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Mr Joe Auld retired recently after a lifetime as organist and choirmaster.

He began playing occasionally in St Columba’s when he was 14 years old, under the tutelage of the organist Jim Bowman

His first post was in the Maxwell United Free Church, Kilmaurs aged 15, progressing to St John’s Onthank, later to St Andrew’s North for 11 years and then the Laigh Kirk for 18 years, all these in Kilmarnock. He then did a spell free-lancing and was part of the rota for Darvel Parish Church.  Just before moving house, back to Stewarton, he began playing again at St Columba’s. On his last Sunday (June 22^nd2025) he accepted a gift from the congregation and a standing ovation at the end of the service. As the organist he will be very sadly missed, but will be a welcome addition to the choir

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On Wednesday 11^th December Lainshaw Primary had their annual Christmas service in the church which as usual was a very uplifting experience  One group sang and also used sign language in one song which was  Excellent and a tribute to the hard work of their teachers. There was a great turnout to support the school the balconies were full with parents, grandparents, relations and general public with the schoolchildren all in the lower level. We are lucky to have such a large church which can cope with the numbers

Saturday 14^th December:  “Escape Room” in the church with over 70 kids participating and then Santa and sweets in the hall with tea, coffee and biscuits for the adults. Another great success.

There was also our now annual display of Christmas trees around the church  decorated to provide clues as to which organisation  they belong to.

Sunday 15^th December:  11 long service  awards were presented to elders who had attained 30+years’ service (9x30yrs: 2×40 yrs). Also, there was admission of Two new members by profession of faith: I by transference: 2 by resolution of Kirk Session. 

It really was an uplifting service especially in these times of diminished attendances and church closures. St Columba’s is bucking the trend and thriving with a good Sunday attendance and various ongoing activities and events both in  the church and community, whilst maintaining a more traditional approach where the core Christian values are practised, and also  remaining constant and relevant in an everchanging world. People are what makes everything worthwhile and there are a number who work quietly in the background making it all happen without seeking praise or recognition. It is important to remember we are here to serve both young and old alike.

Sunday 22^nd December: We had 120 congregation and visitors attending  Nativity play by the Sunday club, which told the Christmas story in a fun and musical way. It was  excellent  with great choreography, especially from the  youngest members. Congratulations to Lauren and here team.

Tuesday 24^th December: Our annual  Christmas eve joint service was a very family orientated one with many families of children who attend our messy church.

Wednesday25th December: Christmas day joint service was a happy one where you could choose a particular Carol you liked and we sang it.(as best we could !!) Children could also bring a present they had received and the Minister brought two.

Sunday 29^th December: The last service  for  Very Rev. William Hewitt  in St Columba’s as he has decided to retire. There was a presentation to Bill and a Bouquet of flowers presented to Moira.

Bill will be greatly missed not only as our minister giving us the benefit of his experience and wisdom but as a really nice genuine person.

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You may be wondering why we have two Boys Brigade Flags rather than just our own  local Company one.

 “1st Stewarton Boys’ Brigade is part of the East Ayrshire Battalion. In April we hosted the Battalion Parade and are now the bearers of the Battalion Colours for 1 year. These will be sited in St. Columba’s Church along with our own Colours.  They will be in place until the next Battalion parade when they will be passed on to the new host company.”

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