new church
A New Church
By the mid-1990s it became clear that the old Church building needed extensive repairs and was too small to accommodate all those whom the Lord had called to membership, who attended Sunday worship. Two services had to be held on Sunday mornings, one after the other, to cater for the membership. After much prayer, a decision was made to demolish the old building and build a new one of modern design. The membership pledged support for the venture and on Sunday 29 March 1998 the last Communion service was held in the old building that had served for over 130 years. It was demolished on the following day, Monday.
Just before this the village War Memorial had been relocated from its position at the north side of the church to a new site in the village. The ground it had occupied, together with some additional ground was procured to make room for the new, larger building.
Construction work was started immediately on the new Torrance Parish Church while services continued in the Church Halls. The old church bell was integrated into the new structure and is still sounded before each Sunday morning service. The ashes of the former organist, Tom Barr, are buried under the building. The new church building was opened and dedicated on 28 January 1999 by the Reverend W.J. Harvey, Moderator of the Presbytery of Glasgow.
The new building can accommodate a congregation of around 250 in the sanctuary, with further seating in the "cafe area" for an overflow of 50. Video facilities relay the service to those on creche duty in the adjacent meeting room. The removable, stacking chairs allow multi-purpose use of the building. Tables can be brought in for special gatherings with food cooked on the premises for various groups (e.g. the men's group and women's group) or else the floor space can be cleared for drill marching by the Boy's Brigade.
Members and visitors can now enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits in the foyer/cafe style entrance after all services and meetings.