A community last night paid tribute to a man who changed the lives of generations of children in one of Scotland's most deprived areas.

More than 700 people of all ages attended a retirement celebration for the Very Rev John Miller who, along with his wife Mary, was hailed as being the centre of the community of Castlemilk, in the south side of Glasgow, over nearly four decades.

Mr Miller, 66, is stepping down after serving as minister at Castlemilk East Parish Church since 1971. Soon after carrying out his last sermon at the church tomorrow, he and his wife, 60, will leave to visit relatives in Canada before they set off in September for a new life helping HIV/Aids victims in Zimbabwe.

Last year, Glasgow recognised his achievements with its most prestigious award, the Loving Cup. For the former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, being minister of Castlemilk East Church was more a way of life than a job. A familiar sight riding around Castlemilk on his bicycle, he shared a modest housing association home with his wife.

She was one of the co-founders of the famous Jeely Piece Club, founded 32 years ago, which established summer playschemes for children, and is still going strong today.

Last night, some club members joined about 50 children from local schools who sung at the retirement party held in a specially erected marquee at Castlemilk High School, which Mr Miller opened five years ago as moderator.

It was appropriate that one of his last duties was to help break down religious barriers in the area. He highlighted the bond of friendship between the area's non-denominational Miller primary, which was recently named in his honour, and the Roman Catholic John Paul II primary school with a special presentation to both of a framed photograph of him meeting the late Pope John Paul II in Italy in 2002.

Neil McGregor, director of the British Museum, who studied at Oxford University with Mr and Mrs Miller and has known them for almost 50 years, was among those who paid tribute last night.

Acting as master of ceremonies, he said: "What they have done is lived their belief that the most important thing is community. They have spent 36 years in Castlemilk helping to build the community. The fact 700 people are here tonight is testament to the way John and Mary have changed the lives of thousands of people in the area."

Mr Miller described last night's party as "astonishing". "Nobody is worthy of such a celebration. It is quite amazing." Reflecting on his charge, he said: "To be in a place like this and see what people came through, and how they triumph over difficulties, and so on I feel it is almost like a place of eternal tears. But at the same time it is full of eternal laughter because of the way people manage to cope."

Paying his own tribute to the community he added: "Whoever comes after me is favoured indeed because they come to a place of wonderful character."