Published: Wednesday, 24th June, 2009 1:47pm

New beginning as North and West Churches unite

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TWO churches with a rich heritage - Alloa North and Alloa West - united last week to form Alloa Ludgate Church when Rev Elizabeth Clelland was introduced as minister.

Alloa West Church was officially renamed at the Service of Union on Thursday, and all services will now be conducted in this building, with plans to sell the North Church next year.

First opened in 1864 the West Church has a seating capacity of about 600 and there are two reasonably sized halls, one smaller room and a kitchen. There is also a basement storage area. The church organ is a 3 manuals + pedals by Lewis of London. It is the last significant pipe-organ in playing condition in the country and is recognized as a 'gem".

Rev Clelland said a party would be held to mark the historic amalgamation, adding, 'Both churches have a rich heritage - it is a new beginning now for the congregations and we aim to look beyond our walls and work in the community.'

For over a century there have been three Church of Scotland parishes in Alloa but after last week"s ceremony only St Mungo"s and Ludgate Church remain.

There are 3,500 people living in the parish, part of which is designated as an urban priority area and Alloa South East is now a social inclusion partnership area.