THE congregations of Cockenzie Old Parish Church and Chalmers Memorial Church have united to become Cockenzie and Port Seton Parish Church, following two years of preparation and discussion, and in accordance with the Presbytery of Lothian and Borders plan.

The building designated by Presbytery for the new congregation is the former Chalmers Memorial Church on Gosford Road, Port Seton.

The nearby Cockenzie Old Parish Church closed on Sunday, October 20, following what was described as an emotional but uplifting service shared by a full church, which celebrated the life and mission of that church.

“After 139 years of service, outreach and support in Cockenzie, Port Seton and the wider community, the Auld Parish Kirk sadly closed its doors for the last time today,” said an Auld Kirk statement that evening.

“A huge thank you to everyone we’ve come to know, and remember us wherever you go.”

A piper led the last congregation from the church, before Marilynn Steele closed the church door for the last time just after 1pm.

The service of union itself, on Sunday, October 27, was conducted by the Rev Lorna Souter, moderator of the Presbytery of Lothian and the Borders, with assistance from the Rev Norman Smith, clerk to the Presbytery of Lothian and the Borders.

The service was well attended with representatives from the uniformed organisations and other local representatives. Also in attendance was the Rev James Patron Bell, minister at the Cockenzie Methodist Church, and his congregation.

During the service, the Rev Robin Allison, formerly the minister of Chalmers Memorial Church, was appointed the minister of the new congregation. Mr Allison was asked to reaffirm the vows he took at his ordination, as was the new kirk session, comprised of elders from both former congregations. The congregation were also asked to make vows of support to the union.

Many people commented on the uplifting nature of the service and more than 100 people stayed behind after worship for refreshments supplied by the members of the new congregation.

The social gathering following the service of union which saw the congregations of Cockenzie Old Parish Church and Chalmers Memorial Church become Cockenzie and Port Seton Parish Church (Image: Contributed)

The first service after the union was on Sunday, November 3, and was conducted by Mr Allison.

The attendance was once again strong and, since then, the new church has hosted the local annual Remembrance service with the attendance of the Royal British Legion, local uniformed organisations and also the local community choir, who sang during the service.

The first kirk session for the new church took place on Wednesday, November 13, and there was a full turnout of all 33 elders who make up that body. At that meeting, key office bearers were appointed and a committee structure for the new congregation was approved.

Preparations are now under way for Advent and Christmas services.

Mr Allison said: “It is a privilege to have been asked to take on responsibility for this new congregation and it has been an inspiration to see how people have drawn together with a desire not only to worship together, but also to serve the local community.”

Earlier this year, Cockenzie House and Gardens received a £227,400 grant from the Scottish Land Fund to buy Cockenzie Old Parish Church and Hall in order to use it as a community hub.

A spokesperson for Cockenzie House and Gardens said negotiations with the Church of Scotland had stalled due to an issue regarding the ownership of the land on which the church hall stands.

The spokesperson said: “ This land is currently regarded as ‘ownerless’. We have explored the possibility of purchasing only the church and  leasing the hall until the ownership is properly established. We are awaiting a response from the Church of Scotland.

"Cockenzie House and Gardens have invested many hours of preparation to take over both buildings. 

"We are anxious to progress matters as quickly as possible in order that our Scottish Land Fund award is not jeopardised given the extent of community interest and support for the venture." 

A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland said: “Conveyancing takes time and unfortunately there are some complex aspects around the sale of Cockenzie and Port Seton Old Church and hall.

“We have corresponded extensively with all the parties involved, and will continue to do so as we work towards a solution.

“We are again offering to assist the buyers in engaging with the funders to see if flexibility can be offered in terms of the funding deadlines in these circumstances.

“The Church of Scotland is supportive of the transfer of the property to the buyers once the legal complexities of the sale have been resolved.”