Rev Jim bows out of Dalrymple

Feb 12 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT WAS a poignantmoment for a minister – and his congregation.

Rev Jim Crichton preached his last sermon at Dalrymple Parish Church.

And there were a few moist eyes for the emotional occasion.

Modest Mr Crichton didn’t want a fuss.

But there were gift presentations to both the minister and his wife.

And Mr Crichton wasdelighted to dedicate new doors before leaving.

The church was last year sadly targeted by fire-raising vandals.

But the minister is pleased to be leaving the historic church in a good state of repair.

He said: “There was anger in the village when the attack took place.

“And there’s still a lot of hurt that such a thing could happen.

“But we’re all thrilled with the new doors.”

Scott Gibson of Ayr firm Foxglove Joinery took painstaking care to fit the doors perfectly.

And the iron hinges and handle from the burned-out doors have been re-used.

Glasgow-born Mr Crichton trained for the ministry at Glasgow University.

After a probationary year in Edinburgh, he came to Crosshill Parish Church in 1969.

And he became minister for both Dalrymple and Crosshill when the parishes were linked.

Now it’s all change again, with Dalrymple set to link with St Leonard’s in Ayr.

And Crosshill will team up with a new-look Maybole Parish Church.

A member of Mr Crichton’s Dalrymple congregation said: “I don’t think Jim realises how highly he’s thought of.

“He’s been a very good friend to many people here, especially in times of trouble.”

The parishioner added: “Jim Crichton’s a very bright man. He has three degrees after his name – MA, BD and MTh.

“In any other walk of life, he would have risen up through the ranks to an executive position.

“But he chose the life of a country minister, and we’re all grateful for that.

“Every sermon he gave was different – but he never preached at you, in the old-fashioned sense.”

For Mr Crichton’s final sermon, he compared himself to Dr Who.

And he told his congregation that although there would be a new face in the pulpit, the work of the church would go on.

Rev Jim Crichton was Moderator of Ayr Presbytery in 1984-85, and he served as presbytery clerk for nearly 20 years.

Present moderator, Dr David Lewis, said: “Jim is an expert in church law, and I, like many other moderators, have valued his sound advice.”