THE end of an era came at Beath/Cowdenbeath North Church on Sunday when there was a double celebration.

This the kirk's minister David Redmayne's last service as it was his 65th birthday and his retiral.

There was an excellent turn out of church members and they heard rev Redmayne take Psalm 105 verses 1-4 as his call to worship.

The children's talk was 'Just Walking'.

David's friend Gordy also came along to say cheerio to the children!

Ella Neilson read from Colossians 1 verses 15-20 and John 3 verses 25-35. The talk was Its all about Jesus.

After the offering the symbols representing the church were handed over to members of the Session for safe keeping during the vacancy.

After the service the congregation went through to the church hall for a buffet where John Cornbill and M Ross presented David and wife Carol with a cheque and flowers from the congregation and friends.

John Jones thanked them and wished them well in their retirement.

John also handed over a big red book of memories.

David thanked the packed hall for the cards and good wishes and went on to cut the special cake made to mark the occasion.

After 17 years as minister at Beath and Cowdenbeath North David will be staying in Dunfermline at the start of his retirement but will still be at the Manse for the coming few weeks.

He has thoroughly enjoyed his 17 years as minister of the Cowdenbeath church and told the Times last week: "I have had tremendous support from the congregation and I feel very confident that the way ahead for the north will continue to be a very bright one."

This Sunday the church service at Beath and Cowdenbeath North will be preached vacant by the interim moderator the Rev N Grant at 11am.