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OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
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A BRIEF HISTORY
The family of Leslie of Balquhain leased Aquhorties Farm (near Burnhervie) in 1799 to the priest-training college founded at Scalan (Glenlivet) in 1714. When the college moved again (this time to Blairs [South Deeside]) in 1829, the college staff continued to minister to the Roman Catholics in our area until about 1848. Only then was young Mr. Charles Tochetti sent to this area, where he immediately began fund-raising for a church building in Inverurie, completed in 1852.
( For more information on the Leslie family go to http://www.members.aol.com/balquhain/Magic.html )
The architect is thought to be James Kyle, himself a student and later a staff-member at Aquhorties, whose family owned Binghill House in Milltimber. As Bishop Kyle he was head of the Roman Catholic Northern District of Scotland (from Shetland to the River Dee.)

  DEDICATION
The Church is dedicated to Mary, or as she is more usually called in the Roman Catholic tradition, Our Lady, under the title of The Immaculate Conception. Contrary to what is often thought (even by some Roman Catholics) this title does not refer to the birth of Christ but to the birth of Mary herself Roman Catholic teaching is that Mary, from the very beginning of her existence, that is, from her conception, was kept free from (all kinds of) sinfulness. A solemn pronouncement of this teaching by the Pope in 1854 (just two years after this church was completed) made the Immaculate Conception a topical subject then and may have influenced the choice of dedication in Inverurie.
The dedication to Mary almost certainly explains the blue and white theme in the windows, and the fleur-de-lys pattern which can still be discerned under the later paint on some parts of the interior walls.
  
ALTERATIONS
The interior was originally very different from what we see today: -a. there was a balcony or choir-loft across the rear wall, adding seating for thirty or forty. (In the mid-1800’s the total capacity was given as 160 seats). The balcony was removed in the 1950’s when it had become structurally dangerous; b. there was no central passage or aisle: a narrow passage ran along each side wall, and the pews (benches) stretched unbroken across the centre. Indeed, examination shows that the existing pews have been made from these longer ones simply by sawing them in half!
c. The present ceiling, much less steeply sloping than the actual roof of the church, was added in the 1950’s, partly at least to reduce the volume of space needing to be heated; d. the chancel - the narrower section behind the altar (or communion) table - was originally (as in almost all Roman Catholic churches until the 1960’s) separated from the main section of the church by a rail with a central gate, with the altar-table set against the back wall (in the arrangement still to be seen in St. Mary’s Episcopal church at the other end of the town.) This alteration dates from the late 1960’s when Roman Catholic services changed a great deal and became much more ‘user-friendly’, for example by adopting English (or Gaelic, where appropriate) in place of Latin. e. the door to the left of the altar-table, now a cupboard, gave access to a little room known as the confessional, with a screen to give anonymity by shielding the ‘penitent’ confessing sins from the ‘confessor’ sitting beyond the screen and ‘hearing confessions.’ Roman Catholics (including priests themselves, by the way!) still confess in this way, but much more often with both seated comfortably in a kind of interview-room without a screen, but with confidentiality assured.

DETAIL
CIRCULAR WINDOW
this modern window, of thick glass pieces with rough-hewn surfaces set in a heavy (here, concrete) matrix, shows a dove-shape, representing the Holy Spirit, and around the circumference has the Latin words
+LARGIRE+DONA+SPIRITUS+ meaning BE GENEROUS WITH THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.


TALL WINDOWS
recently restored by the specialist firm Jennifer Jane Stained Glass, these windows have their panes set in zinc frames.

STATUE
this modern statue of Our Lady, kept inside the building, replaces an older and more traditional statue in plaster, which formerly stood in the niche (or "grotto") outside, but was apparently irresistible for passers-by tempted to target-practice! In earlier years there were also other statues, of other saints, inside the building.

CRUCIFIX
it would be a very strange Roman Catholic church which had no crucifix - that is, no representation of Christ hanging upon the Cross. Our crucifix, however, is unusual in combining a number of aspects usually kept separate: Christ is shown on the cross but also as King (crowned) and as Priest (in the vestments worn by a Roman Catholic priest celebrating Mass). In addition, the symbols of the four Evangelists (the Gospel-writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John ) are attached to the four extremities of the cross.



ST. JOHN'S, FETTERNEAR
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more pictures

Leslie Chapel in Fetternear
There are actually two there. One fell into ruin. The other remains in good condition. The latter was built by James Leslie the 25th Baron of Balquhain in 1845. This James, in one of many complex successions in the Leslie family, succeeded his nephew, John Leslie. John was both the 24th Baron and belonged to the Austrian branch of the Leslies. He was a Count of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and an officer in an Austrian Hussar regiment of which the Emperor of Russia, Nicholas I, was colonel. In 1844 count John returned to Scotland to assume the Barony of Balquhain, which he had inherited. One day he went grouse shooting on the hill of Bennachie, became overheated, drank cold water from a spring, caught cold, which turned into pneumonia, and died. His successor and uncle, James, had gone to Jamaica where he had acquired property. He returned to Scotland on his accession to the Barony. He roofed over the old and historic chapel at Fetternear, the Leslies of Balquhain home, which although in ruins was used as the family burial vault. Then in 1845 he built a new chapel next to it which remains in good condition. Of simple but handsome proportion, it is an attractive little church.

For more information on the Leslie family go to
http://www.members.aol.com/balquhain/Magic.html 

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
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After the death in 1729 of the Reverend John Burnett, the last Episcopalian Minister of Monymusk, a congregation was formed at Blairdaff, removing to Monymusk about 1800. It was here that the Episcopalians of Kemnay worshipped, travelling on foot Sunday after Sunday - Shank's Pony being the common form of travel, although no doubt some folk may have had a pony and trap. By 1912 the numbers had increased to such an extent that the then Rector, the Reverend J E Fyffe, decided that a centre at Kemnay was justified and Saint Anne's came into being as a mission from Monymusk, always known as Monymusk-cum-Kemnay, housed in what was popularly known as the 'iron kirkie' or the 'tin tabernacle'. This was deconsecrated when the new church was built and is now a dwelling house.

This arrangement continued until 1925, when disputes arising between the Laird of Monymusk and the Rector, the Reverend J M Morrison, led to the Bishop of Aberdeen's closing the church at Monymusk. For a time the future of the Kemnay congregation seemed uncertain, but the newly appointed Rector at Inverurie, the Reverend Richard Kerrin, offered his services and there began a very happy period culminating in the erection of the present Saint Anne's on ground donated by Arthur Burnett of Kemnay. The first sod was cut by Mrs Muriel Burnett in 1937 and the building dedicated in 1938. Just before completion of the church, in March 1938, the only marriage ever to take place in the iron kirkie was that of , solemnised by the Reverend J Harriman. The design of the church was specially made to accommodate the lovely chamber organ which had been donated by the Hon. Clive Pearson. The organ had originally been built for the Frasers of Castle Fraser in 1816. It is interesting to note that at that time the cost of hiring a car to bring the priest across form Inverurie was five shilling! There are some of us who can recall the arrival of the car at church and the alighting of the large and regal form of Mrs Smith, Pictillum, a dear lady and stalwart member of the congregation. Mr Smith too attended church and the car always stopped to pick them up when it brought the Rector over from Inverurie.

For a brief period during the Episcopate of Bishop Hall, in the 1940's, the church enjoyed such progress that a Priest-in Charge was appointed and a rectory provided in St. Bryde's Road. Diocesan economies brought this arrangement to an end, Saint Anne's was again placed under the care of Inverurie, and so it has continued to this day.

In the days of the old iron kirkie Mr Bruce was the joiner in Kemnay and an Episcopalian, and he had made the church furniture: the pulpit, lectern, the altar rails and no doubt the pews as well. It is not known where the altar had come from but it was a very lovely one with a lot of carving on it. Geoffrey Langham, who was a vestry member for many years, always regretted that when these items were installed in the new church, no credit was ever given to the man who made them. Mr Bruce's daughter, Mrs Reid, Elora, was a pillar of the church for many years.

When Saint Anne's was struck by lightning in 1962, the altar, lectern and pews, and the harmonium left from the old kirkie, were moved to the hall behind the rectory and services were conducted there while repairs were in progress. Misfortune struck again and the hall was burnt down and everything in it. It was thought to be an electrical fault. Many people from other churches rallied round to help. The Kemnay children held a Jumble Sale and the proceeds procured a new lectern - a lovely gesture. You can read the inscription on it. Saint Devenick's, Bieldside also gave a substantial donation.

Pews were given by another church and the new altar was made by Mr Gray. Now the only things left from the old church were the pulpit and the altar rails. The pulpit, unfortunately, was stained black to match the new pews, which was rather a pity as it had been a nice golden pine. The organ suffered only minor damage and was repaired by a kind organist friend and the crucifix, which also was slightly damaged, had been returned to Kemnay House after being mended otherwise it too would have perished.

In the intervening years Saint Anne's has maintained under all Priests-in-Charge the same warm and welcoming atmosphere that has pervaded both churches and comforted and uplifted many folk. 

Saint Anne's today enjoys a very happy relationship with the Kemnay Parish Church. Perhaps the long ago years of argument and strife between Presbyterian and Episcopalian in the end created an understanding friendship between the denominations. Here at Saint Anne's we remember with gratitude the help and support given by the Kirk in the past and in the present.

This year is the sixtieth anniversary of the present St Anne's and the occasion for rejoicing and giving thanks and for remembering - remembering gratefully all the good souls who gave so much so that we can worship still in our dear Saint Anne's today.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal 
Church
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The proposal to construct the present building was first made in January 1968 when an advertisement invited interested people to a meeting in the Station Hotel. They considered plans drawn up by an architect and a Building Committee of three of those present was formed, Mr Farquharson, The Master of Forbes and Henry Noltie. At the first meeting, tenders for the work were examined and the work was approved to be carried out by J and C Henry of Alford "without delay".

By 18 April 1868 they were ready to ask The Right Rev the Bishop of Aberdeen to attend the ceremony of laying the foundation stone. The Master of Forbes was asked to lay the stone.

By June 1869 plans for the consecration of the church were being discussed. Only the essentials were provided at this time. The tower, stained glass windows and other items were contributed later.

The first Rector was the Rev James Wiseman appointed in 1871 until 1874 when he was followed by Mr Barnes, then by Mr Edwards and then by Mr Adkyn, which takes us up to 1881.
After this uncertain start St. Andrews was fortunate to have as Rector The Rev James Petrie who stayed for 38 years to 1919. He was followed by his son William who was Rector until his death in 1945.

In May 1890 Robert Francis Ogilvie Farquharson Esq of Haughton died, to the great sadness of St Andrews. The Brass plaque under the rose window at the west end was erected in his memory by his widow. It is unfortunate that it has become spoilt by rain water seeping in from the rose window. This has since been repaired but not all our efforts with much rubbing; brasso and wood ash can restore the plaque.

In 1895 Mr Moir Byres of Tonley offered to give a stained glass window for the central light of the ease end window. In 1899 he asked permission to place two windows in the chancel, the one of St Peter and the other of St Andrew. Miss Maria Ogilvie Farquharson (daughter of the late Robert Farquharson) asked to be allowed to place a window of St Margaret in the chancel. She also gave windows in the nave on the organ side of the Virgin and Child and of St Joseph, in memory of her great aunt and in 1902 she gave the windows on the other side of the nave of "The Annunciation" dedicated "To The Glory of God".

In 1900 Mr Alexander the chemist in Alford gave a window in the vestry, the design of which is "Christ Bearing the Cross". This window is dedicated to The Rev Patrick Laing. Mr Alexander also presented the "Altar Desk" in memory of Mr Jaffray, the last Episcopal Alford Parish minister.

Miss Farquharson died in 1908 leaving 300 to the church. George Moir Byres died in 1909. The two sidelights of the east window were installed in his memory.

In 1912 it was pointed out that the present harmonium was "quite done", and it was suggested that a proper organ be installed. A year later the Vestry was asked to consider a new one from E H Lawton, Pittodrie Organ Works, complete with an engine for blowing the necessary air by waterpower. There was at this time no electricity in Alford and the alternative to waterpower was someone, probably a small boy, to pump the air. The water engine was located under the floor and the whole system caused endless trouble and expense to the church until it was finally taken out.

In 1922 Mrs Alexander gave the sanctuary lamp in memory of her husband. This is the lamp with red glass over the altar. At this time it would be lit by a candle.

In 1930 John Milne of Kingsford erected the porch and spire in memory of his parents and brother. The clock and the bell were donated anonymously.

In 1932 Mr George Alexander, chemist in Aboyne, donated the brass lectern in memory of his parents. His father was Alexander, chemist in Alford who had been a staunch member of St Andrews and on the Vestry. The eagle is now at the back of the church as it has been suspended by a low reading desk carrying a modern translation of the Bible. However, the eagle is still much admired. It takes two people about two hours to clean it!

In 1937 The Grampian Electric Company brought electricity to Alford and a year later the Church was wired including power for the organ. You might think that now the problems with the organ would be at an end, however, damp in the Church continued to be a problem to the organ. It was horribly cold and damp in the Church during the winter months!

In 1946 the carved oak altar table was erected in memory of Canon William Petrie. He left money for a reredos to be erected in memory of his mother. This was finally installed but there was not enough money to insert tapestry and there were only curtains.

The Rev D O Noble was Recto from 1945 till 1950. The Rev Chaplin from 1951 till 1957.

In December 1954 the spire was hit by lightning and was damaged. The organ situated immediately below the spire was damaged by falling dust and debris. Insurance covered repairs to the spire. The organ was overhauled, thoroughly cleaned and moved to a better site at the west end of the church (the opposite end to the altar). It was provided with a new motor for the bellows. It continued to cause trouble and expense until it was finally superseded by a computerised Allen Organ in 1993. 

The Rev Mr Eric Kerrin was Rector from 1957 until 1970 when he resigned. He was the last Rector to inhabit the Rectory, which was let, off and on, until it was finally sold in 1984. 

Canon Kerrin, father of Rev Eric Kerrin, offered to take on all the services until a new Rector could be found. He travelled from Kemnay. In 1978 The Rev D W N Grant was appointed Rector to St Mary's, Inverurie, St Andrews, Alford, St Anne's, Kemnay and St Marys, Auchindoir. The church attendance in Alford was very low and the financial situation was poor. The congregation had to make do with one Sunday service at 2.30 in the afternoon. Under Mr Grant until 1989 and under Denis Bovey until 1994 the situation gradually improved and now under John Walker as Recto we have Anne James as resident Priest in Alford. St Andrews now is going on to do great things.

ST ANDREWS TODAY

At the time of writing in 2000, the Episcopal Church has two services on Sunday. At 11.00am there is a service which suits the more traditionally minded. At 9.30am there is what is known as an "Alternative" service. There is plenty of room here for experimentation for all age groups worshipping together.

However, St Andrews, the building, now is used by our friends the Roman Catholics who celebrate mass on Tuesday and Saturday evenings and the Apostolic Fellowship, which meets on Sunday evenings.