A Miracle Took Place in Govan

Miller Caldwell

1944

It was my fathers first Watch Night Service. He lived in the Pearce Institute in Govan, Glasgow at that time which was in the Church halls of Govan Old Parish Church where he was the assistant minister. There had not been a bombing of the nearby shipyards for several months and it was a generally felt that a Christmas truce seemed to be on the cards.

The Church Officer was Sam Hall, a conscientious and very particular Church Officer, but one who wore a serious and sad countenance. The only times he had been known to be cheerful were on the days his beloved Partick Thistle Football Club in his native Maryhill had won. As it happened, as well as being Church Officer, Sam Hall was my father's landlord, and his good wife Ina, was his landlady. ... (continues)