Vote to decide future of St Andrews Lhanbryd and Urquhart Church in Moray

A Moray village faces a momentous day next weekend when members of its 240-year-old church will vote on whether it should close or not.

Building work on St Andrews Lhanbryd and Urquhart Church began in 1783 – the same year that America won its independence from Britain.

It has served Lhanbryde and the surrounding area ever since, with an average of about 70 folk regularly attending its Sunday services, plus several more watching from their homes via a live stream.

A majority of the church's elders now want to close the historic building and move instead into Lhanbryde Community Centre.

However, amongst the wider congregation, there is considerable opposition to this proposal.

The church roll contains upwards of 200 names – and these are the people who are eligible to vote.

It's being stressed that only those physically present at the church on the morning of Sunday, October 29, will be able to take part in the secret ballot.

Unlike the church which is about a mile outside, the community centre is right in the heart of Lhanbryde.

Those in favour of re-locating there argue that it would provide a greater presence in the village and allow more people to attend services as well as other events, such as coffee mornings.

Those against say that, despite its great age, the existing church building is in fairly good condition and has better acoustics than the community centre.

In addition, the hall built next door to the church only about 25 years ago is equipped with a modern kitchen and toilets.

Opponents also claim the church's thrift shop, which is open two days a week in the village, already provides a successful presence.

Added to that, they question whether moving to the community centre will boost the numbers of people who attend.

The threat of closure has been hanging over the church for some time, with the issue already in the background during its 240th anniversary celebrations at the start of June.

The vote will take place at St Andrew's Lhanbryd and Urquhart Church from 11am onwards on Sunday, October 29.

As stated already, only those present on the day will be allowed to take part.