An East Kilbride minister seen as an integral part of the community has retired after more than 30 years.
Rev. John Brewster, of Greenhills Parish Church, has welcomed generations of families into the family of the church and fostered ties across the globe, through hosting international students in the town.
Having been raised in Fife, John went to St Andrew’s University to study medieval history before moving to Dundee to study education.
He then became a history teacher before a career overhaul when he made the decision to go to Edinburgh to study for the church.
After serving his probationary period in the heart of Aberdeen, he then arrived in East Kilbride.
He has also been an active member of church groups including the Greenhills Panto Club for 27 years and is honoured to have been a Chaplain at Hairmyres Hospital for more than two decades.
John will be returning to Fife, where he has family.
He told Lanarkshire Live : "On my last Sunday I was feeling sad to be moving on after 33 years service here.
"There are so many people that I feel close to in the church and the community.
"There are so many memories of happy times, and much that we are proud of like all the international students who visited us, our pantomimes, and our relations with the Ghanaian Church in Glasgow.
"I was particularly honoured to be a Hospital Chaplain at Hairmyres, met so many people from EK, and led the opening service for the new hospital.
"Many have passed through our lives in that length of time. Some have played a significant part in my life.
"One who was present and proud at my ordination service in April 1988 was my mother, Meg, and she is one of many whom I wish could have been with me at my last service.
"Due to COVID restrictions we were not able to organise a reception, but maybe I can return for this later at a time that I can conduct a Communion Service with the Elders. So it was a short service for now.
"My thanks to all for kind wishes, cards and gifts. I do insist that I'm 'no' awa' tae bide awa', I'll aye come back and see ye'.
"In church we talk of all being part of the Body of Christ, and I will still be a part, and still be an active part in the concerns of our country and our world. I will be moving to Kirkcaldy in Fife where I was brought up and where I have family."
Weekly services will continue and will be overseen by Rev. Mahboob Masih of the West Kirk in the Village until a replacement can be found.
East Kilbride South Councillor Archie Buchanan said: "John's commitment to the area went much further than just being a Church of Scotland Minister.
"He was involved in numerous community groups including the Greenhills Panto where he usually played a prominent part, much to the joy of those attending the show.
"He also on occasion helped me with the organisation of Greenhills Youth Club, where he attended to assist when we were short of supervising adults.
"John will be sadly missed within this community but he can rest assured that he has many friends in East Kilbride who will be keeping in touch with him."
Fellow Councillor Fiona Dryburgh went on: "I’ve known John for many years.
Personally when he conducted my mother-in-law's funeral. Faith wise as a member of the Methodist church I have been involved in various interfaith and inter church activities with John.
"On a professional basis it was great to have John involved when I organised a Thursdays in Black event campaigning against violence towards women.
"As part of the event and walked, at night, through streets between the Methodist church and Greenhills Parish. John walked with us to show his solidarity. It was a special evening. John is an integral part of the community and he will be missed by many."
And Councillor Geri Gray added: "John Brewster has been a stalwart of this community for over 30 years, and took a great interest in local issues. I will miss him greatly.
"His homemade soup is absolutely delicious, and I also always enjoyed watching his performances in the Greenhills Panto players at Christmas time. I wish him a long and peaceful retirement."
**Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
