Our Buildings
Located in the centre of Elgin High Street, St Giles' Church sits at the heart of the community. The present church was built in 1828, replacing the former Muckle Kirk of St Giles'. Designed by Archibald Simpson of Aberdeen, St Giles' Church is a bold classical structure of generous proportions.
The interior has undergone several modifications to meet the ever-
St Giles' Church is a building which the Congregational Board feels could play a wider role in community life in years ahead.
In 1897, a suite of Halls was built in Greyfriars Street and that facility serves the church to the present day. However they are in the final stages of being sold and replaced with new halls /offices due to be completed by October 2011 which have been funded from existing resources.
St Columba's South Church in Moss Street was built in 1906 to meet the expanding needs of the congregation of St Giles'. The result of an architectural competition, St Columba's Church, as it was then known, was designed in 12th century Norman style, with plain bare stonework, heavy columns and half circular arches, all much to the distaste of many of the congregation at the time. However, the church is simple, dignified and pleasing to the eye, providing a worship experience very different from that of St Giles'.
The closure of Elgin South Church circa 2000, brought together that congregation with St Giles' in what has been a harmonious marriage and one recognized by the addition of the word "South" resulting in the present name of St Columba's South.
Both churches have been well maintained, St Columba's South requiring much less attention than the more ornate structure of St Giles'.
Music
The St. Giles' Organ, originally built by Father Henry Willis, is the largest 3 manual pipe organ in the North of Scotland. It was moved to the gallery in 1979 and rebuilt with additions by Wood Wordsworth and A.F. Edmonstone. There is an experienced choir of about 12. At present there is a praise band which plays at the monthly all age worship service.
The St. Columba's South organ is a large 2 manual pipe organ rebuilt in 1989 using pipes from the old organ and from a Harris organ formerly in a church in Perth. There is a small choir.
Organ in St. Giles' Church
Organ in St. Columba's South Church
Outreach
St. Giles' Theatre Group
Started in 1987 by the Minister and Kirk Session as an outreach to the youth of all churches (all denominations) and also the community. No one has ever been turned away from the group. The group has never been concerned with making money, some productions clear their costs, others have resulted in considerable profit. It was decided at the outset that any profits after production costs would go to Christian Aid and other local charities. The group has made donations of around £50,000 over the years. They are indebted to literally hundreds of people in the Church and community for being supportive of their efforts. Many of our young people go on to careers in the theatre.
Youth Café
As an outreach project the congregation continues to support Elgin Youth Café. Several of our elders and other members play a major part as volunteers in the organisation and running of the café, and this year some of the young people from the café have assisted at some of our congregational fundraising events.
Exterior of Café
Café Interior
Back to Contents
Ministry and Staffing
We are looking for
A minister with life experience who is an open and friendly person. He/She would be our Parish Minister interested in all parts of work of the church and its organisations, caring for and visiting members and parishioners including conducting funerals.
A Team Leader and Team Player.
A minister willing to conduct weddings in the community as well as in the Church.
A minister with a vision for the future.
A minister whose doctrine is compatible with the traditions of this congregation.
Our Associate Minister has been called to the Scots Kirk in Paris. All posts within the Presbytery Plan are currently being reviewed. We also have a Deacon (until October 2012), Auxilliary Minister and the following paid staff: 1 Part time Church Secretary, 2 Organists, 1 Deputy Organist and 1 Church Officer and a Caretaker.
Mission Statement
Relying upon the promised guidance of the Holy Spirit, we, as a congregation are committed to
Worship,
Prayer,
Deepen our own understanding of our Christian faith, and share this with others,
Support the work of the church through out time, talents and wealth,
Look upon others as lovingly as God looks upon us.
The Manse
Front view of the Manse
Manse rear view
The manse of the Parish is at 18 Reidhaven Street, Elgin and is one of a number of substantial stone-
On the ground floor are 2 public rooms, a large family room, kitchen/dining room and utility room. A few steps lead down from the Hall to a generous sized toilet and wash hand basin.
On the upper floor are 3 double bedrooms and one single bedroom. A new toilet, wash hand basin and modern shower bathroom has been created.
The house has been extensively redecorated this year.
New PVC double glazing has been fitted throughout and the house is heated by a new gas fired boiler. The loft insulation has also been upgraded.
There is a small garden to the front and a generous garden (half lawn and half mature fruit trees) at the rear. A driveway leads into a 3 car carport at the side of the property.
A further property is provided at 2 Hay Place, Elgin, which was occupied until recently by the Associate Minister. It is a compact 2 storey, 3 bedroom house, built about 25 years ago, in a fairly small site with good access.
Stipend
The appropriate stipend plus travelling and listed expenses are paid.
Back to Contents
Business Matters
Constitution
The Church is governed under the amended Model Deed of Constitution for Parishes Quod Sacra 1965 (usually known as the Model Constitution).
Publications
The church magazine is published 9 times a year and is either hand delivered or posted to all members of the congregation.
A weekly Order of Service sheet is distributed at Morning Worship, and also contains information of forthcoming events and matters of interest.
Finance
The last independently examined accounts for the year to November 2009 confirm that St Giles' and St Columba's South Church is in a very sound financial position through a combination of substantial invested funds plus considerable bank deposits.
In 2009 the church undertook a Stewardship Campaign which was very successful and resulted in increased regular congregational givings. A large number of members contribute by standing order or through freewill offering envelopes the vast majority of which are gift aided.
Our finances are managed by a finance convenor and a committee of 12 including the church treasurer who report regularly to the board and keep the wider congregation fully informed through the church magazine.
A financial budget is prepared each year and approved by the board and which has indicated for this year that the accounts will produce a surplus on our general account.
