Parishioners at a Greenock church say it is 'a miracle' it is still standing after a massive fire

The huge blaze broke out at the neighbouring Wilson’s Storage and Removals in Jamaica Street last month and resulted in the building being demolished.

Miraculously, the Greenock Free Church of Scotland, which was adjoined to the fire ravaged building via a common wall, somehow survived.

Although the church has sustained costly damage, parishioners are determined to get it back up and running.

One of them Alice Nicolson from Greenock said: "We are remaining positive.

"We are a small congregation but we stick together , so we will fight on.

"This is not the end."

The massive blaze broke out at Wilson’s on December 27 and led to nearby flats being evacuated and roads closed.

It took around 30 firefighters to get the fire under control.

Catherine Bell, who also attends the church, says it was a a huge relief that their building was relatively unscathed but expressed her sadness at the fate of the neighbouring building which was where they originally worshipped.

She said: "I was the last person to get married there in 1974 before we moved to what used to be our church hall.

"We still have a model of the pulpit of the original church.

"It's sad because it's a bit of the town's history gone.

"The firefighters broke through the wall of our church to tackle to fire.

"It's a miracle that our church survived really."

Alasdair MacDonald, the interim moderator at the church, added: "It absolutely was a miracle, as it was just a fireball.

"We were comparatively unscathed when you think about what could've happened.

"One of the firemen said he couldn't believe how little damage was done."

The minister is now waiting to hear back from the loss adjusters and insurers about the cost of the damage but he expects it to run into the thousands.

He said: "There are two holes in the church as the firefighters had to fight the blaze from our church.

"All of our carpets are damaged and there is also smoke damage.

"I think it will be months before we re-open.

"It all depends on what the insurers are going to do for us but it will be a while anyway."

Rev MacDonald says the church are grateful for the support they have had since the fire.

He said: "We are so thankful for all the help we have received from the community.

"We hope to repay that and be more involved in the community than we are already and become more better known.

"It's great that we have this opportunity to make out church more well known so that we can serve Greenock."

Alice praised St John's Episcopal Church who have allowed her church to use their hall to hold services.

She added: "We are also very grateful to the emergency services, they have been amazing and it's thanks to them that our church is still standing.

"The demolition company Caskie have been very considerate, Alasdair MacDonald has been so supportive as has Roddy McLellan, our session clerk.

"We also want to thank Allan Shearer, the assistant minister from the Glasgow City Free Church and his wife Joanna and Catherine Bell and Robert Munro who have been amazing.

"We are a small congregation but we are a very close community."