Flora (99) "feels wonderful" to be back in beloved church after Covid lockdown
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“IT feels wonderful” – three words that summed up the emotions of a 99-year-old Moray woman able to enjoy a moment in the company of friends again after lockdown restrictions were eased.
The smile on Flora Christie’s face at being back in her beloved church epitomised how tough the last year has been for so many and how a return to some kind of normal life should be cherished.
Flora, from Elgin, was part of a small, socially-distanced congregation – all wearing face coverings – which enjoyed an almost traditional Easter service at Spynie Kirk.
There were prayers, stories from the Bible, poems and music – the only things missing were singing, handshakes and hugs.
It was blowing a gale outside as the unseasonably cold weather continued to batter Moray but the outside doors remained open for improved ventilation.
Instead of a handshake or a hug, members of the congregation were asked to turn and give a wave to others in the church.
Flora, accompanied by her niece, sat through a short but poignant service led by Rev Jenny Adams and assisted by student minister David Sim.
Although singing cannot be permitted yet in churches and elsewhere, due to the risk of airborne transmission of the coronavirus, Flora and others could be heard quietly humming along to their favourite hymns.
After the service, Flora, who used to sing in the church choir, said: “It feels wonderful to be here again. My parents were married in this church and I was baptised here.
“I have missed it terribly, it has been such a loss.”
Flora was last in church days before Christmas, just prior to the latest national lockdown coming in on Boxing Day.
Since then, her church and others across Moray have moved services and worship online.
However, Flora, who is hard of hearing, said: “I am too old for online.”
Attendance at the service was restricted to allow for social distancing and places had to be booked in advance.
Flora, who lives in sheltered housing, was born three years after the last major pandemic, Spanish Flu, which killed more than 50 million people worldwide.
- For more on this story and pictures from local church services, garden centres and hairdressers, pick up a copy of The Northern Scot print edition - out now.
