The union of Glasgow City Free Church and Partick Free Church has now been approved by the Commission of Assembly and the Church’s new name – Crow Road Free Church – agreed by Scottish Charity Regulator OSCR.
With the approval at the Commission of Assembly for the merger of Partick Free Church and Glasgow City Free Church, the life of a united congregation with a new name has begun.
Crow Road Free Church will soon be using its new brand – created with the help of the design agency We Are Ocho – to deepen its commitment to mission in the Patrick and Thornwood areas of Glasgow. Although this marks a momentous moment for all members and adherents of the new Church, the brand represents the continuity of the congregations’ desire to serve God in the local area.
A few months earlier the Church welcomed four new elders – Gordon Strong, Stephen Strong, Matthias Van Der Swaagh and Mitchel Hodge to the leadership. Also welcomed were two new deacons – Vernon Shilliday and Samuel Dow. These were the first new additions to the leadership of the joint congregation and were met with much rejoicing.
While there is much change to be thankful to God for within the congregation, there was also thankfulness for faithful service over many years. Rev Dr Colin Dow was presented with gifts – including a cake! – to thank him for his dedicated commitment to leading the congregation for the last 20 years. The congregation is so thankful to God for such a gifted and learned pastor, as well as making sure to demonstrate their thanks to his wife Kathmar for her unfailing love and care for the congregation. Their children – now grown up – Samuel, Aidan, Kathryn and Jonathan joined in the celebrations.
While the new united congregation looks forward to new developments under its new name and brand, there is a lot that will continue. The monthly Litter Pick has proven to make a real difference to the look of the area around the church building and those volunteering are often approached by the local parish to ask who they are representing giving a great opportunity to share the news of the Gospel.
Similarly, the women’s fellowship continues to meet monthly for Bible study and prayer using the study book, Women of the New Testament by Phyllis J Le Peau. The monthly Parks and Pastries is now a firm favourite, with one of the women’s fellowship hosting the group for coffee and the obligatory pastries each month after which there’s a walk in a nearby park.
Not to be outdone, the younger men are meeting regularly for five-aside football, sometimes seven-aside and often supply of a pitch outstrips demand, such is its popularity.
Looking ahead the Church has committed to planting a church in the Bearsden and Milngavie area and planning work has begun.