The
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald
of 31 October 1902 carried the following report.
CUTTING
THE FIRST SOD AT THE NEW EVANGELICAL UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ARDROSSAN
On Monday morning (27 October 1902), the old schoolyard in Glasgow Street was
the scene of an interesting ceremony, namely the cutting of the first sod preparatory
to the commencement of building operations in connection with the new Evangelical
Union Church (shown below in 2007). Shortly after nine o'clock, about one hundred
spectators had gathered to witness the proceedings. After the company had sung
the hymn Oh God Our Help In Ages Past, the Reverend Mr Sharpe read a passage
of scripture and then offered up prayer.
Previous to the commencement of operation, a photograph of the Reverend gentleman
with shovel in hand was taken and, as natural, the small boy who was there in
large numbers, made himself self-conspicuous by edging his way to the front
of the crowd. In lifting a few shovelfuls of soil, Mr Sharpe said "I consecrate
this ground to the office of the Lord in the name of the Father, the Son and
the Holy Ghost.". Another photograph was taken and after prayer, the company
dispersed.