The refurbishments and extension at Hope Bridge, Coatbridge have been completed and the building is now officially open.
Rev Dr Bob Akroyd, Moderator of the 2023 General Assembly, opened the church building at an event in June. He gave a stimulating and uplifting address on God is For Us.
Rev Ivor MacDonald, minister of the congregation, gave thanks to God for the remarkable providences that had permitted the purchase of the additional land and for the provision of sufficient funds to complete the project.
Ivor then, assisted by youngsters in the congregation, made presentations of inscribed Bibles to the project architect, Raymond Angus of Angus Design Associates and to the building contractors, Raymond Kane and Stephen Smith of RS Builders, congratulating them on their professional and speedy completion of the works.
Presentations were also made to Rod Morrison of Arniston Consulting, who had assisted so effectively with fundraising, and Brian Maclean and Stuart Cockburn who had given generously of their time to ensure the IT and AV systems were in place. Cameron and Morag MacIver, who had done much to make the extension a practical reality, were also especially thanked.
Thanks were due to all those who had provided funds- the Board of Trustees of the Free Church for a substantial loan, the Free Presbytery of Glasgow and Argyll for its gift, grant awarding bodies such as Benefact, The Ferguson Bequest, The Baird Trust, The Bellahouston Bequest Fund and others, as well as the many Free Church congregations, and friends outside Hope Church, who had given with remarkable generosity to provide this impressive facility.
The challenge now was the use of the building for the glory of God in the congregation and, critically, in the wider community.
Photos: Thanks to Victoria Stewart/Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser/Reach PLC