May 20, 2011
A Change of Manse
In late 2009 our Session and Congregational Board became concerned that when the Rev Jim Scott retired in October 2010 the existing Durris Manse might not be attractive to a new minister. There was no way, of course, to prove this but our information was that in today’s world ministers prefer to live in modern houses which cost less to run and are easier to maintain. Accordingly, the Board set up a small group to consider all the pros and cons of refurbishing the existing manse versus procuring a new manse.
The group considered all the factors, including, but not limited to: the very strong emotional ties which many in the congregation had to the existing manse; its location; the high costs of modernisation; the then absence of any suitable replacement properties; and the market value of the Manse. There were still a number of uncertainties so the group’s report in January 2010 recommended waiting until we started to look for a new minister.
A Presbytery Property Committee report in June 2010 came down heavily in favour of selling the Manse and procuring a modern building, not least because of the cost of upgrading, but it made it clear that they were only advising and not instructing Drumoak–Durris Church Session and Board.
In July 2010 a joint meeting of the Kirk Session and the Congregational Board held a lengthy discussion on whether to upgrade the existing Manse or to procure a new Manse. At that meeting it was emphasised that Presbytery would not allow us to proceed with calling a new minister unless they were wholly and completely satisfied that we could offer a new minister a suitable manse. Furthermore, as trustees of a charity, Elders and Board Members must at all times act in the best interests of that charity. While not unanimous the overwhelming majority of the Session and Board were in favour of procuring a new manse. It was recognised that this was a significant change but it was felt that it was the sensible way forward. A Manse Group was established with the remit of selling the Durris Manse and procuring a new manse.
The end result of these prolonged activities is that the Manse Group has been successful in selling the existing manse for a price some 45% above the asking price and in procuring a new manse. Amongst other advantages the sale and purchase released a considerable amount of equity which we can use to the benefit of Durris and Drumoak churches and to the wider Worship of God and His Ministry. The new manse is at 26 Sunnyside Drive, Drumoak, entry to which we obtained on Thursday 12th May.
The Session and Board were at all times conscious of the sensitivity of selling the Durris Manse which had a place in everyone’s hearts. For many of us, the abiding memories are of the warm welcome which we received from Jim and Roz at the many meetings and events which were held there. But we feel that it was the right thing to do and we look forward to a new chapter in the life of Drumoak – Durris Church, with a new minister and a new manse.