Fraserburgh Old Parish Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fraserburgh Old Parish Church |
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 Fraserburgh Old Parish Church
Location in Aberdeen
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| 57°41′38″N 2°00′32″W / 57.694°N 2.009°W | |
| Location | Fraserburgh |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| Churchmanship | Reformed |
| Website | www.fraserburgholdparishchurch.org.uk |
| History | |
| Founded | 1571 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Fraserburgh |
| Presbytery | Buchan |
| Synod | Grampian |
Fraserburgh Old Parish Church is a church in Fraserburgh, Scotland. It belongs to the Church of Scotland. The building you see today was built in 1803. It stands on the same spot where a much older church from the 1500s once stood. This church is recognized as a special historic building.
Contents
History of Fraserburgh Old Parish Church
The church started in 1571 in a small village called Faithlie. This village soon grew into the town of Fraserburgh. Sir Alexander Fraser, a local landowner, helped build the town. The church was one of the first new buildings in Fraserburgh, after the castle at Kinnaird Head.
Early Challenges for the Church
From 1571 to 1600, Scotland's official religion was Presbyterianism. This was because of the Scottish Reformation in 1560, which changed how the church was run.
However, in 1600, King James VI decided to change the official religion to Episcopacy. This meant bishops would lead the church. But the minister at Fraserburgh, Rev. Charles Ferm, was a strong Presbyterian. He did not agree with the King's new rules.
Rev. Ferm joined with other ministers who also disagreed. For not obeying the King, he was put in prison for a year. Later, he was sent away to the Isle of Bute for almost three years. He was allowed to return to his church in 1609. After he died in 1617, the church in Fraserburgh slowly changed to follow the Episcopal style of church leadership.
Not much is known about the church for the next 100 years. It seems things were quiet, suggesting the church had accepted Episcopacy.
Returning to Presbyterian Ways
In 1689, after a big change in government called the Glorious Revolution, Presbyterianism became Scotland's official church again. Just like before, the minister in Fraserburgh did not follow the new rules.
The minister, Rev. James Moore, was allowed to stay until he died in 1703. His son, Rev. Alexander Moore, then tried to take over. But this was against the new laws. The church was officially empty until 1706.
Finally, a Presbyterian minister agreed to lead the church. But when he arrived, people stormed the church! They even threw the new minister's representative out of the pulpit. After this, it took time for a Presbyterian minister to be accepted. In 1707, Rev. Alexander Auchinleck became the first Presbyterian minister of Fraserburgh in nearly a century.
He found that only half the people who used to attend came to his services. Even though he worked hard for 47 years, Episcopalians tried to take over the church several times until the 1740s. Since then, Presbyterianism has remained strong in Fraserburgh.
The Church in the 1800s
The 1800s brought big changes but fewer conflicts. Because of the past troubles, a new church building was built in 1802-1803. This is the building still used today. Its inside has been updated many times.
In 1843, the Disruption of 1843 happened. This was a major split in the Church of Scotland. Many ministers left to form a new church. The minister at Fraserburgh Old, Rev. John Cumming, decided to stay with the original church. He was known for having strong opinions. He oversaw some challenges with his assistants during his time.
In the 1860s, under Rev. Peter McLaren, the church helped improve education in the area. Rev. McLaren is known for starting three new schools. During his time, the church was very important and powerful in the community.
Rev. Michael P. Johnstone, who followed McLaren, oversaw big changes to the church's interior. In 1898, a new pipe organ was installed. In 1906, a beautiful stained-glass window was added.
Rev. W. Neil Sutherland, who became minister in 1919, worked to increase the number of people attending church. He encouraged social and youth groups. He even bought a building called the "Penny Schoolie" to use as a church hall.
The church almost faced disaster during the Second World War. During a bombing raid, a piece of metal fell through the roof. It made a small chip on the pulpit. To this day, people in the church call this mark "Hitler's mark."
Recent Times at the Church
Under the leadership of Rev. Douglas R. Clyne, the church's youth groups grew a lot. The "Penny Schoolie" was updated in 1976. A new church center was built between 1990 and 1992. A special "Youth Dedication Service" has been held every year for many years.
Today, Fraserburgh Old Parish Church still has many youth groups. These include a Badminton Club, the Boys' Brigade, Covenanters, Girls' Brigade, and a Junior Choir. There are also Sunday School groups and social groups for adults.
Rev. Clyne retired in 2004. After a period without a permanent minister, Rev. Peter B. Park became the minister in November 2007. He helped develop a hand bell group called The Clangers. Rev. Park retired in June 2014.
The church is currently without a permanent minister. The Church of Scotland has decided to close Fraserburgh Old Parish Church in the first half of 2024.
