It is the end of an era in the Glenkens.
Rev David Bartholomew has been the parish minister in the area for nearly three decades.
But that came to an end last month when he gave his last service before his retirement.
More than 100 folk from all four Glenkens churches – Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells – gathered in Dalry Church for his last service which was enriched by the Glenkens Choir – led by organist and choir master Geoff Davidson.
David and Heidi moved to the Manse in Dalry in 1994 where their children Fiona, Jamie and Stuart were all born, raised and schooled.
During the service, David reminisced about his time in the Glenkens, starting with his first communion service at Carsphairn, which was followed later in the day by a dash to Cresswell Maternity for daughter Fiona’s birth.
He and Heidi were so touched by how delighted his new congregations were to have a family in the Manse – they received more than 200 cards which they still have today. He stressed that he had always tried to be a minister to the whole population of the Glenkens, not just church members – one parishioner pointed out afterwards that “David has always been there for everyone,” whether regular churchgoers or not.
As well as baptisms, weddings and funerals, there have been Sunday schools, children’s holiday clubs and social events such as quiz nights and beetle drives.
Members from each of the four churches gave personal tributes which included memories such as the Easter dawn services, carols by candlelight and an appreciation of David and Heidi having dedicated such a huge part of their lives to the Glenkens communities.
On a lighter note, it was remembered that at a Carsphairn’s Got Talent evening, David provided an entertaining turn as the Rev
I M Jolly.
Other personal touches during the service included a prayer and blessing written by Alan Sidaway and David leaving the church to a farewell march specially composed for the occasion by Geoff Davidson.
After the service there was a buffet lunch in Dalry Town Hall and presentations from all four churches with everyone enjoying the occasion.
When the pandemic hit, the various lockdowns included all places of worship. David and Heidi rose to the challenge and started recording and filming services which were uploaded onto YouTube and available to all. Heidi’s technical and photographic skills provided a stunning backdrop of the 800 sq kilometres of the Glenkens accompanied by inspirational music while David led the services with prayer and Bible readings.
As well as providing spiritual sustenance to Glenkens church-
goers, the videos allowed the beauty of the Glenkens and Galloway to be shared across the whole world. There are now over 100 services on the church YouTube channel for the years ahead, a truly magnificent legacy from the couple.
