Pulteneytown Central Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pulteneytown Central Church
Location	Pulteneytown, Wick, Caithness
Country	Scotland

Pulteneytown Central Church was a Christian church located in Pulteneytown, a part of Wick in northern Scotland. It served its community for many years, holding church services from 1806 until 1990. Today, the building is home to a different church, the Wick Baptist Church.

History of the Church Building

Early Years and Name Changes

The church first opened its doors in 1806. Over the years, its name changed several times. After a big event in Scottish church history called the Disruption of 1843, it became known as Pulteneytown Free Church.

Later, in 1900, it joined with other churches to become a United Free Church. Then, in 1929, it became part of the larger Church of Scotland. At this point, it was called Wick Central Church.

Building Features and Design

In 1862, a tall steeple was added to the church building. A tower was also built, which held a bell. People said this bell was very loud when it rang!

Inside, the church had dark brown wooden features and pews, which are long benches for people to sit on. There was also a balcony where more people could sit. The church had five beautiful stained glass windows. Three of these windows were given to the church by its members in the 1800s. The other two were put in the front of the church when it was first finished.

The minister, who is the church leader, lived in a house called the manse. The last minister, Rev. Hamish Cormack, lived there until the church closed.

Closure and New Purpose

Why the Church Closed

By the 1980s, fewer and fewer people were attending services at Wick Central Church. The congregation, which is the group of people who go to church, became much smaller. Because of this, the church decided to close its doors in 1990. It then joined with another local church, Pulteneytown and Thrumster Parish Church.

A New Beginning for the Building

Around the same time, the Wick Baptist Church was looking for a new place to meet. They bought the old Central Church building in 1997. By 1998, the Baptist church members had moved in. The building was completely updated and ready for their worship services.

Many changes were made inside. The old wooden pews were taken out and replaced with modern chairs. The wooden floor was covered with carpet. The large main worship area, called the sanctuary, was made smaller to fit the new congregation. The balcony was replaced with a new floor, creating space for storage and rooms for the large Sunday school. A new kitchen, bathrooms, and an office were also added. There was even a side room for smaller group meetings. The old Central Church building at 5 Dempster Street is now the permanent home for Wick Baptist Church.

Archives

Important documents and records from the old church are now kept safely at the archive located at Wick airport.