Arrochar Parish Church The Story So Far
		From The Lennox Herald of 8th. October, 1999: Songs of Praise Arrochar Kirk renovations cause for celebration by BILL HEANEY The beautiful village Kirk of Arrochar on the shores of Loch Long has been officially re-opened with a service of thanksgiving and celebration. The Kirk has been a lochside landmark since 1847 - the first church was built in Arrochar around 1733 - but in recent years it had fallen into disrepair. Three years ago it had to be closed altogether when it became unsafe, but it has been re-opened through the auspices of a Community Trust which leases the building from the Church of Scotland and which has taken responsibility for a programme of restoration and repair. Friends from the lochside community - and from all over the world - have contributed money, and local tradesmen and volunteers have contributed their skills and labour. A packed congregation at the re-dedication ceremony heard the Reverend Dane Sherrard, Parish Minister at Arrochar and Luss, thank everyone involved in the project. These included the people who organised collections, wrote and distributed newsletters, made tea and did the cleaning up. The first phase of the restoration has produced a stunning interior and a huge amount has been done to ensure that the building is now wind and water-tight. The roof and ceiling have been repaired and the plaster work refurbished. The internal back wall has been stripped back, pointed and treated for dampness and new electrical wiring has been installed. The new lights complement the natural light from the magnificent stained-glass windows and carpeting and centralheating have been installed to make the Kirk comfortable for worshippers. The pulpit has been re-upholstered and the pews refurbished and repaired. Although it has been a massive job, there is still much to do. Over the next two years the windows will be repaired, one at a time as the money becomes available. Next year the roof will be refurbished - a donation of £6,000 has been made available for this to happen. And next year work will begin on the renovation of the exterior of the church building. Next month new front doors will arrive to keep out the cold draughts of winter wind off the loch, and new hanging chandeliers will be manufactured and fitted. Church of Scotland clergy and elders from the Dumbarton Presbytery turned up in Arrochar to celebrate with the congregation. They heard Mr. Sherrard tell the congregation: "Every month something new will happen and all because of the wonderful generosity of our community and friends. "Everything that has been done so far has been paid for and there has been a huge amount of work put in by so many people. "Arrochar Parish Church isn't a building at all but the sum total of all of us who seek to serve God as part of his worshipping community here. "So we don't just need your help to complete our building plans. We need your help to make this church into the kind of church family which our community deserves."