Parish Profile – Aberluthnott and Laurencekirk
August 2019 Parish Profile – Aberluthnott and Laurencekirk August 2019
Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2 OUR COMMUNITIES ...... 2 3 OUR VACANCY ...... 4 4 OUR BUILDINGS ...... 6 5 THE MANSE ...... 10 6 DICKSON HALL...... 10 7 STATISTICS ...... 12
1 Parish Profile – Aberluthnott and Laurencekirk August 2019
1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Parish Profile of the linked charge of Aberluthnott with Laurencekirk and thank you for taking time to read about us and our vacancy.
We are part of the Presbytery of Kincardine and Deeside. We are located in the historic county of Kincardineshire, which is now part of Aberdeenshire Local Authority area, and which borders the county of Angus in a scenic, rural part of Scotland.
2 OUR COMMUNITIES
The principal village in the charge is Laurencekirk, which is situated in the heart of the Howe o' the Mearns, a low-lying district in north east Scotland which is a natural extension of the Vale of Strathmore and whose name in Scots means 'Valley of the Mearns'.
View of Mearns from Garvock Hill
This fertile valley is dominated by agriculture and is famed for its old red sandstone clay soil. While agriculture remains the main industry, the area's close proximity to Aberdeen has resulted in a population growth with many residents making the short commute to Aberdeen, which is approximately a 30-minute drive northwards, or a short train journey from the local railway station, for work in oil related industries. Dundee is approximately a 40-minute drive or train journey to the south, while nearby are the larger population centres of Stonehaven to the north and Montrose and Brechin to the south. Air links using Aberdeen International Airport are within easy reach.
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Of the villages within the two parishes, Laurencekirk has experienced the greatest population increase. Its current population is around 3,0401, with planning permission for several hundred more new houses. A relatively small parish in terms of its geographical size (approximately 5 miles by 3 miles), it is the main service centre for the area with a range of shops and small supermarkets, public houses, coffee shop, Health Centre, GP surgery, two nursing homes, veterinary hospital, industrial estate and business park, railway station, Fire Station and a modern, recently completed Community Campus which accommodates secondary education to 6th year level for 650 students, library, Police Station, community facilities, and a fitness centre. Primary education for around 330 pupils is located in another part of the village and pre‐school educational and nursery facilities are also in place. Other Churches in the village are the Scottish Episcopal Church and the City Church, with which ecumenical relationships exist. There is also a small Brethren group in the village.
View of Laurencekirk from Garvock Hill
In the parish of Aberluthnott, which covers an area of approximately 8 miles x 6 miles, the main settlements are Marykirk, approximately 4 miles south east of Laurencekirk and adjacent to the border with the county of Angus at the River North Esk. With a population of approximately 350, it has a primary school with a roll of 41 pupils and a hotel. Luthermuir is approximately 5 miles south west of Laurencekirk and 4 miles west of Marykirk. With a population of approximately 350, it also has a primary school with a roll of 65 pupils, restaurant, hotel and a small Gospel Hall. Close to Luthermuir is the small community of Edzell Woods. Historically, it was a Ministry of Defence site (RAF Edzell) then, until 1997, a site for the US Navy. In 1999, the 144 houses on the site were sold and the community known as Edzell Woods was created.
There are leisure facilities available locally as well as sporting activities such as fishing, golf, rugby and football. All three communities have many active clubs, events and other activities which are listed on the AB30 website which also gives more information about the history of our area.
1 NRS Population estimates for settlements and localities in Scotland mid‐2016
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3 OUR VACANCY
Our vacancy has arisen through circumstances which are very unusual and have been difficult for our communities. We need to share with you, as much as we can, the background to our situation which has existed since March 2015, ultimately leading to our vacancy and being granted permission to call a new Minister, in full tenure, in June 2018.
Our previous Minister served us diligently and faithfully from 2001 until March 2015. We were a vibrant linked charge, enthusiastic, welcoming and supportive to all, and at the heart of the communities we serve. Attendance at morning worship was healthy – in March 2015, typical numbers attending worship were around 50 – 60 in Laurencekirk, 20 in Marykirk and 20 in Luthermuir. Like most Churches, membership and attendance was declining for the same reasons as other congregations and Churches, but outwith worship, outreach was very strong and well received. Involvement in schools and nursing homes, by way of services, visits and inputs, was encouraged and well received. Messy Church, held monthly on a Sunday late afternoon, was hugely popular and successful. There were a range of other activities in our communities which our Churches were at the heart of.
In March 2015, our Minister went on sick leave and as a result of circumstances coming to the attention of the Church authorities and public bodies, was administratively suspended in June 2015. This suspension remained in place until late 2017 when our Minister was formally suspended.
In early 2018, the pastoral tie was severed, leading ultimately to the linked charges being declared vacant. During the course of this very sad and regrettable period, our Minister faced criminal proceedings and sentencing, as well as a Church of Scotland investigation and sanctions.
These events have been difficult for everyone – for our former Minister and his family, for the congregations, office bearers and for the wider communities. The impact of this unforeseen series of events has been devastating. It is difficult for us to describe in a few short paragraphs what this has meant but it has divided the congregation and it has divided the community. Attendance at morning worship in Laurencekirk has collapsed; not so in Marykirk and Luthermuir, where the impact of the situation has been less.
Yet, on a positive note, though attendance has dropped, those remaining have walked together in faith, and have continued their work in His name. There are many examples of how this can be evidenced as we have come together in the belief and certainty that God has a plan for us. Fund raising initiatives in Laurencekirk have never been stronger or more successful – the refurbishment of the Great War Memorial window; replacing an area of the Church roof; and a current initiative to refurbish a toilet and kitchen area in the Church being some examples. Cumulatively, tens of thousands of pounds have been raised, or are in the process of being raised, through grants and events. A New Ministry Fund Raising Committee made up of representatives of all three Churches is also actively involved in raising monies to help us as we move towards a new Ministry.
At the core of many of the initiatives has been the support, involvement and encouragement of a large section of the community who continue to believe that despite these difficult times – which still exist – and despite the difficult journey we have been on, the Church remains at the heart of our communities and an important part of their lives.
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Involvement with schools, nursing homes, and other Churches still exists and can be built upon. We acknowledge that our vacancy presents a challenge to any Minister showing an interest in coming to join us. But we know too that the challenge presents an opportunity – to work with us in God's name, to move forward and help restore and heal us, to re-establish our Churches in small communities which show signs of a willingness to help us and be there with us. We know it won't be easy and will take time, but we believe that walking with God, with a Minister leading us to where God wants us to be, we can realise what we seek to achieve.
Our vision is to re-establish our Churches at the heart of our communities; to serve God by demonstrating his love and compassion in our interactions with each other and the wider community. We are looking for a Minister who can work with us to realise the opportunities created by expansion of our villages to encourage new members and build on current worship life. We invite you to join with us in fulfilling our vision. The Kirk Sessions have voted to depart from the historic and current doctrine of the Church of Scotland in relation to human sexuality and its application to ministers and deacons of the Church and will accept applications from Ministers in civil partnerships or same sex marriages.
The 5 Year Plans for the two congregations have had limited achievements in the recent past because of the circumstances we have experienced. The new 5 Year Plans, developed in 2018, are shown in the following pages but these Plans are live documents which will evolve and develop as we reflect on where we are and as we move forward.
During the period since March 2015 when we have been without our Minister, we have been served by a number of Interim Moderators, a Locum Minister, Readers and visiting Ministers. Their support for us, and their guidance, is greatly appreciated and we hope we can continue to benefit from this until we successfully call a new Minister. In this regard, it is important to highlight that going forward, a Group Ministry may develop in our area. At present, we are part of the South Kincardineshire Cluster Group, a group of Churches (Arbuthnott linked with Inverbervie and Kinneff; Mearns Coastal and West Mearns) in the area which join together in fellowship, shared worship and other activities and it may be that in the future, some form of Group Ministry will be explored.
The Office bearers, the congregations and the Nominating Committee feel it is vital that our journey in the recent past and the circumstances leading to the vacancy are shared in an open, honest and sincere manner, while at the same time highlighting the opportunities, potential and support which also exist. We recognise that ours is not a 'normal' vacancy and that the inclusion of this introduction to the Parish Profile is not what might be expected, but we hope our reasons for doing so are understood. We are now at the stage where we can draw a line under what has happened and are on the threshold of a new beginning.
We acknowledge that what we have written may raise more questions than it provides answers and, of course, we are happy to further discuss this on a confidential and 'one to one' basis. Please feel free to contact the Chair of our Nominating Committee, Albert Donald ([email protected]), or our Interim Moderator, Rev Brian Smith ([email protected]), to do so.
In conclusion, before going on to read the content of our Parish Profile, our prayerful request is that in God's plan, there is someone who wants to join us, to help us, to lead us, and to restore us in His name. Thank you again for taking time to read about us.
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4 OUR BUILDINGS
Laurencekirk Church dates back to 1804, although the first record of a Church in the village dates to the 13th century. The largest of the three Churches, seating approximately 500, a service is held here every Sunday at 11am. Facilities include a disabled toilet, sound system with induction loop and an area for after service refreshments and fellowship. Attendance is normally between 20 – 40. The Church also hosts joint services with the local Episcopal Church at Easter and on Remembrance Sunday.
Interior of Laurencekirk Church
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Exterior of Laurencekirk Church
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There has been a Church in Marykirk dating back to at least 1242 when it was, like many others in the area re-consecrated by Bishop de Bernham of Arbroath Abbey. Remains of the old Church and crypts remain in the ancient kirkyard. The present Church building was established in 1806.
Exterior of Marykirk Church
Interior of Marykirk Church
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Luthermuir Church was originally built as Muirton Secession Church in 1780 with a turf roof. It was rebuilt 1822. In the 1990s, the pews were removed and replaced with individual chairs. One stained glass rose window depicts a descending dove.
Exterior of Luthermuir Church
Interior of Luthermuir Church
A service is held on alternate Sundays at Luthermuir and Marykirk at 9.30am. Attendance is usually around 10 – 17.
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5 THE MANSE
The Manse is located in Laurencekirk and is situated on the northern edge of the village within a short walking distance of the Church and the Dickson Hall. It is close to Mearns Academy Community Campus which also accommodates other community and leisure facilities. Shops and other services are also within walking distance.
The building is a spacious bungalow, built around 1980 and is situated in a large feu with extensive garden ground and parking for several vehicles. It has been regularly and carefully maintained and in recent years, a modern fitted kitchen has been installed and the shower room has been upgraded. An extensive programme of works, inside and outside, is underway to refurbish and modernise the Manse in preparation for the arrival of a new Minister.
The Manse accommodation comprises entrance vestibule, hallway, study, lounge, dining room/ family room, spacious kitchen with large dining area, utility room, 4 bedrooms, shower with wc, bathroom with wc, rear store, large loft area, and integral single garage. It benefits from double glazing and gas central heating throughout with an open fire in the lounge.
6 DICKSON HALL
The Dickson Hall is the Laurencekirk Church Hall and is located in Station Road, only a few minutes’ walk from the Church. It was erected and gifted to the Kirk Session in 1901 by the Dickson family for the benefit of the congregation. The Kirk Session and the Minister are Trustees of the Hall which operates as a separate registered charity from the Church.
The Hall has served generations of the village over the years, being an important part of outreach in the community. In 2008/09, a decision was taken to try to secure funding to refurbish and extend the Hall and as a result, a total of around £500,000 was obtained from the Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund, Aberdeenshire Council and the Church of Scotland. This resulted in the Hall being upgraded, restored and extended to create a beautiful, high specification, multi‐purpose venue for Church, community and business use in the village. In 2012, the refurbished Hall was highly commended in the Aberdeenshire Council Design Award scheme and was later given a Keystone Quality Award by the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations in recognition of the standards of operating practices and the quality of the facilities in the Hall.
Interior of Dickson Hall
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Since the restoration, the Hall has gone from strength to strength. As well as being an extremely valuable means of outreach for the Church, it has increasingly become an important part of the community which is well used by a range of groups and organisations. The Hall was used for Messy Church activities and is also used for occasional Church services, Church coffee mornings and for use by Church related groups. The Management Committee comprises Trustees and community members who work tirelessly to ensure the vibrancy of the Hall, which is financially self-sufficient, income being generated either by fund raising events, lets and hires or successful funding applications, all of which have continued in the absence of our Minister. The Hall finances are strong (see the OSCR website for annual returns) with a healthy sum held in reserve for future maintenance and refurbishment. This strong financial position has been achieved through the work of the Management Committee and the support of the community.
Dickson Hall set up for private function
The Hall employs a book-keeper, a cleaner and a caretaker all on a part-time basis, but all other work is carried out by a small team of willing volunteers. Examples of events and activities which take place in the Hall are wedding receptions, corporate events, meetings and conferences, public exhibitions, parties, stage performances and public meetings. In addition, a very popular catering service is provided for afternoon cream teas in spring and summer months, lunches in autumn and winter months and funeral teas when required. Occasional dinners and suppers also take place. The Trustees and the Management Committee believe that the Hall has great potential for the future and, going forward, is an important part of the life and work of the Church in the community.
The congregations in Luthermuir and Marykirk also have access to the modern and well-equipped village halls for events.
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7 STATISTICS
Laurencekirk
Income Baptisms Funerals Weddings 2013 £32,370 2 19 0 2014 £37,943 5 18 0 2015 £32,938 3 18 0 2016 £28,127 2 25 0 2017 £25,618 3 15 0 2018 £23,292 2 7 1 Reserves at 31/12/2018: £37,816
Aberluthnott
Income Baptisms Funerals Weddings 2013 £16,405 0 7 0 2014 £16,544 0 7 1 2015 £17,567 0 5 0 2016 £13,524 1 5 0 2017 £12,606 0 2 1 2018 £14,379 0 1 0 Reserves at 31/12/18: £52,696
Note: The congregation also owns land with the potential for housing development.
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