|
St Andrew’s Church of Scotland
Gibraltar is an overseas territory of Britain sitting at the southernmost
tip of the Iberian peninsula over the Strait of Gibraltar. Its name is a
derivation of the Arabic phrase, Jabal Tariq, which means “mountain of
Tariq.” The British territory has even been called Calpe, one of the most
popular among Hercules’ Pillars. Alternately known among the locals and
frequent visitors as “Gib” or “the Rock,” history has seen Gibraltar as an
important military base for the British Armed Forces. In fact, the place
upon which Gibraltar stands was once the site of a British naval base.
Sharing a land boundary with Spain to the North, the sovereignty of
Gibraltar has always been a cause of dissent between England and Spain.
Although Spain appeals for the return of the sovereignty of its former
territory, which it has relinquished to Britain in 1713, majority of
Gibraltar’s population has consistently rejected this transfer of
authority.
Actually a huge lump of limestone, Gibraltar creates a haunting impression
primarily because of its towering rock formation that sits handsomely on a
contrasting rough landscape. The rock is genuinely a part of an ancient
seascape submerged until about a hundred thousand years ago. As proof of
its earlier stint underwater, Gibraltar also features more than a hundred
caves. Aside from this famous rock statue built by nature itself,
Gibraltar offers a lot of unique tourist destinations and events the year
round, especially for those interested in natural history. Historians
agree that the best way to learn of Gibraltar’s history is to visit
religious and charismatic places. One of these charismatic places is the
St. Andrews Church of Scotland, a congregation of the Church of Scotland
and part of the Presbytery of Europe.
Intertwined Culture and History
What makes the St. Andrew’s Church unique is its seamless intertwining
of history and cultural diversity. Tourists, local and foreign, are
treated to a historical adventure minus the usual hoopla of guided
tours; although of course, if they prefer to be escorted, they can by
all means do so. By looking through the church’s history, visitors are
able to get a good grasp of the history of Gibraltar as well. The
church also fosters and promotes a sociable atmosphere where classes
and backgrounds are insignificant and all are treated equally.
 |
With its rich history and an environment that welcomes anyone and
everyone, St. Andrews Church attracts numerous tourists wanting to
experience and learn Gibraltar history in a different backdrop. The
church’s history starts with the Rock which previously provisioned a
major military presence; thus, the residence of soldiers of different
regiments in the area.
The Presbyterians, wanting to build a garrison church for
Gibraltar-based Scottish soldiers initiated the construction of the
St. Andrew’s Church. The church’s foundation stone was laid in October
1953. After a relatively short period of seven months and through
strenuous fund-raising efforts made by the Scottish soldiers, the
first worship service took place in May.
|
St. Andrew’s Church has played witness to numerous events that has not
only influenced its own growth and development but of the whole Gibraltar
as well. However, the last quarter of the century had some of the most
significant changes. The British military for instance, suffered a
significant decrease in their population while the border separating
Gibraltar from Spain was closed and then reopened. These prompted both
construction and reinforcement to take place on the north-western
waterfront.
These events also brought about the distinctive congregation of the
church. Expatriates comprise a majority of the church’s small congregation
with some coming from the British military while others holding temporary
posts for assignments on the financial industry. However, other church
members are settlers while some are retirees from the military. Moreover,
members come from different social strata, cultural backgrounds, and
financial states. There are even members who come from neighboring Spain.
Being a tourist destination, Gibraltar also plays host to transient
visitors, as well as those who stay for indefinite periods that adds an
interesting demographic to its congregation. With all these groups of
people coming from all walks of life, St. Andrew’s Church boasts of a
diverse congregation with a full range of different social and age
brackets.
The Evolution of St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew’s Church boasts of unique architecture that tells in itself the
church’s history and even of Gibraltar. The sanctuary for instance,
displays furnishings, plaques, and other memorabilia bearing the insignia
of services that used to worship there. Dazzling stained glass windows
made in 1953 surround the chancel area creating a beautiful play of
natural light. The church’s distinctive tower stands dignified while
looking over the south end of Governor’s Parade. Visitors exploring the
church will surely be treated to a unique learning experience.
Aside from learning history, visitors can also experience and witness
current developments regarding church operations again through St.
Andrew’s Church. Until recently, the church shared ministers with another
congregation in Costa del Sol. However, the link between the two churches
was intercepted primarily because of the congregation’s encouragement and
the emergence of the Kirk Session wherein plans regarding the development
of the church were formulated. The approval for this program came from the
Europe Committee of the Church of Scotlands Board of World Mission and the
Presbytery of Europe on the condition that resources will only be half the
cost of appointment. Due to this, St. Andrew’s Church is currently
pioneering an exceptional breakthrough in the church - a 75% ministry. The
needs of the parish required a minister with a full-time post but since
the program approved of financial resources for a part-time post, the
church came up with this ingenious scheme. A minister shall be full-time
for 75% of the year with guest ministers filling in for less hectic
periods.
The Kirk Session provides temporal and spiritual affairs reminiscent of
Scotland’s quoad omnia parish. Ten elders comprising the session attend
monthly meetings. Meanwhile, an equal number of elders and ministers make
up the other administrative groups of the Church of Scotland - the General
Assembly and the Presbytery. St. Andrew’s Church is one of the thirteen
congregations of the Presbytery of Europe distributed all over mainland
Europe. Its current semi-autonomous relationship with the central church
administration based in Edinburgh was achieved after major reformations in
2002. The church participates in the bi-annual meetings of the Presbytery
that were usually held over weekends.
Rev. Stewart Lamont B.Sc, B.D.(Hons) is St. Andrew’s current minister, a
diligent and hardworking graduate of the University of St. Andrews. Aside
from working with the three types of mainstream media - namely,
television, radio, and print, Rev. Lamont has also served as minister in
different churches before finally settling down with Gibraltar first as a
Locum minister and then as minister in 2003. A prolific writer, he has
authored several publications with themes ranging from biographies to
thrillers to historical novels. His admirable experience in the media not
withstanding, he reaches out to both parishioners and non-parishioners
alike with his radio programs on BFBS and GBC radio while taking
intermittent assemblies at St. Christophers, a local MOD-run school. He
also serves as a Honorary Officiating Chaplain for the Joint Forces
Command of British Forces Gibraltar, a consistent supporter of the
congregation.
Religious Service: St. Andrew’s Style
Meanwhile, those who would want to really probe deeper into the rich
church’s history itself can participate in the many activities of St.
Andrew’s church. The church maintains amicable relations with the Roman
Catholic church, which enjoys predominance in Gibraltar. Certain
ecumenical activities are shared by both churches such as Holy Week, Lent,
and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The local Ministers’ Fraternal,
which conducts occasional meetings and represents the church in other
ministries, coordinate most of the church’s activities.
|
Annual events such as Carol Service, summer service, and St Andrews
Day service are broadcast through radio and are attended by
Gibraltar’s governor, Chief Minister, and other local political
figures. Both Sunday school and Sunday worship are held at 10:30am and
are conducted in English. Since the ministry has a smaller number of
churchgoers, Sunday school was organized such that it caters to
students of all ages. Meanwhile, the church is open from 11am to 1pm
on weekdays, allowing both parishioners and tourists to visit. Holy
Communion is regularly officiated six times a year. The church also
conducts numerous charity events, particularly bazaars. Most
anticipated of these are the Christmas Bazaar for Church Funds and a
Christian Aid Bazaar. Also, there are regular minor events arranged
throughout the whole year, which foster socialization and camaraderie
among church members.
St. Andrew’s Church not only offers a unique perspective on history,
church operations, and ecumenical activities. Couples who are visiting
Gibraltar can also make their wedding vows at St. Andrew’s Church.
Within three days of personal application, engaged couples are
entitled Governors Special Licenses that allow them to get married in
Gibraltar. An English ceremony conducted under blue skies and with the
charm of Gibraltar, but without the hassles of bureaucracy can be
experienced through St. Andrew’s Church. |
 |
The church supports couples wanting to say their “I do’s” in a Christian
ceremony, offering them God’s blessings to guide them throughout married
life. Membership to the church prior to the marital ceremony is
unnecessary although the ceremony itself is akin to those of other typical
churches. Marriage, as a matter of fact, is not considered a Presbyterian
sacrament although it is given that it should last a lifetime. Thus,
divorced couples and divorced individuals alike are allowed to remarry in
St. Andrew’s Church. Couples who have married under civil rights are also
permitted to receive blessings in the church; however St. Andrew’s prefers
having the legal ceremony together with the church ceremony. Even though
these types of marriage are becoming more and more commonplace, approval
of all marriages is still made under the discretion of the minister.
Ministers at St. Andrew’s will only perform wedding ceremonies if couples
are able to present the special license issued by the government of
Gibraltar. They must make arrangements at least three working days before
the ceremony with the Gibraltar Register for the issuance of this license.
Both parties must present their original birth certificates and passports
and if needed, divorce decrees and accompanying marriage certificates. For
non-residents wishing to exchange vows at St. Andrew’s, they must first
meet with a minister to set the date of the ceremony. The minister, if he
approves of the marriage, will then send copies of the ceremony to the
couple. As with the procedure for Gibraltar residents, they should then
proceed to making the necessary registration arrangements.
 |
St. Andrew’s Church charges only £150 for the ceremony with an
additional £30 service charge for collection and delivery of the
license and the cleaning of the church. If the couple wants music to
be played during the ceremony, whether by means of digital organ,
conventional organ, or a CD player, they have to pay an extra £45.
All fees can be paid a month before the ceremony. Also, documenting
the event is allowed as long as the photographers and crew preserve
the integrity and dignity of the ceremony. The minister though must be
consulted first for these video and photography arrangements. |
A Rewarding Homage to St. Andrew’s Church
Indeed, Gibraltar is a unique, quaint peninsula with marvelous surprises
waiting to be discovered by its tourists and explorers, be they local or
foreign. Tourists however, seem to veer away from churches because of an
undeserving stereotype: churches are usually perceived as exclusive relics
of religious history. However, St. Andrew’s Church proves otherwise. The
history, activities, and the churchgoers of St. Andrew’s Church is a
reflection of the history, activities, and the people of Gibraltar.
Moreover, a trip to this church is not only limited to ecumenical
happenings and educational learning's - engaged couples can exchange their
vows of unwavering love and support in a liberal ceremony. Also, with a
unique church operation and a savvy minister, spreading the Gospel in this
church definitely is updated and unique. Undeniably one of the Gibraltar’s
many gems, the dazzling, exuberant characteristics of this gem of a church
makes visitors see Gibraltar’s captivating history, diversified people,
and superb culture in a fresh, new, and divine light.
|
