Scottish Charity No.SC038176 Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Trustees, Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 December 2024
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Contents of the Financial Statements]or the year ended 31 December 2024 Page Church Iiiforniation Report of the Trustees Report of the Independent Examiner Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to Ihe Financial Statements 8-13
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Church Informationfor the year ended 31 December 2024 Trustees Address 26 Belleisle Street Glas(TOW G42 8HJ www.govaiihillfreechurch.org Bankers Clydesdale Bank Shawlands Branch 21 Kilmarnock Road Glasgow G413YW Solicitors Balfour & Manson 54-66 Frederick Street Edinburgh EH2 ILS. Tnde endent Examiner Page I
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Report of the Trusteesfor the year ended 31 December 2024 The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024. Status of Charity and Governing Document Govanhill Free Church of Scotland is established by Constitution. The church is a Scottish Charity (No. SC038170. Aims and Affiliation The cuentlY lias over 100 congregations in Scotland, as well as 2 in London and 5 in Nortli America, and sister Churches founded by mission work in India, Peru and South Africa. The Church also has a full time college in the heart of Edinburgh for the training of Ministers and other Christian workers and sustains an extensive Missionary programme relative to the size of the church. Dating from 1843 but with its roots in the Reforniation, it owes its distinctive title to its historical strLiggle to remain 'free' froin state interference in its internal affairs. It has close and active relations with many other Refomied churches of Jesus Christ throughout the world and stands firnily in the tradition which accepts the Bible in its entirety as the Word of God and, therefore, derives its forn]s of teaching, worship, m inistry and government from it. The main emphasis of our worship is the preaching of the gospel - the good news of a free and sovereign salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Govanhill Free Church of Scotland is a congregation of the national Free Church of Scotland working towards the common aims set out above. It is a Presbyterian church adhering in its worship and doctrine to the position of the Church of Scotland at the Reforniation. The Free Cliurch of Scotland has an explanatory document which explains the origins of the Church and which gives the historical background to the Church coming into being in 1843 and lists documents in which is embodied the constitution of the Church. The congregation is authorised by the Church to have a minister paid from central funds of the Chiirch. Tlie Church building and the Minister's manse are the property of the congregation and are held under the Church's model trust deed. The Irovernment of the Free Church of Scotland is Presbyterian and the congregation is within the Presbytery ot Glasgow and Argyll Trustees and Office Bearers The church is Presbyterian in government and its day to day running is undertaken by the Elders (the Kirk Session) and the Deacons (the Deacons, Court). The Deacons, Court's specific function relates to the material and financial business of the congregation, whereas Elders are charged with the general and spiritual oversight of the congregations. {It is accepted practice t-or the Minister and Elders to also be in membership of the Deacons, Court}. Under charity law the Deacons, Court are deemed to be the Trustees of the Congregation. (This is distinct from the role of congregational trustees responsible only for holding property in trust)- The Deacons, Court (the Trustees) who served during the year were as follows:_ Deacon,f ' Court Elders Congregational Trustees For holding Property- Page 2
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Report of the Trusteesjor the year ended 31 December 2024 Appointment of Charlty Trustees The Kirk session exercises its discretion in determining the most appropriate method of electing new Trustees (Elders and Deacons). Any election process must involve the communicant membership of the congregation. There is no fixed tern] for Trusteeship. Prior to their appointment, new Trustees would have served the church for some time in various roles and would be familiar with the church's values, its aims and objectives as well as its day-to-day operations. As part of their induction programme, new Trustees are required to understand their statutory responsibilities as well as their responsibility as elder or deacon. Achievements and Performance During the year, the church met regularly for worship and carried out various activities in pursuit of the above stated aims. The congregation continued its commitment to support the National Free Church of Scotland both spiritually and financially. Significant highlights, events and developments of note in the year include Ihe following: _ In relation to congregational activities: Continuation of a group for mothers and toddlers in cooperation with The Well Multicultural Advice Centre; Continuation of a community lunchtime drop-in Continuation of English classes for members of the local community in cooperation with The Well Multicultural Advice Centre following Continuing weekly multicultural worship Continuing development of the diaconal team to meet the practical needs of the congregation and wider community where possible Employing one part-time outreach worker to the local population, including the Roma community Letting the building for weekly activities run by Community Renewal, as well as one-off and short tenn activities run by The Well and Ando Glasso Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Page 3
Report of the Trusteesfor the year ended 31 December 2024 In relation to congregational funding: Maintaining the level of donations from church members via Gift Aid donations. Maintaining the level of participation by church members in the Gift Aid scheme. Buildino up our Renovation Fund with the aim of further developing the buildings - including the repair of boundary walls at the manse and roofing at the church Financial review Principal sources offunding The congregation receives it's funding by way of weekly offerings and Gift Aid doiiations. Resulisjor Ihe year The financial statements for the year are set out in pagses 6 to 13. The Statement of Financial Activities on page 6 details incoming resources amounting to £80,350 for 2024 and a net increase of funds by £1,637. Reserves It is the policy of the congregation to maintain unrestricted funds, i.e. funds not committed or invested in fixed assets, at a level which equates to approximately three months unrestricted expenditure. This allows sufficient fvnds to enable the ongoing work of the church to be maintained. The available unrestricted funds from The General Fund and the Building Fund (page 12) at 31 December 2024 amounted to £6,847 which is below an adequate level of reserves. Total reserves, including the net book value of fixed assets and balances on restricted funds amounted to £338,135. Grant Making Policy The congregation makes grants from its gift income to individuals and organisations whose aims are compatible with the congregation's objectives. Statement on Risk The Trustees assess the major risks to which the congregalion is exposed on an ongoing basis and have established procedures to mitigate those that are identified as a result of these reviews. On behalf of the Trustees Trustee/Secretary Dated: 17/08/ 2025 Page 4
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Report ofthe Independent Examiners to the Trusteesfor the year ended 31 December 2024 I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 13. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner Tlie charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation l O(1 ) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. Tt is my responsibility to examiiie the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's statement My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation I l of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presenled with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. Tlie procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that woiild be required in an audit, and conseqLiently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examiner's Statement l. In the course of my examination, no matter has come to Iny attention which gives Ine reasonable caiise to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulatioiis, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of" the accounts to be reached. Nne. Signature: Qualification: Address: Date: 17/?1 2025 Page 5
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Statement of fmancial activities Year ended 31 Deceinber 2024 Unrestricted Funds General Fund Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Notes Incoming resources From generatedfunds." Voluntary income Bank interest From cliaritable activities." Charitable activities Other income 54,867 3,000 63 20,083 36 77,950 99 74,594 72 2,301 2,301 3,377 Total incoming resources 57,168 3,063 20,119 80,350 78,044 Resources expended Charitable activities Governance costs 3,5-8 63,728 14,986 78,714 84,511 Total resources expended 63,728 14,986 78,714 84,511 Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers (6,560) 3,063 5,134 1,637 (6,467) Transfers 4,967 (4,000) (967) Net movement in funds after transfers (1,592) (937) 4,166 1,637 (6,467) Other recognised gains/losses Gain on revaluation of fed assets Net movement in funds (1,592) (937) 4,166 1,637 (6,467) Total funds brought forward 5,646 318,510 12,343 336,499 342,966 Total funds carried forward 4,053 317,573 16,509 338,135 336,499 (Nole 13) (Note 13) (Jvote 14) (Note 15) The notes fonn part of these financial statements. Page 6
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Balance sheet As at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Notes Tangible Fixed Assets Manse - purchased 2008 Church - built 1909 312,351 2,428 314,779 312,351 2,428 314,779 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 10 31,170 30,689 31,170 30,689 Creditors: falling due within one year Net Current Assets 11 1,567 1,567 29,603 29,122 Creditors: falling due after one year 12 6,247 7,402 6,247 7,402 Total Net Assets 16 338,135 336,499 Represented by: General fund Building fund Assets fund 4,053 2,794 314,779 5,646 3,731 314,779 Total Unrestricted Funds 13 321,626 324,156 Renovation fund Gift fund (5,984) 22,493 (8,861) 21,203 Total Restricted Funds 14 16,509 12,343 15 338,135 336,499 The fin<incial statements on pages 6 to 13 were approved by the Trustees on by the undernoted: and signed on their behalf l F'uslL2e i-ustee The notes fonn part of these financial statements. Page 7
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the year ended 31 December 2024 l. Accounting Policies Accounting Convention The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and under the guidelines laid down in the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (revised 2008). Basis offinancial statements The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis. Church Income All voluntary income and bank interest is accounted for when received. Income from tax recoveries on Gift Aid is accounted for on the accruals basis. TangiblefLKed assets FIeritable property is stated at the Trustees, estimate ot market value at the balance sheet date. With the exception of heritable property, depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:_ Fixtures and equipment 20% reducing balance Statement of FinancialActivities For the purpose of the Statement of Financial Activities as shown on page 6, fLmds are defmed as follows: Unrestricted funds comprise of grants and other incomes received for the objects of the church without further specified purpose and are available as general funds. Designated funds represent unrestricted funds which have been eannarked by the Trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds comprise income which has been received for the objects of the church and specified for a restricted purpose within these objects by the donor. Page 8
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024 Voluntary income Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Donations Gift Aided Donations Ordinary Donations Gift Aid Tax Returned 39,280 8,754 9,833 12,870 3,996 3,218 52,150 12,750 13,051 52,250 9,209 13,135 57,867 20,083 77,950 74,594 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income from charitable activlties Disaster fund Fees For Use of Church Hall Magazine Subscriptions & Other Payments 2,250 51 2,250 51 3,272 105 2,301 2,301 3,377 Charitable activities expenditure Direct costs Grants & Donations Support costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Activity Local Ministy in Govanhill Free Church Of Scotland Ministries & Missions Other National & International Causes 50,041 17,737 8,949 67,778 8,949 1,988 77,416 5,85Q 1,245 1,988 50,041 1,988 26,686 78,714 84,511 (Nole 5) (Note 6) (Note 7) 4. Governance costs 2024 2023 (NONE) Examiners, remuneration Page 9
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024 Direct costs for charitable activities 2024 2023 Cost Of Ministry Levy Slovak Salary Costs Congregational Activities Pulpit Supply & Communion Expenses Central Missions Fund Minister's Expenses 33,188 13,913 2,377 106 31,499 13,913 3,025 813 456 509 50,041 49,760 6. Gifts & Donations for charitable activities 2024 2023 WFM Project Tear Fund Christian Witness To Israel Free Church Disaster Fund Elder Memorial The Well Glasgow Free Church Youth Camps Turkey Earthquake Appeal 1,088 300 600 600 645 1,988 1,245 7. Support costs for charitable activities 2024 2023 Repairs, Renewals & Maintenance Renovation Costs Heat and Light Council Tax, Water Rates Insurance Presbytery Assembly Dues Presentations Loan interest Fire, Safety & Hygiene Administration Levy Local Administration & IT Costs 1,595 1,559 12,900 5,463 2,845 3,017 559 121 461 1,118 4,830 634 6,499 3,541 3,266 937 14 412 1,855 7,600 968 26,686 33,507 Total charitable activities expenditure (Notes 5 - 7) 78,714 84,511 Page 10
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024 8. Staff numbers & explanation o'f breakdown for expenditure There was an average of O employees during 2024 (I minister, and I part time Slovak worker.s employed by the Free Church Offices ) The congregation covers the cost of a minister and Slovak workers by sending conlributions to the Free Church Central Offices The Administration Levy and Presbytery Assembly Dues also remilled to Ihe Free Church are considered support costsfor the wider Free Church ministries & missions. 9. Tangible fixed assets Heritable property Fixtures & equipment Total Cost At l January 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 December 2024 314,779 314,779 314,779 314,779 Depreciation At l January 2024 Charge for year Eliminated on disposals At 31 December 2024 Ivet Book Value At 31 December 2024 314,779 314,779 At 31 December 2023 314,779 314,779 Pagell
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024 10. Debtors: falling due within one year (NONE) 2024 2023 Prepaid expenditure Other debtors 11. Creditors: falling due within one year 2024 2023 Accrued expenses Loans 1,567 1,567 1,567 1,567 12. Creditors: falling due after one year 2024 2023 Loans 6,247 7,40? 13. Unrestricted funds Balance at 01.01.24 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers Balance at 31.12.24 General Fund 5,646 57,168 (63,728) 4,967 4,053 Designatedfunds." Building Fund Assets Fund 3,731 314,779 3,063 (4,000) 2,794 314,779 Total designated funds Total unrestricted funds 318,510 3,063 (4,000) 317,573 324,156 60,231 (63,728) 967 321,626 Explanation offunds The General Fund encompasses all ipzcome and expenditure relating to the primaryfocus activities of the charity, other than Ihoscfor whichfunding is restricted. The Designaled Assets Fund represents the value of unrestrictedfunds tied up in fixed assets and loans, which would not be readily convertible into cash. Page 12
Govanhill Free Church of Scotland Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024 14. Restricted funds Balance at 01.01.24 Incoming resources Resources expended Balance at 31.12.24 Transfers Renovation Fund Gift Fund (8,861) 21,203 12,343 3,289 16,831 20,119 1,156 (16,141) (14,986) (1,567) 600 (5,984) 22,493 16,509 Total restricted funds (967) Explanation offunds Renovation Fund represents funds donated to the Church to be used for the renovation project. The costs of this will be metfrom thisfund Gift Fund- represents restricted incomefor other than the Renovation Project 15. Analysis of Net Assets by funds General Fund Designated Funds Restricted Funds Fixed Assets 314,779 Current Assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand 4,053 2,794 24,323 Current Liabilities Creditors and accruals (1,567) (NONE) Creditors > l year (NONE) (6,247) Net Assets 4,053 317,573 16,509 16. Transactions with Trustees There were no transactions with the trustees during the year 2024 End ofNotes. Page 13