For many weeks, Cumnock Christian Fellowship faced an uncertain future after they lost their meeting place at Barshare Community Wing, part of the campus of St John’s Primary School, where their two children’s clubs, Go-Kidz and the UTC, also regularly met.

When the decision was taken to close and demolish St John’s Primary School there was initial optimism that they would be relocated elsewhere and that the council would find them suitable substitute halls for their activities, along with the Barshare Mother’s and Toddlers group.

Eventually, they were able to purchase the old Brethren Hall, in Barrhill Road, Cumnock, and after much renovation work, which was carried out by both members and adherents alike — along with the required tradesmen — the hall was completed and ready for use by September 2014.

A spokesman for the church said: “Having been greatly blessed of God with His provision of a new place of worship and a place for the continuing work of the UTC and for all forthcoming works, Cumnock Christian Fellowship rejoiced and looked forward to many years of faithful service in the work of God from their new church on the Barrhill Road.

“It was therefore a greatly anticipated and blessed time when, on January 23, we celebrated the church’s 15th anniversary combined with the opening social for their new building, which was attended by 65 people and led by Tom Houston with special guest speaker, Rev Mervyn Milne, and praise and worship leader Allan McKinlay and a wonderful night of praise and worship was had.

“As a final note, Cumnock Christian Fellowship would like to thank everyone who as they were led by God gave of their time and their finances and brought together this place that shall now work for the Glory of God within this community of Cumnock.”