100 Years - Church Hall

St. Bride's Church Brodick, Isle of Arran

A Centenary History

For the Centenary in 2010, a beautiful 60 page Booklet to celebrate the 100 years of St Brides Church Brodick  was produced by Rev Angus Adamson, minister of the charge at the time. Within that Booklet was the history of the Church Hall '(The Wee Tin Church).

The Church Hall owes its existence to the same dispute over ecclesiastical property which led to the building of St Brides Church. Following the House of Lord's decision in 1924 the United Free Church was forced to erect new churches, not only in Brodick, but also at Whiting Bay, Kilmory (Kildonan), South End (Bennicarrigan), Shiskine and Lochranza. Only in Lamlash did she remain in possession of the St George's church. Hence in the shadow of the former Free Church at the Ross road end on an elevated position at Bennicarigan Farm road end - marked today by a summer seat - the new corrugated iron United Free Church was erected and was soon used for worship.

During the 1920's and 1930's that area was popular to holiday makers. As a result, in those days in Scotland when church attendance was the norm for most people, summer congregations regularly packed out the 'tin tabernacle', and revenue from this ensured the next summer's pulpit supply. Then with the outbreak of war in 1939, the number of visitors dwindled away, and once robbed of the valuable source of income, it became harder to pay for summer pulpit supply, especially so after the war, when the cost of renting houses increased dramatically. Bennicarrigan Church had seen its heyday and with the roll falling to just twelve by 1950 the painful decision was taken to close the building and for the congregation to travel to Kilmory to worship.

The South End's loss was Brodick's gain. Arrangements were made for Brodick to purchase the now defunct church building and for it to be moved to Brodick, to act as a much-needed Hall. The work of dismantling began at the beginning of April 1950. Not an easy task but the 'Tin Church'  was then moved to Brodick, adjacent to the church building. Its new life as a Church Hall began and has served the congregation and the people of Brodick and beyond all these years. A new extension was added on to it in 2002, which provided not only a toilet for the mobility impaired but also created a small partitioned room, ideally suited for the Sunday School. The Church Hall was vital to the congregation and many other community organisations over the years. It has also been used for worship services, many times.  

In present day the Church Hall continues to be well used all year round, sometimes morning, afternoon and evening and is a vital resource for  St Brides Brodick and for the mission of the church. It is used by the congregation, the community and many  others regularly and by some groups occasionally.

The Kirk Session of the Isle of Arran Parish Church has its meetings in the Hall. Tea and Coffee are served here before worship on a Sunday morning. The Sunday School meets in the Hall and the Fun Club meets at times. St Brides Ladies Group (open to men as well) meets twice a month on a Monday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm from October to March with various speakers or meetings taken by some of the members. Also, a new venture for St Brides Ladies Group from April to September, on a Monday every two weeks from 2.30pm to 3.45pm our 'Cuppa and Chat ', an informal time of fellowship open to all. The Spring Fayre's and Christmas Fayre's are held in the Hall. The annual Isle of Arran Parish Church Summer Fayre is held in the Hall and in the Church on a Saturday, this year in August. Other Church meetings are also held in the Hall when needed. The Arran Churches Together Food Bank is run out of the small hall by volunteers, twice a week. As well as all these, The Bible Study Group meets in a members home, with the Church Hall being well occupied.

The Church Hall is well used by community groups and others. The Arran Toddlers Group meet twice a week on Tuesday's and Thursday's.  Other Groups who meet regularly are: the Country Dancers, a Fitness Group, the Brass Band for practices. A Book Group has their meetings in the small hall. Various Groups also hire the Hall for AGM's, Fundraising events including Marys Meals, the Friends of Dr Graham's Homes, Kalimpong and Folk Festivals. The Church Hall is also used for Birthday parties and other family events when there is availability.