Dyke Parish Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dyke Parish Church |
|
|---|---|
The six-bay south front
|
|
| 57°36′16″N 3°41′30″W / 57.60444°N 3.69167°W | |
| Location | Dyke |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| History | |
| Founded | 1781 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Category A listed building |
Dyke Parish Church is a beautiful old church in the village of Dyke, Scotland. It was built in 1781 in the Georgian style, which was popular at the time. This church is still used today by the Church of Scotland.
The church stands where an even older church used to be, from the Middle Ages. Part of the building was once a mausoleum, which is like a special building for burying people. Now, this old part is used as the church hall and a room called a vestry. While the church was being built, workers found some exciting things: an old stone slab with carvings from the Picts (an ancient Scottish people) and a hidden collection of coins from the 1100s! Because of its history and special design, Dyke Parish Church was named a very important building (a Category A listed building) in 1971.
Contents
The Church's Story
The church was built in 1781 to serve the local community. It cost about £525, which was a lot of money back then! It was built by two builders named James Smith, one from Aldearn and one from Nairn. They built it right on the spot where a much older church had stood since at least the late 1100s.
Exciting Discoveries
While the new church was being built, some amazing things were found in the ground. Workers dug up about 100 coins from the 1100s! They also found an ancient stone slab carved by the Picts. This special stone is now kept at Brodie Castle.
The Old Mausoleum
At one end of the church, there's a part that is older than the rest of the building. This section was built around 1693 as a mausoleum for the Brodie family. It was probably connected to the older medieval church. Today, this old mausoleum is used as the church hall and a vestry, connected to the main church by a narrow walkway.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the church has had some updates.
- In 1853, a Gothic-style porch was added between the old mausoleum and the church.
- In 1867, the front of the church was also changed to a Gothic style.
- The building was repaired in 1952, and a new ceiling was put in.
- Between 1920 and 1922, a special gate was built as a war memorial.
- In 2018, the church received money to make it easier for everyone to get inside.
What the Church Looks Like
Dyke Parish Church is a rectangular building. The front of the church has six sections and is made of strong, rough stone with smooth, cut stone details. The sides and back are also made of rough stone.
Outside Features
- The windows are large and round at the top, reaching almost to the roof.
- At the very top of the west end, there is a tall stone tower called a bellcote with a bell inside. You can still see the wheel used to ring the bell!
- The old Gothic porch, which is no longer used, has a pointed archway with carvings of a man and a woman. It also has a tall Celtic cross at the very top.
- The south side of the church hall has a fancy doorway made of smooth sandstone, with columns and a large window with stone patterns.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church has a U-shaped balcony, called a gallery. It also has a very interesting pulpit, which is where the minister stands to speak. This pulpit is in the middle of the south wall and has three levels, with stairs leading up to it from both sides.
Church Today
Dyke Parish Church is still an active place of worship. It is part of the Dyke and Edinkillie Parish Church of Scotland. They have regular Sunday services at 10 AM, but on the first Sunday of each month, services are at 11 AM and rotate between their two church buildings.
