A north-east congregation is throwing open the doors of it’s empty manse in a bid to raise the £50,000 needed for repairs before a new minister moves in.
Ellon Parish Church will hold a fun day at the property today to allow parishioners and visitors the chance to see it “before” and “after” the planned upgrade.
The congregational board had considered selling the traditional minister’s home and using the funds to purchase a new property but decided against the move.
Lynn Paterson, of the church, said: “It is going to be a day of fun for the family with live entertainment from the church choir and band, stalls, a tombola, home baking, floral displays and a children’s treasure hunt in the grounds.
“Quite a lot of refurbishment is needed to bring the manse up to standard before calling for a new minister.
“This will be a good chance to see the building before work is carried out and we will hold another event afterwards.”
The congregation received a boost to their fundraising campaign from the flower committee which brings the current total to £1530.
Proposals for the manse, on Ellon’s Union Street, are included in the overall refurbishment plan for the parish – a total bill of £135,000.
Other work includes structural work at Slain’s Kirk, which had to be closed to the public earlier this year due to health and safety fears, replacement windows and rood repairs at Ellon Parish Church, organ repair work and replacement windows for the Kirk Centre.
The church has been without a permanent minister since the departure of Stephen Emery who was forced to leave his role in October 2012 as a penalty for alleged misconduct.
An advert for a replacement is expected to be circulated to all Church of Scotland ministers and trainees nest month.
The event, running on Saturday 17th May will run from 2pm to 5pm.