Perth’s most ancient and historic Kirk is appealing for stewards to help welcome a constant stream of visitors from both home and abroad.
St John’s Kirk in the heart of the city can trace its history back to the 12th century and has become a major visitor attraction in recent years following a £2.7 million refurbishment.
Last year a record 10,000-plus sightseers visited the building and, in order to meet that growing demand, new
volunteers are being recruited to act as stewards.
Around 30 stewards currently “meet and greet” visitors but kirk steward Kay Morrison said they would like to double that number.
“Everyone involved in stewarding at St John’s Kirk finds it a worthwhile, enjoyable and rewarding experience,” she explained.
“It is lovely to be able to welcome visitors from our own city as well as thousands more from home and abroad into the ancient kirk and act as guides and informants, if required, regarding its fascinating history and many notable relics and artefacts.
“In order to meet visitor demands, we try to keep the kirk open daily from 10am to 4pm, April to September and at Easter and Christmas and it would be ideal to expand these hours at other times, even for short periods per day,” explained Kay.
“Regrettably, there are occasions when the church is closed for lack of availability of kirk stewards, but doubling the number of volunteers would prevent that from happening.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the role of a kirk steward is invited to attend an open day in the kirk on Saturday August 10 at 10.30am.
Many of the present stewards will be on hand to encourage volunteers to get involved in this rewarding experience even for just a few hours a month.
St John’s Kirk minister, the Reverend Jim Wallace, said the kirk stewards played a “vital role” in the life of the ancient church.
“One of the special features of St John’s Kirk is that we try to have the building open to all, not just on Sundays but during the week as well,” he said.
“We know from comments received that the open building is very much appreciated by people who live locally, as well as those who come from further afield.
“St John’s Kirk has always played a central role in the life of Perth as a community and it is volunteers from that local community and beyond who will ensure that we have enough stewards to keep the building full of life and welcoming each and every day.”
The £2.7m refurbishment of St John’s Kirk, only completed in 2011, has already brought with it a surge of activity in the kirk.
In addition to regular Sunday worship and the special festivals of Christmas and Easter, a new opportunity will be offered from August 20.
Entitled Tuesdays at Two, it will offer short services at 2pm every Tuesday for busy people and for those who cannot attend on Sundays.
Music in St John’s continues to flourish, with many daytime and evening performances, monthly recitals by organists and other musicians, as well as concerts organised by Perth Chamber Music Society, Scottish Opera and others in association with Perth Concert Hall.