The Mission Hall
Missionaries had been on mission to Uphall from Uphall Free Church and Broxburn United Presbyterian Church since 1882 and the Free Church identified a need to have a meeting hall there. Deacons' Court minutes of Uphall Free Church(based at Broxburn, now Thomas Brown Funerals) record that a donation of £200 was received from an unknown donor towards the construction of the Mission Hall at Uphall. Designed by Mr. James Graham Fairley (1846 - 1934), F.R.I.B.A., architect, India Buildings, Edinburgh, the building cost about £500 and seated 250 people.
The hall had a stained glass window in the south end, a combination of a cross and crown, with the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet on each side. The window recess in the south end and the circular window in the north end can still be seen. The Mission Hall held its first service on 7 January, 1894. The Mission Hall was built on a site in Middleton Park, the property of Sir John Pender M.P.. The Trustees who signed the Title Deeds of the Mission Hall were Rev. George Sinclair(Minister of Free Church of Scotland, Broxburn); William Peat(Farmer); Henry Wright(Clerk to Young's Paraffin and Mineral Oil Company); Thomas Mowbray(Miner); Peter Taylor(Miner); George Edgar(Grocer); Robert Paterson(Miner) and William Paul(Engineman).
Feu duty of £4 per year was payable to Sir John Pender, the first term's payment of £2 being on Whit Sunday, 1984. The second term's payment was due on Martinmas, 1894. (In 1965 the original Feu Contract came to an end as the superiority of the building was acquired from the Superiors, BP Refinery(Grangemouth) Ltd.) Uphall Preaching Station
Next, on 26 January 1897, Uphall Mission was erected into a Preaching Station by the Free Presbytery of Linlithgow.
Uphall Free Church
Full status was gained at the Free Church Assembly on 30 May 1898, the church being named Uphall Free Church. The existing Uphall Free Church in Broxburn was renamed Broxburn Free Church. Two of the Trustees, William Peat and Peter Taylor, were elders in the first Kirk Session. (The Mission Hall /Old Church is still in use as our church hall.)
Change of Name: Uphall United Free Church
At the Union of 1900, between the Free Church of Scotland and the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, our church was renamed Uphall United Free Church . A result of this Union was dispute about the ownership of the property of the Free Church. The Free Church believed those who joined the Union should forfeit the property. To resolve the dispute, Parliament passed the Churches(Scotland) Act 1905 and Commissioners were appointed to divide the property and funds. After considering the position of our church, the title deeds were transferred into the name of the Minister, Session Clerk and Clerk to the Deacons' Court of Uphall United Free Church Congregation. The minister at this time was Rev. R. G. B. Millar (1904-1915).
Missionaries had been on mission to Uphall from Uphall Free Church and Broxburn United Presbyterian Church since 1882 and the Free Church identified a need to have a meeting hall there. Deacons' Court minutes of Uphall Free Church(based at Broxburn, now Thomas Brown Funerals) record that a donation of £200 was received from an unknown donor towards the construction of the Mission Hall at Uphall. Designed by Mr. James Graham Fairley (1846 - 1934), F.R.I.B.A., architect, India Buildings, Edinburgh, the building cost about £500 and seated 250 people.
The hall had a stained glass window in the south end, a combination of a cross and crown, with the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet on each side. The window recess in the south end and the circular window in the north end can still be seen. The Mission Hall held its first service on 7 January, 1894. The Mission Hall was built on a site in Middleton Park, the property of Sir John Pender M.P.. The Trustees who signed the Title Deeds of the Mission Hall were Rev. George Sinclair(Minister of Free Church of Scotland, Broxburn); William Peat(Farmer); Henry Wright(Clerk to Young's Paraffin and Mineral Oil Company); Thomas Mowbray(Miner); Peter Taylor(Miner); George Edgar(Grocer); Robert Paterson(Miner) and William Paul(Engineman).
Feu duty of £4 per year was payable to Sir John Pender, the first term's payment of £2 being on Whit Sunday, 1984. The second term's payment was due on Martinmas, 1894. (In 1965 the original Feu Contract came to an end as the superiority of the building was acquired from the Superiors, BP Refinery(Grangemouth) Ltd.) Uphall Preaching Station
Next, on 26 January 1897, Uphall Mission was erected into a Preaching Station by the Free Presbytery of Linlithgow.
Uphall Free Church
Full status was gained at the Free Church Assembly on 30 May 1898, the church being named Uphall Free Church. The existing Uphall Free Church in Broxburn was renamed Broxburn Free Church. Two of the Trustees, William Peat and Peter Taylor, were elders in the first Kirk Session. (The Mission Hall /Old Church is still in use as our church hall.)
Change of Name: Uphall United Free Church
At the Union of 1900, between the Free Church of Scotland and the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, our church was renamed Uphall United Free Church . A result of this Union was dispute about the ownership of the property of the Free Church. The Free Church believed those who joined the Union should forfeit the property. To resolve the dispute, Parliament passed the Churches(Scotland) Act 1905 and Commissioners were appointed to divide the property and funds. After considering the position of our church, the title deeds were transferred into the name of the Minister, Session Clerk and Clerk to the Deacons' Court of Uphall United Free Church Congregation. The minister at this time was Rev. R. G. B. Millar (1904-1915).
Small Hall Added
During Rev. R. G. B. Millar's ministry, it was identified that changes to the building were needed due to lack of space. Following a Linlithgow United Free Church Presbytery visitation in 1914, the delegates had reported the necessity for a small hall to hold meetings. The vestry was unsuitable for this purpose as it was so small. At Linlithgow United Free Church Presbytery meeting, on 23 June, 1914, Rev. R.G.B. Millar submitted plans for an extension to the existing church building. The extension would be to the rear of the church and would cost approximately £140. (That extension is known to us as "the auld kitchen.)
The New Church of 1926
Near the end of the ministry of Rev. David McDougall(1915 - 1922), the congregation again identified lack of space. This time, the focus was on a new church building as the present church was too small for the growing congregation. Mr McDougall was called to another church so it fell to our next minister, Rev. Alex Macpherson (1922 - 1929), to lead the project. On Monday, 3 September 1923, Mr Macpherson chaired a meeting of the congregation and submitted, for approval, plans for a new church building. He stated that the present church had a seating capacity for 180, however the roll was now over 300 in total. (When the Mission Hall was built, seating was recorded as 250. Perhaps there was less seating due to changes when the Mission Hall became a full charge). Designed by Robert Miller(1867-1950), architect of Miller & Black, Glasgow, the proposed plans would seat 391 persons, including the choir and communion platform seats. The east end of the building would be constructed so, if the need arose, a gallery could be constructed which would seat a further 120 persons. A larger option from the architect included a large strongly built vestibule to take a tower and a recess for a pipe organ. The outside cost would be £5,000, however the architect explained this would be if the larger option was chosen. The sum of £500 was already on hand and a special appeal would be made to members for the next two years, combined with a grand bazaar. The Building Committee hoped to raise £1500, making the total locally £2000. The congregation unanimously approved the plans, as did Bathgate United Free Presbytery. The fundraising began and took many forms. The 1923 Souvenir Booklet was published for the semi Jubilee, the monies raised going to the Building Fund. A two day Bazaar held in Broxburn Public Hall raised £971 towards the Building Fund. Hard work by the minister, elders, deacons and members of the congregation kept down the costs. They removed the trees from the front of the old church and dug the foundations.
During Rev. R. G. B. Millar's ministry, it was identified that changes to the building were needed due to lack of space. Following a Linlithgow United Free Church Presbytery visitation in 1914, the delegates had reported the necessity for a small hall to hold meetings. The vestry was unsuitable for this purpose as it was so small. At Linlithgow United Free Church Presbytery meeting, on 23 June, 1914, Rev. R.G.B. Millar submitted plans for an extension to the existing church building. The extension would be to the rear of the church and would cost approximately £140. (That extension is known to us as "the auld kitchen.)
The New Church of 1926
Near the end of the ministry of Rev. David McDougall(1915 - 1922), the congregation again identified lack of space. This time, the focus was on a new church building as the present church was too small for the growing congregation. Mr McDougall was called to another church so it fell to our next minister, Rev. Alex Macpherson (1922 - 1929), to lead the project. On Monday, 3 September 1923, Mr Macpherson chaired a meeting of the congregation and submitted, for approval, plans for a new church building. He stated that the present church had a seating capacity for 180, however the roll was now over 300 in total. (When the Mission Hall was built, seating was recorded as 250. Perhaps there was less seating due to changes when the Mission Hall became a full charge). Designed by Robert Miller(1867-1950), architect of Miller & Black, Glasgow, the proposed plans would seat 391 persons, including the choir and communion platform seats. The east end of the building would be constructed so, if the need arose, a gallery could be constructed which would seat a further 120 persons. A larger option from the architect included a large strongly built vestibule to take a tower and a recess for a pipe organ. The outside cost would be £5,000, however the architect explained this would be if the larger option was chosen. The sum of £500 was already on hand and a special appeal would be made to members for the next two years, combined with a grand bazaar. The Building Committee hoped to raise £1500, making the total locally £2000. The congregation unanimously approved the plans, as did Bathgate United Free Presbytery. The fundraising began and took many forms. The 1923 Souvenir Booklet was published for the semi Jubilee, the monies raised going to the Building Fund. A two day Bazaar held in Broxburn Public Hall raised £971 towards the Building Fund. Hard work by the minister, elders, deacons and members of the congregation kept down the costs. They removed the trees from the front of the old church and dug the foundations.
The final cost of building the church was £4,808 13/51/2, with the congregation raising £2,500, a magnificent effort. The new church was formally dedicated on 10 June 1926 by Right Rev. Dr Morrison.
Another Change of Name
Uphall South Parish Church of Scotland
In January 1926, congregations of the United Free Church were voting on whether the time had come for a union with the Church of Scotland. It was reported in the newspapers that the congregation of Uphall United Free Church decided against this union by " a large majority". Perhaps one reason for this decision was the new church building which was nearing completion. However, voting and changes were afoot locally and nationally and, on 27 September 1929, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported, "After the Union takes place, the Parish Church will be known as Uphall North and the United Free Church as Uphall South."
So, our name changed again, this time to Uphall South Parish Church of Scotland
as it continues to be today. In the years that followed the New Church and Old Church had various changes including:
1944 A pipe organ was bought, overhauled and fitted at the cost of £150.
1983 The ornamental cross on the roof of the church was blown off. Although there were discussions about reinstating the cross, this was not carried through due to costs.
1983 The heating system was changed from oil fired to gas, at a cost of £4,378, with funds left over from the sale of Fortneuk Manse.
1992 Handrail fitted at church door.
1996 250 panes of glass damaged due to vandalism. Decision to fit security grills on windows.
2004 Clavinova bought to replace electric organ.
2008 Loop fitted to help hearing impaired members of the congregation.
Hall Extension
The issue of space raised its head once more during Mr Ritchie's ministry(1994 - 1999). It had become evident that more space was needed and the accommodation needed to be improved. It fell to our next minister, Miss Steele(2000 - 2011), to action this with the congregation. Architect, Derek Blair, W.D. Blair Associates, Longridge, West Lothian, was appointed to draw up plans and agreement was reached that:
1) A new meeting room, to sit up to twenty five people, would be built on the west side of the existing hall(Mission Hall/Old Church) with a toilet block in the corridor between them. An entrance door would lead into this corridor from the south i.e. the Alexander Street side.
2) On the east side of the existing hall, a new
purpose built kitchen would be built and it, too, would have a separate entrance, from the east side this time.
3) The existing kitchen(now known as the "auld kitchen") would be converted to form a boiler room and storage. The old boiler house would be removed and the space used for disabled parking.
4) After removing the stage, the hall floor would be renewed.
Another Change of Name
Uphall South Parish Church of Scotland
In January 1926, congregations of the United Free Church were voting on whether the time had come for a union with the Church of Scotland. It was reported in the newspapers that the congregation of Uphall United Free Church decided against this union by " a large majority". Perhaps one reason for this decision was the new church building which was nearing completion. However, voting and changes were afoot locally and nationally and, on 27 September 1929, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported, "After the Union takes place, the Parish Church will be known as Uphall North and the United Free Church as Uphall South."
So, our name changed again, this time to Uphall South Parish Church of Scotland
as it continues to be today. In the years that followed the New Church and Old Church had various changes including:
1944 A pipe organ was bought, overhauled and fitted at the cost of £150.
1983 The ornamental cross on the roof of the church was blown off. Although there were discussions about reinstating the cross, this was not carried through due to costs.
1983 The heating system was changed from oil fired to gas, at a cost of £4,378, with funds left over from the sale of Fortneuk Manse.
1992 Handrail fitted at church door.
1996 250 panes of glass damaged due to vandalism. Decision to fit security grills on windows.
2004 Clavinova bought to replace electric organ.
2008 Loop fitted to help hearing impaired members of the congregation.
Hall Extension
The issue of space raised its head once more during Mr Ritchie's ministry(1994 - 1999). It had become evident that more space was needed and the accommodation needed to be improved. It fell to our next minister, Miss Steele(2000 - 2011), to action this with the congregation. Architect, Derek Blair, W.D. Blair Associates, Longridge, West Lothian, was appointed to draw up plans and agreement was reached that:
1) A new meeting room, to sit up to twenty five people, would be built on the west side of the existing hall(Mission Hall/Old Church) with a toilet block in the corridor between them. An entrance door would lead into this corridor from the south i.e. the Alexander Street side.
2) On the east side of the existing hall, a new
purpose built kitchen would be built and it, too, would have a separate entrance, from the east side this time.
3) The existing kitchen(now known as the "auld kitchen") would be converted to form a boiler room and storage. The old boiler house would be removed and the space used for disabled parking.
4) After removing the stage, the hall floor would be renewed.
5) A new gas heating system would be installed as the present heating system(installed in 1983) had been causing problems.
6) Accessibility was important and it was agreed there would be a disabled toilet, access ramps and disabled parking space.
The total cost was estimated to be around £150,000.
Funding came from many sources. Concerts, Mayfest and the Christmas Fair were some of the fundraising ideas. Although grants from various bodies were applied for, it was the interest free loans and donations from the congregation that enabled the work to begin. The loans were repaid immediately when the grants were paid. Once again, it was seen that our Lord's hand was over, under and around this project.
The work was carried out by William McCracken, McCracken Construction, Airdrie, Lanarkshire.
At the Grand Opening in October 2008, Mrs Nan Thomson and Mr Robert Russell cut the ribbon.
2018 Asbestos was found under the floor in part of the buildings. As a result, our worship services were held in the Hall during asbestos removal.
2019 An access ramp was built to access the front door of the church building. The Manses
Uphall South Church has had three manses:
Forkneuk Road, McLardy Court, Fernlea.
Forkneuk Manse
8 Forkneuk Road, Uphall
After our church being granted status of full charge in 1898, the congregation agreed building a manse for the minister should be the next task. At that time, Rev. George Millar(1898 - 1904) was living at Bloomfield, Uphall. The proposal was laid before the Free Church Presbytery on 26 September 1899 and the congregation were commended for the proposal.
Tuesday, 29 January 1901 saw the plans of the manse submitted to Presbytery. The cost was estimated to be around £850, not including the boundary wall. The congregation had already started to raise funds and, at that time, had £600 in hand. Fundraising had taken many forms; a sale raised £20, a three day bazaar raised £455. When chairing the three day bazaar in October 1900, Rev. Professor Orr stated, as far as he knew, this was the first bazaar to be held in connection with the United Free Church. Another first for our congregation!
Forkneuk Manse, 8 Forkneuk Road, Uphall was furnished and ready for occupation in 1902 and Mr Millar moved in with his mother and sisters.
The manse was built of mellow stone with a solid slated roof and had piped water and electric light.
Behind Forkneuk Manse’s south facing porch lay a kitchen, morning room, wide entry hall, staircase to the upper floor, a west facing study, the one and only WC and a lobby to the back door passing a larder and under stairs storage. Upstairs was a south and west facing drawing room, a master bedroom with adjoining dressing room, and other bedrooms. Coal was cheap so each room had an open fireplace.
Within a decade an extension was built to accommodate an upstairs WC, a room with a bath, a maid's room and an additional WC (handy to the garden for those with muddy feet).
Although Forkneuk Manse was occupied, there were still some loans to be paid. Fundraising continued and, on 4 July 1903, The Linlithgow Gazette reported: "This brings the Manse Building Fund to an amount which almost clears the liabilities, and the church, by three years efforts, is in possession of a very handsome and commodious manse."
In 1904, the congregation appealed against the assessment of a water bill for part of that period, as Forkneuk Manse had only been occupied a few months. This was for the period between Rev. George Millar demitting and the arrival of Rev. R. G. B. Millar. However, it was explained the assessment was based on an owner's rate and not an occupier's rate. The congregation was told, " if they got water, they had a right to pay".
Forkneuk Manse was home to many ministers, however, over the years, it fell into disrepair. Life had changed and Forkneuk Manse was too big. Rev. Alan Forrest(1961 - 1993) was the last minister to occupy Forkneuk Manse. On 12th December
6) Accessibility was important and it was agreed there would be a disabled toilet, access ramps and disabled parking space.
The total cost was estimated to be around £150,000.
Funding came from many sources. Concerts, Mayfest and the Christmas Fair were some of the fundraising ideas. Although grants from various bodies were applied for, it was the interest free loans and donations from the congregation that enabled the work to begin. The loans were repaid immediately when the grants were paid. Once again, it was seen that our Lord's hand was over, under and around this project.
The work was carried out by William McCracken, McCracken Construction, Airdrie, Lanarkshire.
At the Grand Opening in October 2008, Mrs Nan Thomson and Mr Robert Russell cut the ribbon.
2018 Asbestos was found under the floor in part of the buildings. As a result, our worship services were held in the Hall during asbestos removal.
2019 An access ramp was built to access the front door of the church building. The Manses
Uphall South Church has had three manses:
Forkneuk Road, McLardy Court, Fernlea.
Forkneuk Manse
8 Forkneuk Road, Uphall
After our church being granted status of full charge in 1898, the congregation agreed building a manse for the minister should be the next task. At that time, Rev. George Millar(1898 - 1904) was living at Bloomfield, Uphall. The proposal was laid before the Free Church Presbytery on 26 September 1899 and the congregation were commended for the proposal.
Tuesday, 29 January 1901 saw the plans of the manse submitted to Presbytery. The cost was estimated to be around £850, not including the boundary wall. The congregation had already started to raise funds and, at that time, had £600 in hand. Fundraising had taken many forms; a sale raised £20, a three day bazaar raised £455. When chairing the three day bazaar in October 1900, Rev. Professor Orr stated, as far as he knew, this was the first bazaar to be held in connection with the United Free Church. Another first for our congregation!
Forkneuk Manse, 8 Forkneuk Road, Uphall was furnished and ready for occupation in 1902 and Mr Millar moved in with his mother and sisters.
The manse was built of mellow stone with a solid slated roof and had piped water and electric light.
Behind Forkneuk Manse’s south facing porch lay a kitchen, morning room, wide entry hall, staircase to the upper floor, a west facing study, the one and only WC and a lobby to the back door passing a larder and under stairs storage. Upstairs was a south and west facing drawing room, a master bedroom with adjoining dressing room, and other bedrooms. Coal was cheap so each room had an open fireplace.
Within a decade an extension was built to accommodate an upstairs WC, a room with a bath, a maid's room and an additional WC (handy to the garden for those with muddy feet).
Although Forkneuk Manse was occupied, there were still some loans to be paid. Fundraising continued and, on 4 July 1903, The Linlithgow Gazette reported: "This brings the Manse Building Fund to an amount which almost clears the liabilities, and the church, by three years efforts, is in possession of a very handsome and commodious manse."
In 1904, the congregation appealed against the assessment of a water bill for part of that period, as Forkneuk Manse had only been occupied a few months. This was for the period between Rev. George Millar demitting and the arrival of Rev. R. G. B. Millar. However, it was explained the assessment was based on an owner's rate and not an occupier's rate. The congregation was told, " if they got water, they had a right to pay".
Forkneuk Manse was home to many ministers, however, over the years, it fell into disrepair. Life had changed and Forkneuk Manse was too big. Rev. Alan Forrest(1961 - 1993) was the last minister to occupy Forkneuk Manse. On 12th December
1982 an advertisement appeared in "The Scotsman". Forkneuk Manse was for sale.
8 McLardy Court, Uphall The new manse, at 8 McLardy Court, was bought at a cost of £36,000 and was a lot smaller than Forkneuk Manse.
The property was a three bedroom detached, with one bedroom to be used as a study. However, it lacked a garage and so one was built.
Mr Forrest was the only minister to live at 8 McLardy Court, moving in on 15 April, 1983 and living there until his retirement in 1993. McLardy Manse was bought at a time when the future of our congregation was uncertain. However, after Mr Forrest's retirement, West Lothian Presbytery indicated that a more suitable manse was needed when a new minister was called.
The search was on for a new manse and a property was found at 8 Fernlea, Uphall. Although West Lothian Presbytery indicated a preference for an extra room in the property, they agreed to the purchase.
8 Fernlea, Uphall
The present manse, 8 Fernlea, was bought at a cost of £77,995 , the entry date being 12 August 1994. The first minister to live there was Rev. Walter Ritchie(1994 - 1999). The property was a three bedroom detached, with a single storey extension built on the side and used as a living room. The original living room was used as a study. Unfortunately, many faults were found with Fernlea Manse, including wet rot in the kitchen floor and a gap between the extension and the main building. The Property Committee and volunteers worked alongside tradesmen to rectify the faults.
After Mr Ritchie's retirement in September 1999, the Deacons' Court agreed to refurbish the Fernlea Manse. The Property Committee worked hard, securing estimates and tradesmen, travelling to view kitchens and buy materials. Volunteers helped to get Fernlea Manse ready for the new minister, Miss Steele(2000 - 2011). The cost of refurbishment was £13, 225 - 36.
Fast forward several years. Fernlea Manse was empty due to the vacant charge. In August 2012, plans for an extension were drawn up by architect, Graham Blair, W.D. Blair Associates( the architect who had planned the hall extension). An extension was built on the rear of the property and the existing floor plan was rearranged. Now, the ground floor has a lounge, kitchen/diner with a utility room adjoining, office, bedroom and W.C.. The work was completed in time for the arrival, in September 2013, of the new minister, Rev. Dr. Ian Maxwell and his family.
Eagle eyed readers will have noted a pattern with the addresses of the manses:
8 Forkneuk Road,
8 Mclardy Court,
8 Fernlea -
All the eights!
What of the future?
At this time, 2020, there are discussions afoot to adapt the inside of the church building so it is a more usable space.
We are all one body with different gifts. Thanks must go to those down the generations who have used their gifts to keep Uphall South Church and church buildings in good condition. To the present unseen and nameless - you know who you are - we thank God for your service.
The Buildings
7 January 1894 The Mission Hall opened
26 Sept 1899 Proposal to build a manse approved by Free Church Presbytery
January 1901 Plans for the new manse submitted to Bathgate Presbytery.
1902 Forkneuk Manse completed
June 1914 Mission Hall Extension
3 Sept 1923 Plans for a new church approved.
10 June 1926 New church building formally dedicated.
1983 Forkneuk Manse sold
8 McLardy Court bought
1994 McLardy Court Manse sold 8 Fernlea bought
2000 Fernlea Manse refurbished
2008 Extensions to Church Hall (The Mission Hall/Old Church)
2012 Extension to the rear of Fernlea Manse. Ground floor plan rearranged.
8 McLardy Court, Uphall The new manse, at 8 McLardy Court, was bought at a cost of £36,000 and was a lot smaller than Forkneuk Manse.
The property was a three bedroom detached, with one bedroom to be used as a study. However, it lacked a garage and so one was built.
Mr Forrest was the only minister to live at 8 McLardy Court, moving in on 15 April, 1983 and living there until his retirement in 1993. McLardy Manse was bought at a time when the future of our congregation was uncertain. However, after Mr Forrest's retirement, West Lothian Presbytery indicated that a more suitable manse was needed when a new minister was called.
The search was on for a new manse and a property was found at 8 Fernlea, Uphall. Although West Lothian Presbytery indicated a preference for an extra room in the property, they agreed to the purchase.
8 Fernlea, Uphall
The present manse, 8 Fernlea, was bought at a cost of £77,995 , the entry date being 12 August 1994. The first minister to live there was Rev. Walter Ritchie(1994 - 1999). The property was a three bedroom detached, with a single storey extension built on the side and used as a living room. The original living room was used as a study. Unfortunately, many faults were found with Fernlea Manse, including wet rot in the kitchen floor and a gap between the extension and the main building. The Property Committee and volunteers worked alongside tradesmen to rectify the faults.
After Mr Ritchie's retirement in September 1999, the Deacons' Court agreed to refurbish the Fernlea Manse. The Property Committee worked hard, securing estimates and tradesmen, travelling to view kitchens and buy materials. Volunteers helped to get Fernlea Manse ready for the new minister, Miss Steele(2000 - 2011). The cost of refurbishment was £13, 225 - 36.
Fast forward several years. Fernlea Manse was empty due to the vacant charge. In August 2012, plans for an extension were drawn up by architect, Graham Blair, W.D. Blair Associates( the architect who had planned the hall extension). An extension was built on the rear of the property and the existing floor plan was rearranged. Now, the ground floor has a lounge, kitchen/diner with a utility room adjoining, office, bedroom and W.C.. The work was completed in time for the arrival, in September 2013, of the new minister, Rev. Dr. Ian Maxwell and his family.
Eagle eyed readers will have noted a pattern with the addresses of the manses:
8 Forkneuk Road,
8 Mclardy Court,
8 Fernlea -
All the eights!
What of the future?
At this time, 2020, there are discussions afoot to adapt the inside of the church building so it is a more usable space.
We are all one body with different gifts. Thanks must go to those down the generations who have used their gifts to keep Uphall South Church and church buildings in good condition. To the present unseen and nameless - you know who you are - we thank God for your service.
The Buildings
7 January 1894 The Mission Hall opened
26 Sept 1899 Proposal to build a manse approved by Free Church Presbytery
January 1901 Plans for the new manse submitted to Bathgate Presbytery.
1902 Forkneuk Manse completed
June 1914 Mission Hall Extension
3 Sept 1923 Plans for a new church approved.
10 June 1926 New church building formally dedicated.
1983 Forkneuk Manse sold
8 McLardy Court bought
1994 McLardy Court Manse sold 8 Fernlea bought
2000 Fernlea Manse refurbished
2008 Extensions to Church Hall (The Mission Hall/Old Church)
2012 Extension to the rear of Fernlea Manse. Ground floor plan rearranged.