Ferintosh Parish Church: 1909 - 2009

A Church History compiled to celebrate the Church's Centenary

Quick Links:
Chapter One (In the Beginning)
Chapter Two (The Building)
Chapter Three (The Ministry)
Chapter Four (The Church Buildings)
Chapter Five (Church Life)
Chapter Six (Celebrating the Centenary)

 FOREWORD

'Lord you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations ...' (Psalm 90:1)

Whenever we come to mark any centenary, it is perhaps almost inevitable that we find ourselves at something of a crossroads, looking both backward and forward. Poised as we are at this milestone in time, it is maybe easier for most of us to look backward, given that this is where our memories and experiences lie. As we consider where we are today, so much of our life here and now can only be presented by referring to what has gone before.

This booklet aims to recollect the life and times of our church here in our community; however, not only to look at how these recollections have shaped who and what we are today, but also how they might enable us to shape the life of our church here in the future.

It takes us through the history of the church in terms of its buildings, its ministers, its worship and its place within the community, and ends with all that is happening within the life of our church today. An appropriate way perhaps to end such a booklet, leaving scope and opportunity to look to the future as we seek to build on what we already have in place.

This is only the first chapter in the life of Ferintosh Parish Church. By the grace of God and through the inspiration and guidance of His Holy Spirit there will be many more to follow. We invite you now to become part of the next chapter of the life of our church as we look to the future, giving thanks for all that has gone before, and looking forward with eager anticipation to all that is yet to come.

With Every Blessing,

Andy Graham

INTRODUCTION

Attempting to compile a history of Ferintosh Church has proved to be enjoyable and frustrating. Enjoyable because of the co-operation of so many people but frustrating in that access to certain records has not been achieved, thus leading to a history that is not as comprehensive as it should be. It is particularly exasperating not to have a photograph of the opening of the Church in 1909.

I have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible in this account and apologise if there are errors.

Of acknowledgments there are many and those who are named know how they helped:

The family of the late Charles W Muirden for permission to use extracts from his book Maryburgh Church: A History of 150 years.
Rev Douglas MacKeddie
Gail Priddice of the Reference Section and Alex du Toit of the Archive Section, Inverness Library
Rev Roddie Mackinnon
Mrs Kitty Bennett, niece of Rev Malcolm Maclean
Mr Calum Maclean, nephew of Rev Malcolm Maclean
Mrs Marion Macdonald, sister of Rev D R Macleod
Donald Macleod, son of Rev D R Macleod
Rev T C Kelly
Rev D J M Carmichael
Rev A F Graham
The Ross-shire Journal and The North Star for reporting so faithfully on the work of the Church over many years.
Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society for the use of superior computer equipment which made the task so much easier.

Mhairi Mackenzie
September 2009 

Chapter One (In the Beginning)