Following its 2024 Annual General Meeting, the Friends of St John’s Kirk of Perth marked the retiral of its chairman, Dr John Hulbert, with a heartfelt tribute. Secretary Sue Hendry presented Dr Hulbert with a beautifully painted plate depicting the Lamb of God, a symbol of St John the Baptist, after whom both the Kirk and the city are dedicated.
The Friends of St John’s Kirk, founded in 1947, is dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the fabric and heritage of St John’s Kirk, one of Perth’s oldest and most iconic buildings. Over the decades, the Friends have played a vital role in raising funds to support the maintenance and restoration of the Kirk, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Through its efforts, the group has promoted an awareness of the Kirk’s historical and cultural significance with educational events, exhibitions, and concerts.
Dr. Hulbert was instrumental in the revival of the society, which had lapsed in activity for a time. He breathed new life into it and was key in establishing its status as a registered charity, ensuring a sustainable future for its work.
Dr. Hulbert’s successor, Mr Andrew Mitchell, paid tribute to his predecessor’s contributions, saying, “Ex-Provost John Hulbert brought a wealth of knowledge, a great sense of history, and a strong sense of civic pride to his role as Chairman of the Friends of St John’s Kirk of Perth. His deep understanding of the city’s heritage, coupled with his passion for preserving its cultural legacy, has left a lasting impact on the community. Under his leadership, the Friends of St John’s Kirk has flourished.”
“John’s thoughtful stewardship and unwavering support for local causes has helped ensure that the Kirk remains a beacon of history and faith for generations to come. His leadership and dedication to St John’s Kirk and the wider Perth community will be remembered as a key chapter in the ongoing story of this historic church.”
Reflecting on his time as chairman, Dr Hulbert said, “As someone from outwith Perth, it has been a tremendous privilege to be involved with the great Scottish burgh church of St John’s Kirk of Perth—one of the best surviving medieval churches in Scotland. I have also been fortunate over the last few years to meet, and sometimes work with, many of the leaders of St John’s from the Session and the Trust. The Kirk is indeed fortunate to have such an inspiring team to guide it through the challenging times ahead.”
Photo caption – (L-R) Sue Hendry (secretary), John and Sara Hulbert