EDITOR'S FOREWORD
Stimulations generally thought
of as being a good thing, particularly for younger children and the elderly in order to
exercise their menial faculties and maintain their intellectual
acuity. However, our current way of life may expose us to
over-stimulation, which is certainly not beneficial, because the nonstop,
frenetic assault on our senses makes us tired, irritable and nervy. Recently the Epilepsy Society
complained about the unsettling effect of the 2012 London Olympic logo upon its members, and the Bishop
of Reading has just published a book about the evils of 'multi-
tasking' that is trying to do a great many things at the same time. Choosing to 'multi-task' is one thing, but we city-dwellers are victims of involuntary
multi-tasking, in that we have no protection against
uninvited sensual stimulation. Sitting in my garden, on a Sunday afternoon, I am assailed by the ground-bass
of traffic noise punctuated by emergency vehicle sirens. Someone else is mowing the lawn with a bronchial motor mower, while listening to an over-amplified pop radio station. A
TV set is blasting away three doors up; a barbecue party is shouting its way through hamburgers and chicken legs, a car
alarm is screaming for attention, and suddenly the sky is torn to tatters by shredding helicopters. The air is pungent with
charcoal smoke and petrol fumes. The subtle scent of roses and the
sweetness of bird-song which I expect in my garden are annihilated by the crassness of 21st century culture.
But not on Shapinsay; not at Haughlands. I had not realised how distracted I had become, how
fragmented my consciousness, until I spent a few hours on that Isle
of Tranquility. The 24/12 cacophony of the techno-age had
melted away, replaced by bird-song and the sighing of the waves upon the beach.
Sky blue, grass green, sea blue-green and white, butter-cup yellow and the muted shades of local stone comprise the modest palette of
this pastoral haven. Instead of defending myself against this environment I wished to absorb it, to embrace it, to become a part of it.
Indeed, I felt I was a part of this landscape. I was at home here. My senses were keen,
refreshed, eagerly responding to the harmony of colour,
light, scent and sound. The proportions were right, the scale was human. Simply to walk across the pasture or linger by the shore was to meditate. Here, I could feel at one with the
universe. This was a healing experience which made me realise just how many distractions there are in my day-to-day living, radio, television, telephones, newspapers, internet, noise, noise. noise! The sheer violence and invasiveness of modern culture. driving out peace,
alienating the spirit, and leaving in its wake a confused and splintered
self.
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Haughland Unitarian Centre, Shapinsay
At Haughlands I knew how important it is to set aside a time
of tranquility and inactivity for oneslf;
away from all distractions and external stimulation, to retreat into oneself, and rediscover the universe.
What a good idea Sunday was. A day of rest. Perhaps this is an idea we should revisit.
Wm. S. Stephen (Editor)
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BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Many congratulations to Jean Shanks who celebrates her
96th birthday this month (July). Jean is a loyal member of the Women's League, a regular attender at Sunday Service and at all Church occasions.
We send Jean our best wishes and hope she has a very happy birthday.
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PASTORAL GREETINGS
We express our continuing concern and support to all our members who are in hospital or confined to their own homes because of illness or infirmity. You are in our minds and in our prayers.
We appreciate receiving news of our members and would like to hear from anyone who would appreciate a visit from our Minister.
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CONGRATULATIONS
We congratulate Neil Stewart on being selected to play in goal for the Westhill Primaries football team next session.
Neil, who is about to enter Primary 7. has been specialising in goal-keeping for several years and his hard work and application have been rewarded by this recent appointment.
Well done, Neil!
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ANNIVERSARY FAIR
Our major fund-raising effort this year will coincide with our
Anniversary weekend on Saturday 13th October. It is anticipated that our usual range of stalls will operate. The coordinator for this event is Anita Stephen who will appreciate all offers of help.
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HAUGHLANDS VISIT
Anita and Bill Stephen recently paid a flying visit to Haughlands, the Unitarian Centre & Retreat on the Orkney Isle of Shapinsay, created and operated by Lesley and Bill
McEown.
Lesley and Bill acquired a traditional croft, renovated and converted the buildings to form the Haughlands Centre, which consists of a chapel, two meeting rooms, and comfortable dining and sleeping accommodation for 8 people.
Lesley provides a programme of activities for her guests if necessary, but there is no obligation to participate in this. One could spend the time in reading, walking, meditating, thinking on one's own. Full board costs
£30.00 per person, per night. Guests are met off the ferry from Kirkwall (30 minute crossing) and driven 3 miles or so from the pier to Haughlands.
Shapinsay is a small green island with wonderful views of sea and sky and is an open door to the rest of the universe. It is a haven of green, blue and white harmony, light and grace.
Haughlands is the perfect place to find oneself, discover new spiritual depths and rediscover what is really important in life.
Lesley and Bill are warm-hearted and welcoming, positive and cheerful, committed to their creation and eager to share its peace and healing qualities with all who care to step ashore on their enchanted island. Visiting Haughlands, even briefly, was a wonderful and memorable experience and certainly one to be repeated.
Web site: www.orkneyretreat.org.uk
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BEETLE DRIVE
This annual entomological competition to identify the Muckle Gollach of 2007 and his Wee Beastie will take place on Friday
7th September at 8.00pm. Tickets £2.00 and £1.00.
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JULY RECESS
There will be no Morning Services on Sunday15th. and Sunday 22nd. July. This is the traditional Aberdeen Holiday Fortnight, when many of our members take their vacation.
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SUNDAY LUNCH & A PAUSE FOR THOUGHT
As an experiment in community building, fellowship and outreach, on Sunday 29th. July, we intend a major change to our usual Sunday worship.
We shall start at 11.45am with a fish & chips lunch. A short devotional/inspirational programme will follow. Members who wish to be present are asked to add their names to a list on the church notice board.
We would also like to encourage our friends and supporters to join us at this unique occasion.
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INDOOR MARKET
Kathleen Bruce & Kathleen McGregor have organised an Indoor Market for Saturday 1st. September, 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Each table costs
£5.00 to hire and the hirer of course retains the proceeds from whatever he or she sells.
Kathleen Bruce and Kathleen McGregor are in charge of booking.
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EXPEDITION TO WALES & CHESTER
Members who are booked to join the September Holiday Weekend to Chester etc. are reminded that Margaret Robinson requires the remainder of the cost by 12th. August. i.e.
£318.00 per couple and £195.00 per single. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Margaret Robinson’.
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TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEAS
The Arts Group kindly invites all their friends and patrons to sample their superb Afternoon Teas on the following dates:
Thursday 19th July & Thursday16th August from 2.00pm–3.30pm.
The cost of £ 1.50 ensures the participant exquisite china, swift and friendly service, delicious cakes etc. and fragrant teas from India and the Orient..
Kathleen Bruce & Kathleen McGregor will be delighted to take bookings.
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WOMEN’S LEAGUE SUMMER LUNCH CLUB.
The Women’s League Summer Lunch Club will continue to meet on the following dates,
25th July and 8th August, 1.00pm – 2.00m.
A two course meal with tea/coffee will be served for £ 2.50.
All members and friends are cordially invited to attend.
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SERVICE OF CONTEMPLATION
Starting on Friday 7th September, at 7.00pm Revd. Cal Courtney will conduct a short Contemplative service on the Taize model. The intention is to reach out to as many people as possible and to younger people in particular.
This new venture, of course will also need the support of our members and friends both by their participation and in spreading the word among our acquaintances and colleagues.
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WILLIAM DYCE
By Gladys Mintie
William Dyce |
Last Autumn, Aberdeen Art Gallery mounted an
exhibition of the work of the 19th. century painter, William
Dyce, R.A. Although now remembered for a few of his Biblical
paintings, many of which appear in illustrated versions of
the Bible, and for the King Arthur frescos that decorate the
walls of the Queen's robing chamber in the House of Lords,
Dyce was a major cultural influence during the early decades
of Queen Victoria's reign. He worked for Prince Albert, was
admired by John Ruskin and William Ewart Gladstone, with
whom he collaborated in the founding of the Society for the
Propagation of Christian Knowledge. (S.P.C.K.). Brought up
in the Catholic tradition, he was an enthusiastic supporter
of the AngloCatholic Oxford Movement, and of their aims of
restoring ritual, colour, pageantry, and musical liturgy to
the services of the Anglican Church. He contributed to the
development of the moral climate of the 19th century,
establishing and propagating through his paintings and
writing what we now refer to as 'Victorian values'.
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He felt
it was his duty as an artist to communicate religious truths
dramatically and simply to an unlettered, urban audience,
the children of the industrial revolution, who were ignorant
of the Bible and who had scant desire to enter a church.
Impressed by the clarity and simplicity of their narrative
style, Dyce tried to emulate the techniques of the medieval
church painters, whose work he studied during his residence
in Italy. He revived the technique of fresco painting in
Britain and inspired the work of the next generation of
Victorian painters, the pre-Raphaelites.
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His work mirrors the mid - Victorian
spiritual and cultural dilemma, in that it is torn between
mythology and rationalism, faith and reason, religion and
science. Much of his working life was spent propagating
traditional Christian belief. For instance his House of Lord
murals celebrate the knightly values of King Arthur's
mythical court, courtesy, humility, courage, steadfastness,
trustworthiness, generosity, compassion etc. and his
painting above the throne depicts the baptism of King
Ethelbert, a 7th. century King of Kent, and the first Saxon
monarch to embrace the Christian Faith. He is proclaiming a
parliamentary heritage of chivalric virtues and Christian
observance. Many of his paintings dramatise incidents from
the Old and New Testaments, and his madonnas were
celebrated, not only for their beauty but also for the
loving bond between virgin and child. |
Madonna & Child |
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Born in Aberdeen, and educated at Aberdeen
Grammar School and Marischal College where his father
lectured in medicine, William Dyce, after graduating M.A.
studied painting at the Royal Academy, London and then in
Rome. After travelling widely in Italy, he returned to
Edinburgh where he became a successful portrait painter.
London, however, offered him much wider scope for his
talents and he moved there permanently in 1840 to become
Professor of Fine Arts at King's College, London. He
accepted other prestigious teaching posts, published several
books and papers, and was elected to the Royal Academy in
1848. He established himself as a leading figure in cultural
circles, numbering the Prince Consort and William Gladstone
among his friends and patrons. He was commissioned to
decorate the walls of the new House of Lords, an enormous
undertaking, that remained unfinished at the time of his
death in February 1864.
Dyce, however, was also deeply influenced by
the new sciences, geology and palaeontology, and by the
theories of evolution, and, unlike many devout believers,
was certain these new ideas were compatible with his
Christian faith. He claimed that every new natural
discovery, instead of diminishing God's creative spirit,
enhanced it.
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The painting which has received the greatest
critical acclaim is an attempt to demonstrate that religion
and science are not contradictory but complementary. This is
a landscape, depicting Pegwell Bay in Kent, at sunset on
5th. October 1858. The date is precise because overhead -
and represented by a smudge of light- coloured paint - is
Donati's Comet, bright enough to be seen by the naked eye,
even in daylight. The painting, in addition to portraying
the serenity of sea and sky, Newton's' great ocean of
truth', God's awe-inspiring creation, the sciences of
geology, palaeontology (the figures on the beach are
fossil-hunting), botany, astronomy and meteorology are all
represented in the meticulous accuracy of the artist's
observation and craftsmanship. This reflection of the
universe, claims Dyce, is as true a revelation of God's
nature as any to be culled from the pages of the Bible.
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Pegwell Bay
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While his great Biblical paintings were
admired by the thousands of visitors at the annual Summer
Exhibitions mounted by the Royal Academy of Art, there was a
growing collection of much smaller works that fewer were
privileged to witness and of which even fewer found reason
to approve. Painted towards the end of his life, these
canvasses are very personal, revealing his spiritual doubts
about traditional Christian teaching. They seem to show that
he is seeking a faith that is wider, more inclusive than
Christianity, and more relevant to his experience of living
in the modern world. While his public paintings are
confident declarations of Biblical truths these small-scale
works, as intimate as a private diary, are reflective,
profound, aware of new spiritual influences crowding in upon
the safe, old traditions. They usually depict a troubled
Jesus, deeply introspective, brooding, his eyes lowered or
turned away from the viewer, as if distancing himself from
humanity. He is usually placed at the edge of the picture or
even walking out of the frame altogether. He is a solitary
figure, set in an actual landscape, wild, rocky, sometimes
barren, always desolate, often on the Isle of Arran, which
Dyce has rendered in forensic detail with halogen clarity,
as if for a science textbook.
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The Man of Sorrows |
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The severity of his spiritual conflict is apparent when
we realise that while he is engaged in rethinking his
attitude towards traditional religion, he is still busy
creating the vast mythological murals in the new House
of Lords and painting 'The Good Shepherd', his iconic
image of the Jesus of the Gospels.
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The Good Shepherd
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Jesus in Gethsemane
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George Herbert at Bemerton
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A kind of resolution seems to have been
achieved in the (retrospective)
portrait of the 17th century poet and cleric, George
Herbert, Vicar of Bemerton, near Salisbury. George Herbert,
a brilliant scholar and orator, rejected high office in the
Church of England to serve as a country parson in an obscure
parish where he could live simply and cultivate his literary
gifts. Dyce visited his parsonage and painted his garden.
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Apart from a distant view of the spire of
Salisbury Cathedral, there are no religious references in
the picture. Instead, two secular adjuncts, Herbert's
fishing bag and lute are visible and the poet himself is
caught, gazing skywards, in the midst of composition. The
painting is dominated by several great oak trees, suggesting
that Nature has replaced Christianity as the main spiritual
influence in the artist's life. We have an impression that
this is an exercise in wish - fulfilment, a quiet life,
spent deep in the countryside, where he would find spiritual
contentment by studying Nature and recording the infinite
moods ofthe 'great ocean of Truth' that is the universe.
However, his dream remained unrealised. He died while still
in harness, labouring with increasing loathing upon the
vast, chivalric murals which no longer interested him,
depicting a mythology which no longer inspired him. Of his
own spiritual struggles, the general public preferred to
remain in ignorance. These intense, tortured images were too
private, too introverted, aberrations unbecoming of an
establishment figure, and so the knowledge of a profound and
sincere spiritual odyssey became lost to succeeding
generations until this exhibition, last Autumn. These
pictures are a valuable and moving record of one man's
personal experience as he strives to shake off the influence
of the past and come to terms with his own revelation of a
spiritual universe that is infinitely wider than anything he
had ever encountered in traditional teaching.
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'QUIET FLOWS THE DON'
FELIX CLUB AT KILDRUMMY
MAY 2007
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