The future of Renfrew North Parish Church is in doubt after “astonishing” plans for the place of worship to be closed were revealed.
The Church of Scotland could close the Renfield Street church and send the congregation to Inchinnan.
It’s understood the proposals are the result of a consultation launched a year ago by the Church of Scotland as it seeks to reduce the number of ministers in the Clyde Presbytery from 60 to 40.
A final decision on whether the closure will go ahead will be made on Tuesday, November 22.
One local councillor insists the loss of the building would be “devastating” for Renfrew.
Reverend Philip Wallace of Renfrew North Parish Church said: “When we saw the draft Presbytery plan, we were astonished.”
And Rev Wallace says it’s not just the loss of a place of worship that will be felt in the community – but all of the other functions that the Renfrew North Parish Church building hosts.
“We feel that the building that we have, in the place that we have it, in the centre of Renfrew, is ideally placed for everything that goes on,” he said.
“The buildings do a huge, huge amount of work locally. We have Guides, Brownies and Boys’ Brigade, which meet each week.
“We’ve a dance school on a Saturday and there’s a footfall probably of about 300 young people who go through our doors each week.
“We have a community coffee bar which the elderly and local residents come along to.
“And we see the building as providing a warm space as well, because people can stay there all morning and have their coffee. It’s a good way of combating loneliness within the community.
“The buildings are used seven days a week, the halls are used daily and in the evenings as well, and it’s that resource that I think the community is really sad about losing.”
In the wake of the news breaking, a campaign has been set up to save Renfrew North.
The campaign is seeking people who care about the future of the church to sign a petition and submit their photos of good times enjoyed there.
The campaign website can be accessed at renfrewnorth.org.uk/plana/
One person with a personal connection to the church, who is backing the campaign, is Renfrew North and Braehead councillor Jamie McGuire. He grew up benefiting from activities such as those provided by the Boys’ Brigade.
He said: “I’ve attended Renfrew North since I was young. I attended the Boys’ Brigade. I’ve had great experiences there that have helped me develop as a person.
“This would be absolutely devastating for people in Renfrew.
“It’s been there for so long, it’s done so many good things and the building is in a great condition.
“It’s a thriving church within the community and the plan to merge Renfrew North with Inchinnan is nonsensical.”
While the decision on closing the church will be made soon, Rev Wallace says that it will not necessarily mean the immediate closure of the church.
The Church of Scotland can choose to earmark Renfrew North for closure, but that would only come about upon the retirement of the current minister.
Rev Wallace says he has at least ten years left – but admits the decision would leave a “shadow of threat” over the church.
He added: “I’d encourage the readers of the Paisley Daily Express to support the online petition and to continue to use the facilities at Renfrew North.”
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