Grout of this world! Church Moderator lends a hand tiling church community project

Published on 12 July 2024 2 minutes read

The Moderator of the General Assembly swapped a clerical collar for a trowel to lend a hand with tiling in support of a Giffnock church's community project.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who had a job as a tiler whilst a student, carried out the work at Orchardhill Church installing a splashback in their Black Door Shop kitchen.

He was joined on site by church elder Steven Bennett and Mary Montague, East Renfrewshire Council's Provost. Dr Paterson's friend Sandy Fleming was able to assist with the grouting too.

Moderator Church Elder Steven Bennett Mary Montague East Renfrewshire Council Provost
Church elder Steven Bennett, Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson and Mary Montague, Provost of East Renfrewshire Council.

During Dr Paterson's time as Moderator he has offered to assist where possible with tiling projects in churches – an opportunity which Orchardhill Church jumped at.

The Black Door Shop is run by volunteers who carry out weekly litter picks, and receive and sort donations of clothes, children's toys and household items.

Each week they supply two vans and a car loaded with donations which go to partner charities supporting those in temporary accommodation.

Through the initiative over 75 tons of material are diverted from landfill each year.

There are also tools which can be borrowed for a small donation ranging from wallpaper scrapers to lawnmowers and items can be repaired in the workshop on-site.

In addition, it is planned that there will be food preparation skill sharing sessions to support people making family meals as well as life skill sharing events.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson Tiling
Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson tiling.

Having finished the job, Dr Paterson said: "I encouraged the General Assembly to focus on building together and I'm delighted to put to use skills I Iearned years ago to benefit churches, including Orchardhill Church in Giffnock.

"I'm enthused by this wonderful example of recycling and reusing all sorts of things from toys to tools which benefits the community and brings people together."

Steven Bennett, whose vision and hard work since 2015 have been key to the growth of the Black Door Shop, said: "I'm delighted to receive help from all people around us here in Giffnock.

"We especially welcome today the Provost and the Moderator and thank them for giving their time to help develop the Black Door Shop in to the place it is."

Provost Mary Montague said: "I'm grateful for the work done and the time generously given by volunteers through the Black Door Shop which helps people in the local community and further away.

"I'm delighted to welcome the Moderator to East Renfrewshire and to see him get involved in such a practical project."

Find out more about the Black Door Shop.