UNTIL recently John Gilbert worshipped each week at the venerable Larbert Old Church in Falkirk, but he has now found himself in the unfamiliar surroundings of the dining hall of a school opened less than 13 years ago.

The occasion yesterday was the inaugural gathering of Grace Church Larbert, established by the first flock and minister to have left the Church of Scotland since the General Assembly moved in May to allow individual congregations to call a minister in a civil partnership if they so chose.

At the 193-year-old church, Mr Gilbert and those of a similar mind had sat in traditional pews, lit by a large stained-glass window.

Their new home is a spacious, whitewashed hall with, here and there, example of the handywork of pupils at Carrongrange School.

But, as members of Grace Church Larbert insisted, it doesn't matter where you worship, what is important are the people.

Mr Gilbert, 82, who attended the Old Church for half a century, said: "We feel that the old church has departed from scripture, which is the foundation of all we believe in."

He acknowledged they were very disappointed that matters had reached such a stage but added: "There's no sense of triumphalism - we leave with very heavy hearts."

In a statement, minister the Rev Andrew Randall said: "Leaving the national church was the only way we could continue to commend the Bible's message with integrity."

Inside the school hall there was a sense of anticipation, with more than 200 people, including 44 children, filling every chair. Mr Randall got no further than "Welcome to Grace Church Larbert" before being interrupted by a round of applause.

He spoke of a new beginning, saying: "Grace Church Larbert is born today", and the first hymn sung was Amazing Grace.

Thirty minutes later, and five minutes' drive away, there was a sense of solidarity at the old church, as more than 100 people assembled for its Sunday service, led by the interim moderator, the Rev John Brown. References there were also made to a fresh start.

Many messages of support had been received, and among those present was Pauline Weibye, secretary to the Kirk's Council of Assembly. Marjory Williamson, moderator to the Falkirk Presbytery, said it sent its best wishes "and assures you of its support."

Afterwards, Mr Brown told how efforts had been made to replace elders and office-holders who had left. "The sense in the congregation is that they're on solid ground - they don't feel that they're floating or wavering ... There is a real sense of looking forward with hope."

Brian Allan, 53, the Boys' Brigade captain at the Old church, said: "We have to look forward. I have been saddened by the events.

"From my own perspective, I had hoped that those who had left [for Grace Church] would continue to work with the young people, but that has proved not to be the case."

His wife Sallie said: "The number of people here today is very encouraging."

Back at the school, as the inaugural service finished, Ewan Forgie, 54, who had worshipped at the Old Church for five years, said: "It's a real joyous occasion in there this morning.".

Did it matter where he worshipped? "At the end of the day, a church is a building. It's all about the people," he said. He recognised 90% of the attendees from the Old church.

Gordon Davidson, 77, said: "The issue is such that I couldn't have stayed in the Church of Scotland."

Mr Randall said: "It was a great attendance [and] the service went well. It's a good beginning and we look forward to building on it."

The new independent church has plans to affiliate with the International Presbyterian Church.