OLD Gourock and Ashton Church held a hugely successful celebration dinner dance as part of its 250th anniversary celebrations at the Tontine Hotel, Greenock.
More than 110 members, friends of the congregation and clergy from local churches enjoyed an evening of humorous speeches looking back to 1776 when the parish was founded.
Minister the Rev David Burt spoke about the next exciting chapter in the church’s life and Jim Hempsey, session clerk, gave a vote of thanks.
After Shona Burt cut the 250th cake, the guests enjoyed dinner. Local musicians, The Urban Folkers, played a selection of covers to delight both dancers and non-dancers alike.
The church has been holding monthly events during its special year. Highlights have included a Burns supper and a special service recognising those who have been baptised or married at Old Gourock and Ashton.
A service took place on 17 May commemorating the formation of the parish on that date 250 years ago. May also saw a civic reception and a community fun day at Gourock Park attended by thousands of visitors.
In July there was a week of memorabilia highlighting how Gourock and the church has developed, and last month the congregation walked to Inverkip Church retracing the route that worshippers took every Sunday before the current building in Royal Street was erected in 1832.
A musical evening is planned for Saturday 14 November followed by more events over Advent as the year of celebration draws to a close.
