable this wider ministry. The charges are still to be persuaded that this will work: the new priest will model this ministry and encourage them. These charges in the wider Dalriada area would also be invited, as they are invited to receive support, to make corresponding financial contributions to the enterprise model above.

Although initial explorations have taken place, the communities that may be invited to further explore this arrangement are St Kiaran's, Campbeltown (50 miles from Lochgilphead) and St Columba's, Isle of Islay (30 miles and a 2 hour ferry crossing). These small communities (shown, along with St Margaret’s (50 miles and a 30 minute ferry ride, to the north end of the island) as yellow markers) are more complicated to reach, so careful management of time and resources will be essential to produce sustainable, life-giving ministry for the charges and for the priest supporting them.

St Columba’s, Islay

St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay, Arran

St Kiaran’s, Campbeltown

This model of ministry proposed for the Dalriada Project is not a traditional model of a priest delivering sacramental and pastoral ministry (although this would be an important element of the role, within time and other constraints). Teams of lay leaders and some retired clergy are already present in these areas. A priest in the mid-Argyll area could provide leadership and support for these dispersed leadership teams, and commit to certain amounts of time spent (for example midweek as well as weekend) in these communities. It is assumed that the day to day ministry in these charges is delivered by the local teams.

8 This can be seen as an innovative way of providing leadership and support to a wide geographical area. The time required to do this would have to be balanced against the more traditional team-based model of ministry rooted to the north in mid-Argyll.

The two charges that may be included are:

St Kiaran’s, Campbeltown

This is the larger of the two other Dalriada charges. The charge has a well-trained and long standing lay team, formed in the early days of the provincial Local Collaborative Ministry (LCM) process. A retired priest provides an element of Eucharistic ministry, and the lay team deliver reserved sacrament communion services, sermons and congregational development. They report spiritual growth and deepening within their congregation. Their building is in good order with much recent development, funded in part by the sale of their rectory.

This charge requires support and guidance from a priest to fulfil A group from Campbeltown “Build the Vision” their LCM model of ministry.

They are not presently able to financially support stipendiary ministry, so require diocesan and other guidance to help with exploring how they are best able to receive support. Participating in the Dalriada project, with the priest centred in Lochgilphead as their incumbent, is one model to provide this help and encouragement. The vestry and congregation have explored this idea, and are not presently convinced that they wish to participate in the Dalriada project.

St Columba’s, Isle of Islay

A second island charge, St Columba’s is again complicated to reach, requiring ferry travel from Kennacraig and possibly overnight stays. This community has a retired priest who provides sacramental and pastoral care, and a small but active congregation. They are completing an extension to the church building, and are somewhat focused on this activity at present.

The congregation currently worships twice per month, when members are available and on the island. A sustainable way of supporting and deepening the spiritual growth of the group would be needed, and would have to be developed in collaboration with their retired priest. The congregation has explored the Dalriada project and currently feels that they would be unable to financially participate, but they have been interested in the wider team concept, and may welcome further discussion.

St Columba’s pre-extension

This project remains an aspiration, but the diocesan officers will support both the priest and these charges in exploring the benefits of growing a relationship. It is anticipated this exploration will take place in parallel with the ‘Mission Possible’ plans being delivered in mid-Argyll.

These charges wish to be supported and encouraged into spiritual and other growth. They wish to maintain and grow their pattern of worship. The Dalriada Project is one possible way, with the assistance of the diocesan structures, of achieving this.

9 Person Profile: Our new priest

The contexts and tasks above will provide an exciting and rich ministry for an Anglican priest. This priest for mid- Argyll and onwards will need a range of skills and experience. The lists below are what we think we are looking for:

Key Tasks  To act as Priest for these congregations: celebrating the eucharist, preaching & teaching of scriptures.  To lead, support and continue the development of the Local Ministry Teams.  To energetically bear witness to Christ in the local communities.  With the vestry, as its chair, to manage the growth and development of the charges through initiatives such as “Mission Possible”.  With the vestry, to ensure compliance with Canon Law and other legal requirements such as Health and Safety and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups  To take an active part in Diocesan life  To represent the Scottish Episcopal Church at local Ecumenical activities  To develop links, where possible, with other charges nearby in the wider Dalriada area

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Essential:  Enthusiastic & down to earth with a sense of fun  Priest in the Anglican Communion or church in communion with the Scottish Episcopal Church  Degree or equivalent qualification  Leadership skills – to strategically build and encourage congregations and to develop lay teams  Pastoral gifts – supporting lay teams and visiting and actively ministering to members  Communication and IT skills  Car driver with own car comfortable driving on country roads and using ferries

Desirable:  Good preaching skills  Liturgically competent and sensitive  Has a vision for outreach in local community  Financially & business aware

Worship Preferences  Passionate about preaching and teaching of scripture  Appreciation of the beauty of catholic liturgy & sacramental tradition  Sensitive to atmosphere and silence  Contemporary theological outlook

In return we offer faithful communities, who will welcome, encourage and support you, a diocesan team that is looking forward to working with you, and the chance to live and work in one of the most beautiful places that you could imagine.

10 Mid Argyll as a region

This area is a significant portion of the local authority area of Argyll and Bute, which has nearly 90,000 residents scattered over one of the largest and most beautiful areas of Scotland. The major centres of population are Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, Tarbert, Inveraray and Campbeltown. The area is popular with tourists and those seeking outdoor activities such as hillwalking, boating, hostelling, wildlife and camping.

This area has the benefit of being relatively close to the central belt of Scotland, with Glasgow between 1 and 2 hours’ drive away, but is most definitely part of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Many people retire to the area or move for lifestyle reasons from the central belt or from other parts of the United Kingdom. . In 2011, 30.1% of the Argyll and Bute population was aged 60 or over, whereas for Scotland as a whole, the figure was 23.3%.

The total population of Argyll and Bute in the 2011 census was 89,590, representing 1.7% of the total Scottish population. The 2010 population of Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (effectively the same areas as that covered by the whole of this profile) was 21,714, with Lochgilphead contributing 2,280, Ardrishaig 1,280, Tarbert 1,300, Inveraray 650 and Campbeltown 4,810 (source: Population: Where We Live on http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk). Over the last 25 years, the population of Argyll and Bute has declined by about 3%, while that of Scotland has grown by a similar amount. However, over the next 25 years, the population of Argyll and Bute is expected to decline by 7.2%, while that of Scotland as a whole will grow by 10.2%.

A breakdown of economic activity in Argyll and Bute as a whole follows:

% aged 16-64 in employment in... Argyll and Bute Scotland Agriculture and fishing 4.8 1.7 Energy and water 2.7 3.3 Manufacturing 5.3 8.1 Construction 8.7 7.5 Distribution, hotels and restaurants 19.7 19.3 Transport and communications 5.8 7.2 Banking, finance and insurance 11.6 15.2

Public administration, education and health 36.6 31.4 Other services 5.2 5.9

(Source: Annual Population Survey 2011, NOMIS 2012)

The area is rich in history, with evidence of settlement dating from the stone age, through bronze age settlement and the establishment of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, centred in Dunadd near Lochgilphead, beside the Poltalloch estate. Trade routes via the western isles and fertile land have encouraged settlers over the centuries.

Today’s travellers come by car on the good roads that serve the area from the south and east, and travel on Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries to the outlying islands and to take a short cut from peninsula Dunadd near Kilmartin to peninsula. The area is well served by a regular coach service between Glasgow and Campbeltown – see www.citylink .co.uk. In addition the local bus company runs a regular service between Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead and Oban – see www.westcoastmotors.co.ukThe ministry in this area is centred in Lochgilphead, a small Argyll town. It forms the gateway to Oban and the north western coast, and,

11 to the south, Campbeltown and the Kintyre peninsular. Oban is about an hour away. Glasgow is about 2 hours by road.

The position of Lochgilphead makes it an excellent holiday area. It is set in beautiful countryside and by the sea. There is a wealth of interest in the locality – historic and prehistoric sites, easily accessible country walks and wildlife - and access to the rest of the county. Events, such as the local Games and Show, the November lantern parade, the Raft Race and various sporting events, are essentially community orientated.

Family life is well served in the town. There is nursery provision, a combined Primary and High School with special needs learning centre, some branches of further & higher education can be completed at Argyll College, and there is a wide variety of evening classes. There is a library, a swimming pool, sports centre, and golf course with other activities, such as kayaking and riding, in the surrounding area. The mobile cinema visits approximately monthly and there are many special interest groups: art, crafts, reading, music, drama, choral singing, knitting, sports, politics, dancing, SWRI, bird-watching, antiquarian studies and, at the excellent Kilmartin House Museum of Ancient Culture, archaeology. Several art exhibitions are held during the year, the area having a good number of amateur and professional artists. Children’s groups include dancing, judo and junior archaeology. Shops include a small supermarket and the usual variety of hardware, pharmacy, butcher, delicatessen and charity shops.

Inveraray, some 25 miles from Lochgilphead, is the traditional seat of the Dukes of Argyll, and is a late 18th century ‘new town’ built by the fifth duke. Its distinctive white buildings on the loch shore make it photogenic and it is a popular tourist destination, with a number of attractions in addition to the castle. The Georgian Inveraray Jail in the burgh is now a museum. Other attractions include the Argyll Folk Museum at Auchindrain. The Celtic Inveraray Cross can also been seen in the town. The Bell Tower (a Scottish Episcopal building, beside All Saints’ Church) dominates the town, and contains the second-heaviest ring of ten bells in the world. The bell tower is open to the public in the summer, and the bells are rung regularly by Inveraray visiting ringers from all over the UK and the world.

The Poltalloch Estate, 9 miles from Lochgilphead, in the Kilmartin Glen, was developed by the Malcolm family in the mid nineteenth century with the building of Poltalloch House. The Malcolms had been involved in political and military life in Scotland and the United Kingdom for many years. In 1958, as it was too large, Col.George Malcolm abandoned the house (it is now a ruin) and moved to nearby Duntrune Castle. Today his son Robin farms the Estate with his son Iain. The nearby village of Kilmartin is the centre of one of the most important Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze age sites in northern Europe, as well as being close to Poltalloch House Ruins Dunnadd, the seat of the Kings of Dalriada. & St Columba’s Church The wider area includes the Kintyre peninsula with the major town of Campbeltown, the inner Hebridean islands of Islay & Jura, and the Isle of Arran, geographically close to Kintyre and mid-Argyll, although located in North Ayrshire local authority area. Arran is within the Episcopal diocese of Argyll and The Isles, hence why oversight for the Episcopalian congregation on this island is within the remit of the mid-Argyll post. Communications links between these areas are a mix of road and ferry travel.

12 The Church in the Community

Ecumenical relationships

The mid-Argyll area is served by a variety of other churches, and the Scottish Episcopalian church communities are involved in a wide range of areas, as individual members and also as communities.

In Lochgilphead the town is served by six denominations churches:

 Episcopalian;  Church of Scotland;  Roman Catholic;  Free Church;  Baptist Church;  Quakers.

These co-operate in a modest way through occasional joint services and the shared chaplaincy at the local High School. While there are not many Ecumenical services during the year there is reasonable support both for those and for events held in each other’s’ churches. There is a shared enthusiasm for various social and charity projects, and the Dochas centre for psychotherapy and drop-in centre for carers is a successful example of inter-church Christian commitment. Lochgilphead provides a nucleus for many scattered and diverse small communities – some of the regular members of the congregation of Christ Church face a round trip of up to 30 miles.

Similarly, Inveraray has three church denominations:

 Episcopalian;  Church of Scotland;  Roman Catholic (meeting in All Saints’ church)

Again, ecumenical services are held and are well supported.

Poltalloch has a near neighbour in the parish kirk (Church of Scotland) in Kilmartin, and the minister has, with the bishop’s permission, conducted services when required.

St Margaret’s Whiting Bay takes a leading role in Arran Churches Together worship and study groups.

Other community activities

Christ Church Lochgilphead has recently started carrying out fundraising fairs, selling stall space to local businesses and also selling goods on behalf of the church. This is both raising important funds and also the profile of the church and its people in the local community.

Relationships with the local schools in Lochgilphead and Inveraray have historically been good, and this is an area where there may be great potential for both the new priest and the lay members, with support and guidance, to engage more fully.

St. Margaret’s Whiting Bay is regularly used by local groups from the Brass Band ‘leamers group’ to the SWRl.

13 The church buildings & their histories

The Scottish Episcopal Church is rooted in the belief that any church is the people of the area, but the buildings that they use and their history is important in understanding the context of the Scottish Episcopal Church in Argyll. There are four churches, one bell tower and a rectory in the charges under the oversight of the priest. All but one of them (St Columba’s, Poltalloch) belong to the Scottish Episcopal Church. Most date back to the 19th century and the expansion of the Episcopal Church in Scotland back into the west of the country.

Christ Church, Lochgilphead

In 1847, when Bishop Alexander Ewing and his wife arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Argyll and The Isles, Lochgilphead seemed to be the natural centre. A small group of Scottish Episcopalians had been worshipping in the locality; several local landowners were Episcopalian; the area was central, accessible by steamer service and canal.

Land was donated by Mr Alexander Campbell of Auchindarroch; plans for a chapel and house were drawn up and rejected as too expensive and ambitious, but eventually designs by John Henderson of Edinburgh were accepted. The foundation stone was laid by the Bishop in April 1850 and Christ Church was consecrated just over a year later, in August 1851.

Christ Church is in the ‘middle pointed’ style of architecture: a simple design of chancel and nave, with the vestry and organ chamber added on the north side in 1888. It is a ‘B’ listed building. A very few references exist in the Vestry Minutes to the early decoration of the church interior. Some later changes within the church include the restoration of the two manual pedal organ by Hill and Son, London when it was re-located in the centre of the organ chamber arch. With the reduction of choir membership the choir stalls were removed and a new wrought iron and wood altar rail added. In 2004 two centrally placed pews were shortened so that people with mobility problems, or indeed children’s’ pushchairs, can be accommodated within the body of the church. At the same time several rows of pews were removed from the back of the church in order to make easier access. This open area, now carpeted in red, gives a warm welcome to the rear of the nave. It creates a useful area for congregational gathering, such as after-service refreshments.

St. Columba’s, Poltalloch

St. Columba's Episcopal Church, a listed building adjacent to the ruins of Poltalloch House, was built by Neill Malcolm and consecrated in 1854. It was recently returned by the General Synod to a local Trust who are responsible for the maintenance of the building and its contents, and the graveyard. Previous generations of Malcolms lie in a vault below the chapel. The graveyard itself has people from all walks of life connected in some way with St. Columba's. It was designed by English Architect Thomas Cundy who was surveyor of the Grosvenor Estate in London during the development of the residential area of Belgravia and who designed several London churches.

14 This is his only work in Scotland, and has been described as "most controlled and convincing, an austere Early English container for its rich furnishings. The brick-red Minton floor tiles in the chancel are patterned with quatrefoils and crosses, the blue panels of the ceiling bright with stars. A basic nave and chancel plan, it has an added porch, vestry and memorial chapel. The Church has a full set of stained glass windows by William Wailes, and two Whitechapel Foundry Bells. The organ is a Gray and Davidson 1855 with a most attractive facade and there are three notable miserichord seats. It has a B listing with Historic Scotland, unfortunately now beyond economical repair and replaced by a first class electric instrument.

The charge was an independent Incumbency from 1854 to 1934, held jointly with Christ Church Lochgilphead from 1927. After regular services during the early War years the chapel was unused from 1943-1947.since when the incumbent of Christchurch has been Priest in Charge and there have been services at St. Columba’s on two Sundays a month..

All Saints’ Inveraray

The Church of All Saints dates from 1886, but before that date Episcopal services were held in the old parish school which was demolished in 1903 and which stood on the site of the present Community Hall. In 1886, George, 8th Duke of Argyll granted a feu for the erection of a church. The architects were Wardrop and Anderson of Edinburgh and the church, which is of red granite in first pointed style and with large vestry and organ chamber on the north side, was consecrated in September that year with great ceremony beginning with a procession through the town which astonished the townspeople.

The church owes much to the generosity of Niall, 10th Duke of Argyll who took great interest in both the worship and the business affairs of the church. His gifts included several beautiful sets of vestments, the tabernacle, sanctuary lamps, candlesticks, the oak settle and many other furnishings. The church is a grade ‘B’ listed building.

The ‘Duke’s Tower’ Belfry, Inveraray (http://www.inveraraybelltower.co.uk/)

In 1914 the 10th Duke of Argyll, Niall Diarmid Campbell, became the Honorary Colonel of the 8th Battalion of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. When the First World War ended he decided that there should be a fitting memorial to commemorate the Clan Campbell dead. To this end he commissioned architects Hoare and Wheeler to design the Bell Tower, the original idea being to link the new tower to the church.

At the same time John Taylor and Company of Loughborough were approached to cast a ring of 10 bells suitable for the memorial. As the housing for the bells would not be finished until well after they were cast, a wooden slatted annexe that allowed the bells to be chimed via a keyboard was built nearby. The bells were cast in 1920 in Loughborough. Their transport from there to Inveraray, which took place in November 1921, was less than smooth. The first lorry broke down in Lancashire. Then when the second lorry reached “The Little Rest” on the lower part of the old Rest and Be Thankful road it would go no further. The treble bell and ironwork frames had to be unloaded to allow the lorry to continue the ascent. However even this was not enough and the second bell had to be left behind as well before the lorry made it to the summit. The abandoned bells and frames were retrieved the following day.

15 The construction of the 126 foot high tower was begun in 1923 and completed eight years later in 1931. The bells were then taken from the annexe and hoisted into their proper place, where they can still be seen today. The whole exercise had cost just over £21,000 (approximately £1 million in today’s money!). It is a Category A listed building, a tourist attraction in its own right, and houses a magnificent ring of ten bells, one of Scotland’s finest. Although there are no local ringers, it is a much valued venue for visiting bell ringers and is in regular use. There is a Bell Tower sub-committee (of the All Saints’ Vestry) comprising appointees of the Vestry, diocese and the Scottish Association of Change Ringers while a group of dedicated members of the S.A.C.R. (from various parts of the country, but mainly connected to St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral , Glasgow) are fully involved with the management and maintenance of the bells.

St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran

In 1902 the Rector of St Pauls, Rothesay began to hold occasional services on Arran. These were held at first in ‘temporary buildings’, but later references suggest their being conducted in houses. A Dependent Mission, dedicated to St Columba and served from Rothesay, was opened in Lamlash Bay from 1914, but the chapel was abandoned after the war. Between the wars, summer services must have been conducted in houses in Brodick, as correspondence in the Glasgow Herald refers to these, urging that more permanent premises be found. St Margaret’s, interior

From 1963, Canon (later Archdeacon) Hadfield, the then Rector of St Paul’s, celebrated Holy Communion two or three times a year in private houses in Corrie and Sannox. Dean Wilson, his successor in 1964 continued this practice. In 1966 The Revd Charles Wood retired to Arran where he set up a chapel in his own home, Sandbraes House, Whiting Bay. He held regular services and there was a steady increase in the congregation. In 1978 he was appointed Honorary Canon of the Cathedral of The Isles . After his death in 1983 his widow, Elsie, continued to give the Church the use of the Chapel, and services were maintained, thanks to visiting priests.

When Mrs Wood died in 1993, she left Sandbraes House to the Church, and its sale proceeds were used to buy a former Free Church nearby. This was dedicated as St Margaret’s of Scotland on 1st May 1995. St Margaret’s

16 The Rectory

The rectory, once the bishop’s house of the diocese, is physically connected to Christ Church in Lochgilphead. This building requires development and modernisation.

It is hoped that the new priest can be appointed in autumn 2013, so alternative accommodation will be required whilst the development takes place.

A suitable house in the Christ Church/Ardrishaig/Crinan locale will be rented by the vestries as the rector’s accommodation. The size and configuration of this property will be agreed with the rector and family/partner as appropriate. Examples of local rental accommodation are (left) a 4 bed farmhouse and (below) a 2 bedded flat by Ardrishaig, both just a few minutes from Lochgilphead. (Both images taken from http://www.argyll4sale.net (permission sought)).

The vestries are assuming financially that rental of a rectory may be required for up to two years whilst the development of Bishopton takes place. The new priest will be able to influence the development and take a personal interest in the development of the new accommodation in Bishopton. It is hoped that the rental period may be much shorter than this.

Again, every assurance is given that a suitable property will be provided for as long as it is required. Further information on rental possibilities in the area can be provided.

Modernisation and development of Bishopton

The rectory house requires modernisation and upgrading, a task which the Christ Church vestry and the diocese are engaging with vigorously.

This programme will take some time and require significant investment from church reserves and other possible sources.

There is also a glebe field behind the rectory. Development possibilities for this field, noting a slow local property development market in spring 2013, are also being explored.

Bishopton House (white) and Christ Church, Lochgilphead

17 Further information & links

The diocesan website:

www.argyll.anglican.org

The Scottish Episcopal Church website:

www.scotland.anglican.org

Resources for vestries (including Scottish canons etc.):

http://vestryresources.scotland.anglican.org/

Scottish Tourist Board information on this area:

http://www.visitscottishheartlands.com/areas/argyll/index.cfm

Local authority website:

http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/

Contact:

Mrs Ros Box, vestry secretary The Steading Bishopton Road Lochgilphead PA31 8LE

Tel: 01546-602026

Email: [email protected]

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