Re-invention

There are a few churches around this area which are looking for a new purpose.  

This is the High Kirk in Dunoon, which sits in a commanding position overlooking the ferry pier and the Clyde and which , strangely, I don't think I have ever been in.   There are plans to convert it into a hub for ministry and for youth outreach but I don't know how far those have progressed.   

In the last twenty years the number of open and active churches in the area has shrunk dramatically, with five previous Church of Scotland charges now forming the Cowal Kirk, which includes this building.     Over where we live in Glendaruel discussions are underway within the congregation about the future of the two churches - one in Colintraive and one in the Clachan .

I am an Episcopalian and we have only a single church in Cowal, and one just over the water in Rothesay.   But from what I can observe, and I am not a regular attender, both of those  congregations are ageing  and declining too. 

Perhaps such things are cyclical.  Buildings are not as important as people or actions and perhaps those are what will survive and flourish.   It is however sad to see such remarkable places looking for a role, not least because of the fine portions they occupy and the story they tell of faith and community - something expressed also in their graveyards ( the ancient one here being in my  extra photos today)