Prestwick South Parish Church

Prestwick South Parish Church, Prestwick, Scotland

Prestwick South Parish Church
Denomination	Church of Scotland
Churchmanship	Kirk Session
Website	Prestwick South
Administration
Presbytery	Ayr
Parish	Prestwick
Clergy
Minister(s)	Rev. Kenneth C. Elliott
Assistant	.

Prestwick South Parish Church is located in South Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland. It is a Parish Church in the Church of Scotland and within the presbytery of Ayr.

Prestwick South Parish Church is situated right in the heart of the town. This central location has ensured that the Church has been a beacon of faith for many years.

However, the emergence of Prestwick South as a beacon of faith is a remarkable story of great religious conviction which deserves special mention. Indeed, I certainly am in awe of the forefathers of the Church for the legacy of faith and witness that they have provided.

From historical records we recall how the United Presbyterian Church in Ayr decided to cater for the spiritual needs of the people in Prestwick and also summer visitors. Initially they sought to rent suitable accommodation, but unsuccessful in this quest they decided on the 7th April 1879 to build a Preaching Station which could accommodate 200 people. Just over six months later building began in October 1879 and was duly completed on the 25th April 1880.

That Preaching Station, which now accommodates our Vestry and Session House, symbolised not just a new beginning, but an incredible sense of faith. For in 1882 a petition was then signed for the Preaching Station to be made into a full Church. Yet, amazingly that petition was signed by 23 members and 17 adherents, a total of 40 people. A small group who had the courage, the conviction, the enthusiasm and the faith to turn a Preaching Station into a Church. It really was a remarkable and courageous decision. This was then endorsed at the Annual General Business meeting in December 1882 when the decision was taken to go ahead and build a Church. The Church was duly built and opened approximately 18 months later. All debts were cleared within ten years.

From such inspiring foundations Prestwick South has continued to evolve.

Ministers

There thave been several ministers at Prestwick South.

• Rev Kenneth C. Elliott (1989 - present)
• Rev. Thomas Barr Girwood (1981 - 1988)
• Rev. Jack Brown – (1976 – 1980)
• Rev. James Burgoyne Yorke - (1947 – 1976)
• Rev. George Adam Theodore Napier Christie – (1935 – 1947)
• Rev. Alexander Gibson – (1912 – 1934)
• Rev. Robert Alexander Cameron MacMillan – (1909 – 1910)
• Rev. Ernest Finlay Scott – (1895 – 1908)
• Rev. Archibald Alison - (1882-1900)