Formation of the URC

The United Reformed Church

On 5th October 1972 the Presbyterian Church of England and churches of the Congregational Church in England and Wales finally became the United Reformed Church, after over 30 years of discussion and attempts to bring about a union of the two churches. Although many of the Presbyterian traditions have been modified to meet with those of the Congregationalists, there is still a large proportion of Scots, nurtured in the Church of Scotland tradition, who worship in St. Ninian’s, but it is no longer the Scottish church and the Mecca for all exiled Scots.

Hobs Moat

Following the retirement of the Reverend Hilary Wilson, the Reverend John Forsyth was appointed by the Birmingham District Council of the United Reformed Church to be Interim Minister at Hobs Moat Church, Olton. Then, following pastoral visitations to both congregations and the recommendation to both churches that they should become one pastorate, District Council assigned the oversight and joint pastorate of Hobs Moat Church Olton, to the care of Mr. Forsyth. Formally Hobs Moat and St. Ninian’s became a joint charge. Now, eight years later, the two congregations have grown more integrated, although remaining separate entities; a strong feeling of fellowship has developed between the two congregations.

Links to other Faiths and other Churches

In 1972 the Hebrew Community made a request for the use of the church for their services of worship on Saturday mornings. After consideration this was agreed to and from March 1973 until October 1977 the Hebrew Community used St. Ninian’s with much goodwill on both sides. When their own Synagogue was completed the connection came to an end, but application from the Elim Renewal Church having been under discussion and agreement reached, services commenced the following Sunday evening and continued until February 1985.

Since October 1985, St. Ninian’s has been used on Sunday evenings by the Daylesford Christian Fellowship.