PARISH PROFILE

For the charge of

SOUTH EAST COWAL

Comprising the parishes of Dunoon :The High Kirk ,Innellan & Toward

The charge of South East Cowal was formed in 2002 and comprises three churches which run continuously from the middle of Dunoon along the coastal fringe to the upper reaches of Loch Striven. The population of the combined parishes is approximately 6,ooo. Three churches are in weekly use - Dunoon: The High Kirk, Innellan and Toward. It is not expected that an individual will preach in all three on the same morning. At present the services (Toward-10am: High Kirk-11am: Innellan-11.30am) are shared between the Minister and the Auxiliary Minister, Rev.Ruth Griffiths, one leading worship at Toward and Innellan and the other at the High Kirk. The Ministers alternate in these duties. Joint services are also held. All three congregations use CH4. There are opportunities for services at residential homes and sheltered housing complexes. A warm welcome awaits at all the church services and there is always time for tea, coffee and a chat either before or after the service. Each of the congregations has its own activities, which are supported by the others, and its own newsletter. The charge supports a BB Company and a choir - Jubilate Cowal- whose members are mainly from the three congregations. The three Kirk Sessions work closely together, occasionally meeting"in conference" to discuss matters of common interest. Each Congregational Board at present has its own Chairperson, thereby freeing the Minister as much as possible from administrative duties. The Presbytery of Argyll has plans to appoint three Youth Advisors, the first of whom has taken up post in Cowal. There are three Church of Scotland congregations in Dunoon - The High Kirk, St. John's and Kirn. There is also a Free Church, a Baptist Church, a Scotttish Episcopal Church and a Roman Catholic Church. Relations among the churches in Cowal are cordial, and the local clergy meet regularly. The Manse, which is a traditional Victorian building in sound condition, with superb views across the Clyde, is situated in the grounds of Innellan Church. It is looked after by a Committee drawn from all three congregations, together with the Minister.

THE HIGH KIRK

Dunoon (population 7,000) is a classic Clyde seaside resort, but it is also the shopping and support centre for Cowal Peninsula. As well as more traditional shops, there are two supermarkets which maintain national prices. Dunoon is on the fringe of the Lomond and Trossachs National Park and is one of the gateways to that area. On the last weekend of August there is an influx of visitors for the world famous Cowal Highland Gathering.

At present there are three primary Schools and a first class Secondary School - Dunoon Grammar. One of the Primary Schools is near The High Kirk.

The High Kirk has a membership of 350 and, standing on the hill over-looking Dunoon Pier, it has been a site of worship since 1250. There is an active congregation which enjoys fellowship in Guild, Junior and Senior Badminton, Choir, Walking Group and Drama Group. The Church supports a Bereavement Counselling Service for the whole community. On Wednesdays a short service is held, conducted by members and friends of the congregation. The Church is open during the summer months for a Church history- based Exhibition. A Flower Festival is an annual event, as are many of the fund raising activities. There are plans to modernise the sanctuary in order that it may better serve the community.

Innellan is almost entirely residential, with one shop/Post Office, a hotel, bar/restaurant, garage, and a small caravan site. There is a nine hole golf course, a bowling green, tennis courts and a riding school. The Primary School, situated just across the road from Innellan Church, has been recently refurbished and boasts an extensive playing area. There is a family centre,which provides pre-school and after school care for primary school children. There is also a thriving pre-school playgroup serving Toward and Innellan. The area is highly desirable for families with young children, but also has a large number of retired people

View from Innellan Manse

. Innellan Church was once the charge of the famous preacher, the Reverend Dr. George Matheson, who wrote the well known hymn"O love that wilt not let me go,"in Innellan Manse. Activities at Innellan Church include Christmas and Easter Fayres, Flower Festival, Sewing Group and weekly Soup and Sandwich lunches. The present roll is 108.

Toward is a small village with its own Primary School, set in a rural area stretching from Innellan nearly to the head of Loch Striven, along nine miles of road. The parish comprises two churches, with the main church being in Toward and the other church on the shores of Loch Striven at Inverchaolain.

Inverchaolin Church is used for two"Songs of Praise" services each year, but has also proven popular as a venue for weddings and baptisms over the years. The Congregational Roll stands at 98 and the church boasts an active Sunday School, Youth Group and Badminton section. Our aspiration is to build upon the work already done with the youth sections and translate this into the congregation of the future. Further details can be found on our website:www.towardchurch.com

SOUTH EAST COWAL is a challenging mixture of countryside and town. We seek a dedicated leader for our congregations in their efforts to serve the whole community

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