Heartfelt tributes have been showered upon the esteemed retiring chairman of the Perth heritage body, the Friends of St John’s Kirk. The Friends’ secretary, Sue Hendry, recently presented Dr John Hulbert with a beautifully crafted plate illustrating the Lamb of God, symbolizing St John the Baptist, in recognition of his dedicated service. The Friends of St John’s Kirk, established in 1947, are committed to preserving and enriching the history and structure of the 15th-century St John’s Kirk, a renowned landmark in Perth. The former Perth Provost, Dr Hulbert, played a pivotal role in resuscitating the society, which had experienced a period of dormancy, infusing it with new energy and facilitating its transformation into a registered charity to ensure its sustainability.
Reflecting on his tenure as chairman, Dr Hulbert, aged 85, expressed his immense gratitude stating, “As someone from outside Perth, it has been a tremendous honour to be associated with the esteemed Scottish burgh church of St John’s Kirk of Perth—one of the finest surviving medieval churches in Scotland.” He further added, “I have had the incredible opportunity in recent years to interact with many of the leaders of St John’s from the Session and the Trust. The Kirk is truly fortunate to have such a dedicated team to steer it through the challenging times ahead.”
Throughout the years, the Friends have been instrumental in raising funds to maintain and restore the Kirk, ensuring its preservation for future generations. By organizing educational events, exhibitions, and concerts, the group has promoted awareness of the Kirk’s historical and cultural importance. Andrew Mitchell, Dr Hulbert’s successor, paid tribute to his predecessor’s invaluable contributions, remarking, “Ex-Provost John Hulbert brought a wealth of knowledge, a deep sense of history, and a strong civic pride to his role as Chairman of the Friends of St John’s Kirk of Perth.” Mitchell highlighted Hulbert’s profound understanding of the city’s heritage and his ardor for safeguarding its cultural legacy, which has left a lasting impact on the community.
“John’s thoughtful leadership and unwavering support for local causes have been pivotal in ensuring that the Kirk remains a symbol of history and faith for generations to come,” Mitchell further added. The legacy of John’s leadership and commitment to St John’s Kirk and the wider Perth community will be remembered as a significant chapter in the enduring narrative of this historic church. As Dr. Hulbert steps down, his dedication and vision will continue to inspire those carrying on the important work of preserving and promoting the rich heritage of St John’s Kirk in Perth.