A church in the north-east has celebrated 200 years of worship.
St Drostan’s Church in New Aberdour held a thanksgiving songs of praise service to mark the occasion.
The church was built by John Dingwall of Brockley in 1818 and has continued services despite not having a minister.
Yesterday’s service was delivered by Dorothy Mair with a greeting given by Church of Scotland Right Reverend Susan Brown.
Reverend Brown said: “Milestones are great for looking back and inspiring us as we move forward.
“It was lovely to meet with the congregation here and they are planning so many this for this memorable year.
I’m glad to have been part of it. I encourage folk to take part in events like this. Little areas sometimes feel a long way from the central belt churches but they are just as important.”
Despite the two year ministerial vacancy, the elders set out to host an event a month through this important year.
Ruth Mackenzie, interim moderator at New Aberdour said: “We’ve got nine events planned for through the year so far and these show the church as a focal point in the community.
“We’ve given all of the congregation leaflets with details of events that happened before and after as well as ones in our church to show it’s 200 years.
“It was a lovely service to celebrate 200 years of continued worship in this building.”
Those involved in the church believe the congregation’s faithfulness and community involvement has kept them going this long.
Elder and reader Margaret Grant said: “It’s quite a nice church, no stained glass windows, but it’s very bright and welcoming for when people come in.
“The idea for monthly events was mainly to encourage individuals or organisations into the church so there’s almost something going on every month.
“Our church sees a lot of people return to it, whether they’ve moved from the area, lived here when they were younger or are extended family.
“In my case, my brothers will come along to some of the events we hold.”
