Dumbarton church holds special service to commemorate 50th anniversary

Lennox Evangelical Church unveiled a plaque on Sunday, October 6 to commemorate five decades since their opening.

The congregation shared their memories of the building and as well as highlighting the achievements of the clubs and groups that are associated with the church.

Boards sat around the church to share the congregation’s history (Image: Supplied)The plaque was unveiled at the service on Sunday (Image: Ms Irene Ritchie) The most senior active member of the church, Mr Robert McDowall, unveiled the plaque.

Last week, David Galloway, a member of the church, spoke to the Glasgow Times about the history of the building as their previous establishments.

The congregation has a vast history in Dumbarton having first been formed in 1865 when worshippers met in several different locations, including at one point in the 1900s, a tent. 

However, their most recent building on Bridge Street was purchased compulsorily by the council in 1973 and after this, it tragically burnt down.

The building on Bridge Street was served a compulsory purchase order by the council (Image: Supplied) Following this the church used the compulsory purchase money given to them by the council to create the building which opened in October 1974.

A special cake was had at the celebration (Image: Supplied)David Galloway addressed the church at the service on Sunday (Image: Ms Irene Ritchie) David Galloway said: “We appreciated the good wishes of several other Dumbarton churches and had a large number of visitors who came from around the West of Scotland to enjoy the occasion. 

“There were numerous displays showing a photographic record of the last five decades as well as a movie that will be posted on the church website featuring characters, highlights and events which have been featured over the years. 

“There was an opportunity to note God’s faithfulness to the fellowship and we took the opportunity to unveil a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary.

“The most senior active member of the church, Mr Robert McDowall performed the unveiling. We are pleased to acknowledge the help of Ms Irene Ritchie who is credited for this first batch of attached photographs. ”