THE congregation of Helensburgh Parish Church showed their appreciation to Rev Dr Charles E Stewart recently as he retired from assisting with worship.

Charles, honorary chaplain to the Queen (QHC) who has been providing regular pulpit supply in what was previously St Andrew’s Kirk for more than 10 years, decided the time was right to properly retire.

At his final service on August 29, tributes were paid to the well known and much loved minister who has had a long and distinguished career.

Charles was educated at the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow prior to his ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in 1976.

The parish minister, Rev David T Young said: “Since his ordination, Charles has made an invaluable contribution to the Church of Scotland and to the Royal Navy.

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“His military service has seen him deployed on many platforms across the globe - most notably on Captain Middleton’s flagship HMS Hermes during the Falklands War.

“Perhaps it was the deployment to HMNB Clyde from 1978-1980 and 1982-1985 that contributed to his decision to retire with his wife Mairi in Helensburgh back in 2010 following an entire decade serving as chaplain to the pupils and staff at the Royal Hospital School in Suffolk.”

Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Helensburgh resident, the Very Rev John C Christie, spoke warmly of Charles during his final service.

He said: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to say a few words about my friend and colleague as his final service draws to a close.

“Of his many postings and appointments the most that is notable is that Charles is the first Church of Scotland minister to have been appointed as Chaplain of the Fleet - the most senior Royal Navy appointment for a chaplain first established by King Charles I in 1683.

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“His leading of worship today, while challenging, has given us very significant insights into his calling as a Royal Navy chaplain.

“A decade ago, as Moderator, I thanked the military chaplains at the General Assembly for their service, never thinking I would have the opportunity of thanking a former Chaplain of the Fleet at the close of a very distinguished career.”

Mr Young, who is himself a chaplain in the reserve branch of the Royal Navy, added: “I’ve often said that there’s no such thing as retirement for a Kirk minister, and this has certainly been true for Charles, who has cheerfully occupied the pulpit, providing pulpit supply for Rev David Clark and myself respectively.

“His exegesis of the Gospel, coupled with his passion for and detailed knowledge of historical Jewish tradition and custom, has brought to life the many stories of the Bible, has connected the various strands between the Old and New Testaments, and has undoubtedly enriched the faith of those fortunate enough to hear him preach.

“I want to thank Charles for his thorough contribution to the worshipping life of Helensburgh Parish Church and on a personal note for his unofficial role as my own personal chaplain.”