A LANDMARK Greenock church has become one of the town's most popular attractions for cruise passengers - as it celebrates its 200th year.
St John's Episcopal Church in Union Street has welcomed visitors from all over the world including Germany and Italy.
Volunteers from the church offer tours on the day the liners come in, and showcase some of Greenock's most treasured history.
Following a special service of celebration to mark the occasion, the church has displayed some of its most invaluable artefacts, telling some of the stories of the past 200 years, as well as archive materials which document all those who have worshipped in the building.
Ian Milne, a leading member of the congregation said: "It is really important to us to open the church for the cruise passengers. They really love coming in to the church.
"They are always impressed by the church and its history. We have tour guides in different languages and we have different volunteers all summer.
"It has such a great history and it is of real interest."
Some of the stand-out features includes the the altar, the organ and the stained glass windows.
During a recent visit, the Tele had the chance to see a full set of communion vessels, dating back to 1824, which were donated by Bishop Sandford to mark the opening of the original church on Friday, April 30 that year.
They were used at a recent service to mark the 200th anniversary which was attended by the Rt Rev Kevin Pearson, Bishop of the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, as well as local councillors Francesca Brennan and Graeme Brooks.
The original building in Union Street, which was formerly Gourock Street but was renamed to mark the union with Ireland in 1800, was replaced in 1878 by the impressive building which still stands today.
St John's was formed by 15 gentlemen and supported by landowners the Shaw Stewarts at a time when the population of Greenock was exploding, and so the Episcopal church was born.
The first convener was Roger Atyon, an agent of the Renfrewshire bank, and a tablet still exists to mark his contribution.
David O'Hara, the church's archivist, said: "It is fascination going through the archives and you come across so much. It really is a history of the town itself.
"It is a role that I am really enjoying."
Reverend Canon Willi Nesbitt said she was deeply moved to be part of the 200th anniversary celebrations, having taken over in 2017.
She said: "The service was very special indeed and we were delighted to have so many guests.
"The music was incredible. It is such a privilege to be part of St John's which has such an important place in the life of Greenock.
"I love being here in Inverclyde. It is such a welcoming place to be. We have a such a wonderful and committed congregation, and so many dedicated members of the church."
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