Anniversary celebration

A range of events will take place at St Andrew’s-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Church over the weekend of June 7-9, celebrating the 240th anniversary of St Andrew’s- Lhanbryd Parish.

While the first record of a church in the Moray village Lhanbryde dates from 1222, the two parishes of St Andrew’s and Lhanbryd existed from the midseventeenth century – the former serving a rural area with the Lhanbryde church located in the village. By 1782 both churches were in such poor repair that it was decided to unite the congregations, the new parish taking the name St Andrew’s- Lhanbryd. A new building, midway between the two old ones, was completed in 1786. The name Lhanbryd(e) refers to the church of St Bride, also called St Bridget.

While the name has undergone a variety of spellings, it was the Rev William Leslie, first minister of the united parish, who decided that he liked the spelling ‘Lhanbryd’ for the parish church, rather than ‘Lhanbryde’ as in the village. In 1988, the charge was united with Urquhart to form the present St Andrew’s-Lhanbryd & Urquhart Parish – or SALU as it is known locally.

The Very Rev David Lunan, the last minister of St Andrew’s-Lhanbryd before the union, will be welcomed back to conduct the morning service on Sunday June 11, along with ministers who have served the churches since. The Rev Rolf Billes and the Rev Attie van Wyk will attend in person, while the Rev Scott Guy and the Rev Andrew Robertson will contribute by video link.

A musical evening at 7pm on the Friday starts off the weekend, with items from the choir, Rolf Billes and Attie van Wyk, as well as a selection of hymns. Throughout Saturday afternoon and Sunday the church and halls will be open, with displays of memorabilia. Afternoon teas will be served from 2-4 pm on Saturday, while the Sunday service will be followed by a soup lunch.