CHURCH OF SCOTLAND The Argyll Parishes of Appin linked with Lismore Parish Profiles October 2014 October 2014 Page 1 of 14 Introduction Location The linked parishes of Appin and Lismore are in North Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. The Isle of Lismore in Loch Linnhe, is a short journey by passenger ferry from mainland Appin. Brief History Christianity was introduced to the area with the arrival of St Moluag c 563 and is well documented in the annals of Scottish history. Moluag, in Gaelic is interpreted as ‘gleaming light’. Lismore, or ‘Lios Mòr’, translates from the Gaelic as the Great Garden while Appin, or ‘Apuin’ in Gaelic, is interpreted as the Abbey Lands, having connections with the ancient ‘Cathedral of St Moluag’ on Lismore. And so, the Christian Faith bound these two places together long before the Church of Scotland formally linked the parishes in 1981. The Vacancy The Vacancy occurred when the minister was called to The Scots Kirk in Colombo, Sri Lanka after nearly six years with the Appin and Lismore congregations. The Call is without readjustment and is unrestricted. Permission to Call was granted by the Presbytery of Argyll in June 2014. Today The two kirks are linked in many ways through the actions of the congregations. Examples include; joint services, inter-guild activities, choir visits and of course, the occasional ceilidh! Sunday worship in Appin kirk is at 10.00 am each Sunday and completes in time for the Preacher to take the ferry to conduct the 12.30 pm service at the kirk on Lismore. October 2014 Page 2 of 14 The Manse The Manse, located between Appin and Port Appin, serves as the minister’s home, while the Church House (or Wee Manse) near to Lismore Kirk, is used for overnighting on Lismore. The Manse maintenance is jointly funded by both parishes. Built in the 19th Century, the manse has served many ministers and their families. It has three public rooms, four bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, toilet and shower. Oil-fired central heating has been installed with wood burning stoves in the study and lounge. It has been refurbished in recent years and was occupied by our previous minister. It is currently subject to some electrical upgrading, while the congregations are minded in the medium term to seek a new manse. THE MANSE Familial links have endured the passage of time and names common to Lismore and Appin are often encountered. Many people have settled in these lands from elsewhere attracted by the beauty, tranquillity of the landscape and the quiet friendliness of the people. A winter sunset looking over to Lismore from the Barr Mòr, Appin. “ALL ARE WELCOME IN THIS PLACE” October 2014 Page 3 of 14 APPIN PARISH PROFILE 1. Introduction Location Loch Linnhe to the west and Loch Creran to the south, being sea lochs, form the marine limits of Appin parish while hills and glens to the north and east form the land boundaries. The geography therefore supports a wide range of opportunities for business, sport and recreation for an active rural community and for visitors. The A828 trunk road runs north and south through the Strath of Appin connecting the Parish with neighbouring communities. The linked charge with the island parish of Lismore in Loch Linnhe is accessed by passenger ferry between Port Appin and the island. 2. The Church Brief History In the mid-17th century a church was built at Annat, Tynribbie. An adjacent burial ground is still in use by the parish today. A Scottish Episcopal Church, Holy Cross, at Portnacroish was established in 1815. While Holy Cross has a small congregation, there are many ecumenical activities bringing the two congregations in frequent contact. The existing Church of Scotland was constructed in 1889 and continues to serve the Parish of Appin. It was built to replace the old church at Tynribbie which was in a poor state of repair and is now ruined. October 2014 Page 4 of 14 The Ministry The Congregation Within a parish population of around 500, there are 102 on the Communion Roll and 23 on the Adherents Roll. The 2011 Census states that in Appin Parish, 236 people (47%) registered an affiliation with the Church of Scotland. Compared to Presbytery and National statistics (41% and 32% respectively). This is a favourable position but it also demonstrates the scope for further development of the Church’s role in the Parish. Average attendance at Sunday worship is around 50 but is often enhanced with visitors and attendances increase markedly at the times of the Christian Festivals. Some members of Holy Cross Episcopal church attend Sunday worship when there is no service at Holy Cross. A small number of The Society of Friends also attend services. The Kirk Session has 16 Elders, of which 4 are Elders Emeritus. The active Kirk Session is therefore 12 and comprises 6 of each gender. The Congregational Board has 3 members who are not Elders. The Session Clerk and the Property Convenor are Elders, while the Treasurer is a member of the Congregational Board. Preaching Sunday worship in the Kirk is at 10.00 am each Sunday and completes in time for the Preacher to take the ferry to conduct the 12.30 pm service on Lismore. Additional services are usually held at Easter and Christmas. There are memorials to two World Wars within the church and the annual Remembrance Service for the village is conducted within the church. Services are conducted in English, Gaelic services being discontinued in 1947. A rota for readers is in operation which allows members to participate in the reading of the Word as selected by the preacher. While there is no choir in Appin, praise is led by volunteer organists, two on an agreed rota and one in reserve. The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper is held quarterly and on other occasions as determined by the Minister and Session. A goodly number of willing preachers are available within the area to conduct Sunday services when the Minister is on holiday or incapacitated. October 2014 Page 5 of 14 Teaching There is no formal Sunday School at present. The young in the community are encouraged to attend church services and some do. Meetings are taking place with a view to restarting the Sunday School. On the last Sunday of each month, the service in Appin is led by the young people of Appin and is followed by refreshments. The national scheme for ‘The Protection of Vulnerable Groups’ is coordinated in the community by two Kirk members who process applications from volunteers. Some Elders have attended training for their role in the Kirk and a few members have attended short courses in conducting worship. Outreach The Kirk is very active in the Appin community. Many office bearers and members of the Kirk are involved in the administration and committee work of various groups and the opportunities to extend Christian fellowship are numerous and well developed. The Guild is a major asset to the Kirk, having 22 members. During the active seasons of the year there are also many links and joint activities with neighbouring Guilds. Speakers are organised for monthly meetings in accordance with the ‘theme’ set out by Guild headquarters. Christian faith groups in the community work well together during Christian Aid Week and in organising The World Day of Prayer service. Buildings & Facilities The church building approaches the 125th Anniversary of dedication. A quinquennial visit was undertaken by presbytery representatives in June 2014. The seating in the church accommodates around 200 people. An audio system with ‘loop’ functionality is installed. There is a small vestry which is also used for Church committee meetings. A recent development extended the facilities to allow disabled access to a suitable toilet while increasing the size of the kitchen which is now better equipped to provide refreshments for small meetings and selected services. There are no church halls but there is a village hall in Appin near to the church, and another October 2014 Page 6 of 14 in Port Appin. Both are Community halls having their own administration and support groups. The halls are well used and booking in advance is important. The Church has access to both halls, like other community organisations, and makes good use of these facilities when needed. 3. The Community People Approximately 500 people reside within the parish boundary. A statistical account is contained in “The Church of Scotland Statistics for Mission Group – Appin Parish” which draws on the 2011 Census conducted by National Records of Scotland. This makes interesting reading for anyone wanting to understand the make-up of the parish. Education The Primary school at present has 34 pupils and 12 pre-fives. A Gaelic Unit is catered for within the school curriculum. A new Head teacher has recently been appointed following the retirement, after 31 years of service, by her predecessor. The pupils attend church for their end of term services. An ‘all weather’ sports facility has recently been created adjacent to the school. Secondary Education is at Oban High School. Pupils commute daily by bus to Oban. Opportunities for Further Education are published annually by Argyll & Bute Council. Employment Over the years, like many rural parishes, Appin has moved away from the tradition of farming to a wider range of industrial activities. Accommodation and food service activities employ most people followed by construction. Today, agriculture, forestry and fishing together account for less than 10% of the industrial activity in the parish. People commute outside the parish to work at Glensanda Quarry in Morvern and a variety of jobs in and around Oban.