This Thursday, 5 September, 2024, marks exactly 150 years since the foundation stone of Houston & Killellan Kirk was laid by five year old Alexander Archibald Speirs, in 1874.

The little boy had been given the task by his grandmother, Mrs Ellice, who was given permission to build the new church in memory of her beloved son, Captain Archibald Alexander Speirs, Member of Parliament for Renfrewshire, after his death in December 1868.

The new building opened just over a year later, on 26 September 1875, when a newspaper reported at the time that “Turnout was large, though the day was wet and stormy…” Some things never change!

We have a series of events planned over the next year to celebrate this special milestone, our beautiful church and to ensure its place as the beating heart of our community for the next 150 years.

Look out for our commemorative enamel pin badge, which will be on sale soon. Stocks are limited, so make sure you don’t miss out! A huge thank you to Kathy McFall who crafted the design which is also our 150^th anniversary logo – you will be seeing it a lot over the next year!

This coming weekend – 7 and 8 September – we have our Heritage Weekend, in conjunction with Doors Open Days, when the Kirk will be open from 1pm to 4pm for folk to come and discover more about our fascinating history.

Another huge thank you to Ian Jackson, Roger Calvert and all the members of Houston and Crosslee Historical Society who worked so hard on the wonderful displays and have kindly volunteered to guide visitors on the day.

Barbara Ann has organised a series of guest preachers to lead us in worship, starting with Rev David Burt, Moderator of Clyde Presbytery, on 8 September and on 25 September the Guild will host the first of their Victorian-themed Afternoon Teas as part of our celebrations.

Let’s make this a year to remember!

Dates for your diary include:

8 September: Guest preacher Rev David Burt, Moderator of Clyde Presbytery – 11am, Houston & Killellan Kirk

25 September: Guild Victorian Afternoon Tea – 2pm at the Killallan Halls

20 October: Guest preacher Rev John Thomson – 11.15am, Houston & Killellan Kirk

27 October: Our very own Songs of Praise service – 11.15am, Houston & Killellan Kirk

3 November: Guest preacher Right Revered Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly – 11.15am, Houston & Killellan Kirk

30 November: Bearsden Fiddlers Concert – 7pm, West Halls

5 December: Kilmacolm and Houston Rock Choir – 7.30pm, Houston & Killellan Kirk

25 January 2025: Ceilidh – 7pm, West Halls

9 February: Guest preacher Rev Christine Goldie, new Moderator of Clyde Presbytery – 11.15am, Houston & Killellan Kirk

22 March: Quiz night and fish supper, West Halls

10 May: Houston & Killellan Kirk Carnival – Celebrating 150 years

14 June: Flower Festival

7 September: Guest preacher Rev Robbie Hamilton, Clerk of Clyde Presbytery – 11.15am, Houston & Killellan Kirk