Bill Armstrong’s Last Day

dsc_3857dsc_3874On Sunday 27th June 2010, over 300 members of the congregation and friends gathered to take part in a rousing Service as the Rev Bill Armstrong comes to the end of his term as Interim Moderator  at Greenock Westburn church.

With an augmented choir, the Steadfast Band gave additional support in leading the praise.

During the Service, which included the Sunday School Prizegiving, Bill acknowledged the warmth of welcome given to him and his wife Laura throughout their time with us.

dsc_38601dsc_3864At the end of the Service the congregation retired to the Church Hall and Lounge where a lunch had been prepared by members of the Social Committee. The Committeee really did have the task of feeding the five thousand but eventually all were satisfactory fed and watered.

The congregation then returned to the Church for the final farewells.

dsc_3872dsc_3873It commenced with opening remarks being made by Session Clerk Stuart Robertson followed by the Very Rev Bill Hewitt who thanked Bill for so ably looking after the congregation of Westburn during his period as Moderator of the General Assembly. As a personal thank you, the Very Rev Bill gave a present to the Rev Bill as a token of appreciation.

dsc_3876dsc_3878It was then the turn of Stuart Robertson to express the gratitude and thanks of the congregation for the effort and pastoral care that Bill had given over the past sixteen months and in particular in the past year when he had worked to cement the congregation together. He presented Bill with a cheque as a token of thanks from Westburn Church.

The continued support given by Bill’s wife Laura was not forgotten, a member of the Sunday School Kirsty McCracken presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Laura presence has been much appreciated.

The Rev Bill then had the opportunity to tell of his time with us over the past year. He had enjoyed it and, as an incomer, he hoped that he had helped in bonding the recently united congregation together. On behalf of himself and his wife, he thanked the congregation for the warm welcome and support given to them. The friendship received had made his task so much easier.

dsc_3880dsc_3881Finally, the Assistant Session Clerk Alan Gallacher gave a Vote of Thanks to all who had participated in the events of the day. He assured Bill and Laura of warmth and friendship should they choose to return to Westburn at any time in the future.

Click on to any of the photographs to obtain a full screen view.