Reverend David Clark, stepped down after his final sermon on Sunday, August 17 with a send off from his congregation and fellow ministers.

Rev Clark was ordained at St Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen in 1975, he ministered at Bridge of Allan, and later at Cupar Old Parish Church and St Michael’s of Tarvit, before he was called to the West Kirk of Helensburgh in 1986 with his wife Kate.

The West Kirk united with St Columba Church in 2011, to form St Andrew’s Kirk in Colquhoun Square and now plans are in place for new church halls.

Rev Clark, who has five children, was a large part of community life in the town and his retirement still hasn’t ‘sunk in yet’.

He told the Advertiser: “It will take a while to adjust and at the moment it feels like I am just on holiday.

“Sunday was great, the congregation were very kind not just on Sunday but at two social events we also held.

“I would like to thank folks in Helensburgh for the enjoyable time we have had throughout the years and the gifts and good wishes from everyone.” He will continue to be a Presbytery Clerk and will still be on the board of Church of Scotland Trustees, so will be apart of Church life in the area.

The Rev George Vidits, of St Andrew's Kirk, reflects on Rev David Clark's ministry.

He said: "Rev David Clark’s long and faithful ministry in the town left its lasting mark on many lives in the congregation and the community, as he journeyed together with them in their particular personal circumstances at the different stages of their lives. In his ministry he was a faithful companion to people searching together with them the answers, the grace, and strength, or the peaceful comfort to their questions.

"Throughout his 39 years of ministry David Clark did not serve the local congregation only, but the community, and the wider church at presbytery and national level too. He has been chaplain to many an institution in the town, schools, the police, boys Brigade to mention just a few. With deep Christian conscience for justice and a fair chance to life, form many years David served in the local Christian Aid Committee that raised many thousands of pounds for those in need in the world. David served a numerous committees of the Kirk on national level, shaping its life and service for many years to come.

"His ministry will be remembered with fondness and deep gratitude, for his musical skills, and joy in music and singing; for his compassionate pastoral care; for his witty and challenging sermons; for his outstanding organisational skills; and conscientious stewardship of resources, let them be physical materials or people and their talents. David ‘s ministry will be remembered above all for his sincere love of people and for his love for the Kirk.

"On Sunday the congregation expressed their thanks to David’s wife Kate also, fully realising and appreciating her service by the side of her husband throughout the years. Kate’s always smiling and joyful demeanour in everything she did and to everyone she met brought delight to many and put them at ease. With her many gifts Kate served in the Sunday School, choir, coached the Young Sounds junior choir, and delighted the congregation with her legendary baking. But above all else she offered the background support to David’s ministry.

"The congregation said thank you with tears in their eyes and heartfelt gratitude in their hearts for the 28 years’ service here in Helensburgh, wishing God’s every blessing to David and Kate in the retirement."