St. Andrew's-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church celebrates 240 years of history with a weekend of festivities
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A MORAY Church community will celebrate a milestone anniversary next weekend.
THE St. Andrew's-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church is gearing up for an extraordinary weekend of celebrations as it marks an impressive 240 years since the establishment of the parish.
The weekend festivities will begin from Friday, June 9. The weekend will begin with an Evening of Music and Flowers at 7pm on Friday. The evening will include performances by the Saluté Choir, Rolf Billes on cello, and Attie Van Wyk on the church organ and accordion. Light refreshments and nibbles will follow the concert.
On Saturday June 10, the church will open its doors to the public from 1pm onwards, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the exhibition of wedding photographs and history and memorabilia from the church's many years. Afternoon teas also will be available.
The culmination of the weekend will be a special service held on the morning of Sunday, June 11 at 11am, led by Rev. Dr. Breda Ludik. He will be joined by three former ministers, Very Rev. Dr. David Lunan, Rev. Rolf Billes, and Rev. Attie Van Wyk who will all return to the church for the anniversary. Following the service, a soup lunch will be served in the church halls.
The decision to organize the celebration arose from the threat of potential closure to the church.
Member of the organising group, Yvonne Pearson said: "Although we still have not had official word, it does look like we will be closing. We decided instead of doom and gloom that we should do something to celebrate. We have a wonderful church here and a fantastic, happy congregation so we feel like we have a lot to celebrate."
The anniversary commemorates the year that the two parishes of Lhanbryd and St. Andrew's formed one united congregation. Although there are records of a church in the village as far back as 1222, the united parish began building their current Church between 1783 and 1786, with the building officially completed in 1786, the same year as the US constitution was signed.
The St. Andrew's-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church holds a significant place in the hearts of its members and the congregation has had many memorable moments with visits from royalty adding to its rich history.
Queen Elizabeth II visited the church twice while her children were at Gordonstoun, with the first visit taking place in 1977. The unexpected royal presence left the church choir scrambling to quickly rehearse the national anthem and ensure it was perfect ahead of Her Majesty's visit. The visit was not without its moments of excitement as a music stand collapsed during the performance.
The congregation have curated a collection of old photos, newspaper clippings and memories of the church which will be available to the public to view as part of the anniversary celebrations. The collection will also include an exhibition of wedding photographs and the congregation hopes people who were married in the church will submit their wedding photographs to be displayed ahead of the anniversary.
Congregation member Margaret Murray said: "We have had many happy days and we have got quite a history really, while we are all sad at possibly having to leave this building we want to make sure we do it with gusto, church isn't about the building, its about the the people and we hope people will come along for our anniversary celebrations. The event is open to everyone and everything is free to attend, we just want people to come along and celebrate with us."
