By Eric Nicolson

PERTH’S TWO largest city centre churches are set to proceed with ambitious modernisation projects.

The North Church and St John’s Kirk have both unveiled renovation projects aimed at putting the historic buildings to better use.

The £400,000 plans for the North Church were this week approved by the presbytery, after winning congregation and kirk session support.

The first phase, to begin as early as May, will see major changes made to the internal architecture of the Mill Street kirk. Funding is in place.

The central pews will be removed, with the heart of the building adapted to meet 21st century requirements and better suited for a computer projector system. The new layout will be more flexible and comfortable.

The second phase, subject to planning permission, will see the creation of an outreach centre, located between the existing church and the Sandeman pub/restaurant.

North Church minister the Rev David Denniston said the two projects were part of one “mission and outreach” venture into the city centre community. He said, “This is certainly the biggest physical change that has been made to the church in many years and it reflects the changes being made by our congregation.

“It is part of being an outward-focused, mission-orientated church that will fulfil our role in the heart of the city centre. The overall philosophy behind it is to reach out to others. It is one project in two phases and these are exciting times for the church.”

An upgrade of St John’s Kirk is also being planned. A church has stood on the site for more than 800 years and the oldest part of the existing building dates from the 15th century. The kirk session has approved detailed plans for its makeover and a fund-raising appeal will be launched towards the end of the year.

St John’s minister the Rev David Ogston said “modernisation” would help put the building to greater use.

He said, “Our view is that a beautiful building like St John’s cannot live forever on the glories of the past. It has to adapt to conditions and expectations that are rapidly changing.

“Modernisation is also very much in our game plan because I think we have reached a point where the kirk needs to make fuller use of new technology in terms of heating, lighting, sound systems and overall comfort.”

Alterations will include the reconfiguration of the nave and crossing and in the area of the Knox Chapel.

Historic Scotland will be regularly consulted over the refurbishment.