MORE than 200 years of worship at a historic church will end this Easter when the building closes its doors.

Lochwinnoch Parish Church has blamed a dwindling congregation, the cost of maintaining the age old structure and the lack of a permanent minister for the decision. 

The building and manse will be sold off. 

Rev Hanneke Marshall, interim moderator of the church, said: “People need to start coming to church. The membership of the church is about 80 and of that we see 30 people each week. 

“I feel for them. I’ve been having session meetings there for about one and a half years. 

“About 30 or 40 years ago everyone came to church and brought their children along but that’s not happening in the present age.

“At one time Lochwinnoch had a linkage to Howwood but sometimes the question of geography is not easy and people can’t travel. 

“A congregation has a strong connection to the building as well.”

The Gazette: The final service will be led by the Very Rev Lorna Hood The final service will be led by the Very Rev Lorna Hood

According to Rev Marshall, who is based at St Machar’s Ranfurly Church in Bridge of Weir, the funds are not available to repair the church.

She added: “We don’t get money to look after the buildings.”

The General Trustees of the Church of Scotland will now handle the disposal of the building and manse. 

As with many buildings which have closed in the past, there is a chance the kirk could be turned into flats. 

The final service at Lochwinnoch will be conducted by the Very Rev Lorna Hood, a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. 

Rev Hood was previously minister at North Parish Church, in Renfrew. 

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