St. Ninian

Introduction

The church was built in three years (1955-1958) with an imposing bell tower and pebble dash exterior applied by a plasterer brought from Ireland.

History

The church was re-roofed because the copper roof was pitted with acid rain damage and rain water was coming through it. The present hall (Mir Centre) was constructed next to the church and formally opened on 5 January 1989 by the bishop.

In 2011, Saint Cuthbert's and Saint Ninian's formed a linked parish. In 2018, the parishes of Saint Ninian's and Saint Cuthbert's officially became Saint Ninian's and Saint Cuthbert's Parish, retaining the two church buildings and their separate identities. It was further decided at a later date that none of the buildings, including the church, would re-open and that all church services would transfer to Saint Ninian’s.

The next major changes were carried out in 1993. The first permanent Deacon appointed to a Motherwell parish was Dr James Douglas, who came to St Ninian’s.

Architecture and furnishings

Changes over the years include removal of the baldachino and altar rail, raising of the sanctuary area, and carpeting of it and the aisle. Wood panels were used to cover most of the brick in the sanctuary and on the ceiling, and the metal support girders were covered. Two new side altars were made, one to the Sacred Heart and one to Our Lady. New lights were installed and the original granite baptismal font reinstated.

A new organ was also installed in the church. The altar rail and baldachino (canopy over the altar) were made by Mr Campbell McFall. The wall surrounding the church property was built under the direction of Mr T Duffy, who also installed the bell in the tower.

Music and liturgy

The Liturgy of the Word with Children, often called 'Children's Liturgy', is a common parish activity that lets children hear and respond to the Sunday Gospel at their own level. The Boys Brigade Pipe Band outside the church signals the start of a procession through Burnbank’s streets, joined by parishioners of Saint Ninian’s and Saint Cuthbert’s Parish. After Mass and the procession, everyone is invited to the church hall for food and to continue the festivities. The Knitting Group, started in January 2018, brings young and old together to knit squares sewn into blankets for The Sisters of The Gospel of Life.

Parish life

The parish maintains a Legion of Mary presidium. The One World Group supports Mary's Meals and SCIAF by organising fundraising events, including twice yearly Afternoon Teas. The Care of Creation Group started as a St Ninian and St Cuthbert's initiative and developed into an ecumenical group with Hillhouse Parish Church, worshipping together and studying the bible together.