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Tributes as minister who changed lives steps down

More than 700 people last night attended a retirement celebration for the Very Rev John Miller who, along with his wife Mary, was hailed as being the centre of the community of Castlemilk, in the south side of Glasgow, over nearly four decades.

Mr Miller, 66, is stepping down after serving as minister at Castlemilk East Parish Church since 1971. Soon after carrying out his last sermon at the church tomorrow, he and his wife, 60, will leave to visit relatives in Canada before they set off in September for a new life helping HIV/Aids victims in Zimbabwe.

Last year, Glasgow recognised his achievements with its most prestigious award, the Loving Cup. For the former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, being minister of Castlemilk East Church was more a way of life than a job. A familiar sight riding around Castlemilk on his bicycle, he shared a modest housing association home with his wife.

She was one of the co-founders of the famous Jeely Piece Club, founded 32 years ago, which established summer playschemes for children, and is still going strong today.

Last night, some club members joined about 50 children from local schools who sung at the retirement party held in a specially erected marquee at Castlemilk High School, which Mr Miller opened five years ago as moderator.

It was appropriate that one of his last duties was to help break down religious barriers in the area. He highlighted the bond of friendship between the area's non-denominational Miller primary, which was recently named in his honour, and the Roman Catholic John Paul II primary school with a special presentation to both of a framed photograph of him meeting the late Pope John Paul II in Italy in 2002.

Full story at The Herald.