thanksgiving for bolton church

On Sunday, 15th June 205, we gave thanks for the rich history of Bolton Church, and all it has meant to us over the years. We acknowledged our sadness at having to close it, and gratefulness that it will remain in the community in the future. We heard about its history from the 12th century onwards (in various forms, with the current building the most recent), and gave thanks for all who have been involved in its life over 900 years. 

We also asserted that 'when we leave this place we do not leave God's presence; and when we go out from this building, we do not leave the Church.' Bolton remains a firm part of Lammermuir Parish, and  the church will continue to serve its community.

A recording of the service can be found here.
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​Documents and photos from across the years helped us to remember many shared moments at Bolton Church. ​

Quotes from Kirk Session minutes from as far back as the 1600s gave us an appreciation for all that has been happening over the centuries. We also heard that between 1686 and 1854, 1,656 baptisms took place in Bolton Church, with 835 boys and 778 girls christened there – just under ten per year; and that between 1686 and 1967, 641 marriage services took place in the parish – a little more than two weddings per year.
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​Here is a gallery of some of the former ministers of Bolton Church.

​The children drew thank you cards for Bolton Church.

​This prayer of thanksgiving was used in the service:

For all the saints, who, in times past and present, have formed a congregation of your people
and have met in this place to offer their prayers and praises to you, we praise you, Creator God.
 
For those who came here as children to learn of you and to be received within your covenant of grace,
we praise you, Creator God.
 
For the young who have grown in you, and matured in you, and have been challenged by your claims,
we praise you, Creator God.
 
For those who have come together in marriage, have rejoiced in your gift of children, and have learned to know you better in learning to love each other more truly, we praise you, Creator God.
 
For those who have taught in Sunday School, and for all who have learned from one another and from you,
we praise you, Creator God.
 
For the ministers, elders, members of Boards and committees, for musicians and choir members, for members of the Guild, of societies and groups, all who have given their time and talents for the work and worship of this church, we praise you, Creator God.
 
For the knowledge that your church continues and that the work of the people of this congregation continues,
we praise you, Creator God.
 
For the common life of this congregation, for the special occasions and the ordinary, for joys and sorrows, opportunities and challenges, for all these things and more, we praise you, Creator God.
 
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever.