COMMUNITY campaigners have presented their own personal tribute to celebrate Port Glasgow New Parish Church's 200th anniversary.

Members of Port West Community Council were delighted to hand over a framed letter to minister Reverend William Boyle.

The group also made a donation to support the busy church's many activities.

Greenock Telegraph:

Anne Ross, chairperson, said: "Just like previous generations of Port Glasgow townsfolk back in the 1950s, as children we grew up in Port Glasgow to recognise this iconic building in the centre of our town.

"The church has seen many changes in the town over its 200 years. We pay homage to Reverend William Boyle and his flock to make make this iconic building a hub and a meeting place for the wider community. There is something for everyone.

"Many congratulations to William and his ministry for making it happen and thrive."

The church has held a series of events throughout the year to mark the anniversary, ending with a musical evening featuring Riverside Youth Band and the church choir.

Community council secretary Tommy Rodger says that the church has remained a constant in a world of change, such as the decline of the shipyards.

Tommy said: "The town has seen many changes over the 200 years since the church was built.

"However, the New Parish Church, formerly St Andrews, has remained a central feature within the town centre.”

Tommy says a whole host of notable events help to place the church's opening in 1823 in proper context.

He said: "There was the opening of the Masonic 217, and the town’s first school in King Street in 1758, then the town council built a pend with the first town hall attached in 1768. These buildings are still standing in King Street.

"Port Glasgow Dry Dock was built and opened in 1762 in Bay Street, the first of its kind in Scotland. Then we had our Municipal Buildings with town clock built in 1812, the same year the Comet Paddle Steamer had been built in John Wood’s Shipyard on Shore Street.

"After the church had been built, the then-Glasgow to Greenock railway line and Port Glasgow train station were opened behind the church in 1841."

Rev Boyle says that while the church is steeped in history, it also lives in the present and the future.

He told the Telegraph: "It is really kind of the community council to recognise the church and all we are trying to achieve in the community.

"We are used to being at the heart of it.

"It is an old building and there is that association with the past, but the church is very much about its people and I am pleased that it is now open seven days a week, and we are soon opening a brand new hall."

Jim McIlhinney, treasurer, and a member of the church, said: "It absolutely amazing that we now have at least 20 organisations using the hall every week."