An all-age communion service really lived up to its name when a 107-year-old woman celebrated her very special birthday at church.
Marion Dawson marked the great day at Houston and Killellan Church, of which she has been a member for decades.
And there was a special encounter for Marion too when she met up with young Gregor Noonan, who is the son of the kirk’s minister Reverend Gary Noonan.
“Gregor is seven, so that means there is 100 years between them,” former Paisley police inspector Mr Noonan said.
“Marion received a special greeting card from the Queen, which was personally signed by Her Majesty and can be added to her collection from previous years.
“We presented her with a birthday cake and everyone sang happy birthday,” Mr Noonan said.
“And we sang her favourite hymn Guide Me O Thy Great Redeemer.”
The minister paid tribute to Marion’s steadfast Christian faith and long service to the church.
He added: “She has been a church member all her life, which says a lot about her faith.”
Marion’s daughter Jean Dawson, 72, said going to church was a big part of the life of her mother, who was wife to the late Robert, and is also mother to Allan, as well as a grandmother of two and great-grandmother of two.
“She hardly misses a Sunday and she goes to the Guild on a Tuesday, and to the Rural once a month,” Jean said.
“She’s maybe a bit slow now, but she’s as sharp as a tack.”
Social media was abuzz with the special occasion too.
The church’s Facebook page states: “What a wonderful, vibrant morning in the kirk as our folk served our communion for all-ages, from oldest to youngest shares the Lord’s Supper.
“We also celebrated the 107th birthday of a wonderful lady, Mrs Marion Dawson.
“It’s a privilege to have Marion as a member, she’s a shining light of faith and a great inspiration to us all!”
