Moray church celebrating 125 years
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Supporters of a picturesque village church which has been earmarked for closure are determined to celebrate its 125th anniversary in style this weekend.
Pluscarden Church is holding a 'festival of memories' on both Saturday and Sunday, with afternoon teas served and lots of old photos and artefacts on display.
A search, going back more than eight decades, has been made of the church's cradle roll, which is a list of all the baptisms performed there.
On the back of this information, scores of personalised messages have been sent, inviting folk to come along.
Alistair Farquhar, has been the session clerk at Pluscarden Church for the past 20 years.
He said: "It's sad that it's set to close, probably next year, but we're not dwelling on that.
"Instead we're grateful that we've had this wonderful church for 125 years.
"Hopefully, some sort of community use can be found for it afterwards.
"This weekend we wish to offer opportunities for as many folks as are able to meet together to reminisce, renew friendships and acquaintances and share in fellowship."
More than 250 people crammed into the church's aisles on the day that it opened on November 29, 1898.
Some had travelled from as far as Elgin – a 90-minute trip by horse and cart – to celebrate the day and to hear from an important religious dignitary.
Speaking to them from the pulpit, the Rev Dr Alexander Whyte, the Moderator of the Free Church's General Assembly, quoted Deuteronomy 12:11.
"Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there."
The church was built after the Marquis of Bute bought Pluscarden Abbey with the intention of restoring it.
As a section of the ruined abbey had been the congregation's previous place for worship a replacement was needed, so the Marquis gifted them the land.
Back in 1898 the Northern Scot reported: "Without loss of time the Deacons' Court met and instructed Messrs Reid & Wittet, Elgin, to draw up alternative plans of a new church, the less expensive one being selected and submitted to the Presbytery for their approval.
"The wisdom of their selection has been amply demonstrated now that the church has been completed for it is of a pretty and unique appearance, quite in harmony with the beautiful surroundings and a credit to the congregation."
The Scot stated that several architectural features of the abbey had been included in the new building's design, such as a 'wheel' window and a chimney stack on the east gable.
It added the stone had been donated by a Mr Yool from a local quarry, while the "carting for the main parts of the work was wholly performed by members of the congregation".
The total cost of the building was stated to be between £1300 and £1400.
Afternoon teas will be served between 2pm-4pm both days.
Alistair will conduct a service on Sunday from 10am, with coffee and scones provided afterwards.
