Important Notice
Stevenston High Kirk building will be closing in 2024.
The proposed plan by summer 2024 means Stevenston High Kirk will merge with Livingstone and Ardeer churches to form the new Parish Church for Stevenston. The site of the new parish church will be the present building of Livingstone Church, located on New Street, adjacent to Glencairn Primary.
For those wishing to make arrangements for weddings, and other events, from June 2024 and beyond, please make arrangements through the Livingstone Church website HERE.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this transition.
Life events
The Church of Scotland plays an essential role in providing worship and spiritual guidance for key life events, from child blessings and baptisms to marriage and funerals.
Baptism
Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognised by the Church of Scotland, the other being the Sacrament of Holy Communion. In the case of infant baptism, the Church expects at least one parent or a close family member to be a member of the Church.
In the baptismal service those appropriate adults profess their own faith and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.
In the case of adult baptism, the person themselves makes the appropriate promises.
Baptism is normally administered at Sunday worship in front of the congregation. This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as incorporation into the body of Christ and the life of the Church. There is a little more flexibility in the case of genuine emergencies, normally in a hospital situation.
The thanksgiving and blessing of a child
Since 2003, the Church has provided orders for the thanksgiving for, and blessing of, a child. The blessing ceremony takes place after the morning worship service following the same pattern as that for Baptism, except the wording and promises are different, and no water is used.
Christian marriage
Ministers of the Church of Scotland are authorised to perform weddings. The Church does not regard marriage as a sacrament and ministers are free to marry people who are not members of the Church of Scotland. However, if neither the bride nor groom is a member of the Church, the first approach should be to the minister. It is important that one or other resides within the parish of where the Service will be conducted. If you are not sure if you reside within the boundaries of the High Kirk Parish, then the Minister will be able to confirm with you, and will be happy to offer guidance.
In certain circumstances the Church of Scotland permits the re-marriage of divorced people in church. You should discuss this with the minister.
Funeral services
The Church of Scotland serves all the people of Scotland and not just the membership of the Church. You do not need to be a member of Stevenston High Kirk to hold a funeral in the church. Nobody in the situation of bereavement should hesitate to seek the services of the minister, either directly or through the undertaker. More information about funeral services can be found following the links on this page.
How to arrange one of these services
You need to contact Rev Scott Cameron on 01294 463356 to arrange one of these services.
There are no fixed charges for baptisms or funerals. In planning a wedding, you will be asked to contribute towards the costs of heating and lighting, the organist's fee, cleaners, and church officer.
Birth, baptism, marriage and death certificates
If you would like to know how to obtain a copy of archived certificates for researching your family tree, please visit the Church of Scotland’s section on historical records.
