INTRODUCTION

 

We are a Church of Scotland fellowship based in the central belt.  The location of our Church building is widely known across Scotland, mainly due to its proximity to the M8. We have around 190 people in membership and most come from our parish,  which covers the village of Salsburgh and the largely rural areas surrounding it. However, we also have a number of regular attendees who come  from Shotts, Harthill, Cleland, Holytown, etc. Our mission statement is "We want to see Jesus lifted high!". All are welcome at our services and events.

 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF KIRK O' SHOTTS

 

15th CENTURY

The earliest record of a place of worship in this area dates from 1450, though it is thought that there may have been a place of worship here before that date.  The Church was built on the land of Bertram de Shotts, who was reputed to be a 'giant'; many a tale is told of his exploits!  In 1476 the Church was dedicated to Saint Catherine of Sienna - the name perpetuated in Kate's Well, a natural spring of water near the present Church.

 

16th CENTURY

Since the Reformation in Scotland (1560) the Church of Bertram de Shotts, as it was then known (later to be called Shottskirk and later still Kirk o' Shotts) has been Presbyterian in its form of worship and government, being a Church of Scotland charge (within the Presbytery of Hamilton).

 

17th CENTURY

On 21st June, 1630, following what was known then as a 'Communion Season', a truly momentous event took place. On the Monday, before the congregation parted, they met in the old kirkyard. The Rev John Livingston preached (his text Ezekiel 36:25) and the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon them.  Over 500 people came to faith in Jesus that day.

 

During the Covenanting period (after 1638), many in the parish actively supported the cause.  In the old kirkyard is the grave of  the Covenanter, William Smith. The original Church building was partly re-built and extended during the latter part of the century.

 

18th CENTURY

The vexed question of Patronage (the removal of the right of the congregation to call a minister) troubled the congregation for many years. The use of militia and the bringing of criminal charges did not destroy its determination to maintain its Presbyterian heritage. A number seceded and formed a congregation at Shottsburn.  In 1771 Shottsburn Church was built.

 

19th CENTURY

As the old kirk had fallen into a state of disrepair and was too small for the congregation, it was decided that it should be replaced with a much larger building. In 1821 the present Church building (with a seating capacity of 1200) was opened - the cost £2,270!  The congregation came from a very wide area. To meet the demand for more localised Churches the following were established - Calderhead in 1860, Benhar in 1877, Cleland in 1878 and Caldercruix in 1893.

 

20th CENTURY

During a century of worldwide upheaval and many changes in all areas of life, the congregation at Kirk o' Shotts continued to maintain its witness to the Christian Gospel, The Hall Church was built to provide much needed accomodation. The Shottsburn congregation returned to the fold of the Church of Scotland and in 1975 united with Kirk o' Shotts.

 

21st CENTURY

The Parish is geographically the same, though the population is numerically considerably smaller, as is the congregation. We, however, face this new era with zeal and are committed to completing the restoration of the Kirk, in order to preserve its presence as a place of worship and witness. As we go forward, we shall continue to acknowledge God as our Creator and Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord and the Holy Spririt as our Guide and Sustainer in our day by day walk of faith.