Penninghame St John's Parish Church
Our Minister
Rev Edward Lyons
Edward was born and brought up in Glasgow. He started studying biochemistry at Strathclyde University as an atheist. It was during his time there that he felt the nudge to go to the local Church of Scotland which he did for the first time on Christmas Eve. In his third year at Strathclyde Edward felt called to change the course of his life and was accepted in 2000 as a candidate for the ministry with the Church of Scotland which saw him study Theology receiving his B.D from University of Glasgow and his M.Th from University of Edinburgh. During his studies he not only spent time working in the west end and suburbs of Glasgow, Arran & Sutherland he also found time to meet his wife Caroline whilst taking part in a youth mission week. Whilst a probationer at St Ninians in Stirling he received his call to Penninghame St John's which saw him preach as sole nominee to the congregation on Christmas Eve 2006. He went on to be ordained in February 2007.
Our Session Clerk
Jenny Burns
Jenny was brought up in Gatehouse-of Fleet. She qualified as a Librarian and worked down south for a few years before moving back to Newton Stewart in 1989 when she married John.
She has been an active member of PSJ serving on the previous congregational board and as a Sunday Club teacher for many years. Jenny was honoured to become session clerk following Jane's retirement in March 2021.
Our Organist
Bethan Chambers
Bethan learnt to play the piano and violin from a young age at home in Wales. She played regularly with the North Wales Youth Orchestra and took part in local music competitions. After getting married in 1985 in Manchester, she started giving piano lessons, something she has continued to do since moving to Newton Stewart in 1997.
Bethan has been playing the piano at PSJ for some time now and is regularly the leader of our music band on Sunday mornings and also at 'The Gathering' Services.
As well as playing piano she also plays her violin in a quartet for some church services and performs regularly with Solway Sinfonia.
Our Church Officer
David Cash
David took over the role of church officer in August 2017 following the 30 years service of Willie McKie. David was brought up on the family small holding near Little Weighton in Yorkshire. A joiner to trade David also enjoys painting and walking. David moved to Newton Stewart nine years ago after visiting the area and falling in love with the scenery and the friendliness of the people, one in particular his wife Marlane.
Our Church Building
Our church building, completed in 1840, was designed by architect William Burns, who also designed Kirkcudbright Parish Church just prior to Penninghame St John's. The organ is by JF Harston of Newark installed in1878 and is thought to be one of the largest organs he produced.
We are very fortunate to have a super church hall which is used by local community groups, machars churches basics bank as well as all our own activities.
To find the church take the turning up the hill at Dashwood Square, then first right onto Church Lane.
