Aberlemno Parish Church

This small country parish church has a long history. A church here was dedicated by Bishop David de Bernham in 1242, but the site's history may be substantially longer.

There is documentary evidence to suggest that Aberlemno Kirk was originally called Egglespether, a Pictish church of around 710AD by King Nechtan, although this is not agreed by some scholars. On the register of churches belonging to Restenneth in 1161/2 Egglespether is mentioned but by 1230 it had become known as Aberlemno.

The building today largely dates to 1722 when the church was more or less completely rebuilt, although a ridge of possibly earlier stonework survives at the base of the church's walls. It has a T-shape plan, with a later porch and rear extension. The church is built in coursed sandstone rubble, with ashlar surrounds and has a slate roof. It is surrounded by a small graveyard and the manse stands to the east.

The church is surrounded by a graveyard with many 19th century stones. It is famous for its Pictish stone however, which stands near the west gable of the church. It dates to the 8th century and commemorates the battle of Nechtansmere.

In 1983 the Church was linked to the neighbouring parish of Guthrie and Rescobie.

Although it is a very historic Church, it still has a very active congregation with weekly services.

A message from Brian January 2023

Dear friends,

The year of 2023 looks like it will be a difficult time for many people in all kinds of ways. We are not sure how things will work out but we do know that many will struggle both in this country and in the troubled places of the World.

We might feel that there is little we can do to change things and feel helpless. However, what we must remember is that any help we do give is worthwhile.

Mother Teresa of Kolkata (Calcutta) dedicated her life to helping the poor, the homeless and the sick of that community and created an organisation which helps the poor in many nations. Once, when she was speaking about caring for the poor, the hungry and the homeless she said, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is a drop in the ocean, but if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of the missing drop.”

We might feel too that any help we are able to give is a drop in the ocean of the world’s problems but that does not mean that it is not worthwhile doing.

May God bless you all.
Brian

Heavenly Father,

Your Son Jesus Christ brought us encouragement and hope and taught us that in our lives we can show these qualities too.

We give thanks for the gift of friendship. Help us to remember that we do not need great wisdom to be a good friend but only need to be ready to care, give time and listen.

We pray for those who are struggling in life in any way and guide us to see ways to help them.

Bless our neighbours, friends and our loved ones and keep them safe we pray.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen

Did you know there is the Aberlemno book club based in Aberlemno Church? The idea is that you can go along to the ‘library” to pick up a book. You may also take one you have read and no longer need in to the library as a swap. If you simply take a book the charge is £2. However, if you take along a book to exchange the charge is only £1.

The books are in the Church at the back of the west pews so can be accessed at any time during the day whilst the church is open. Please do feel free to browse the selection or add to the books on offer.

Memorial Stone

During the first lockdown I was asked to find a gravestone at Aberlemno for a gentleman trying to trace his ancestors. Whilst researching this I discovered that there was an area at the West of the Kirkyard which had been set aside for the burial of infants and still-born babies. As there was nothing to mark this area, we decided we should put a Memorial stone on the wall where these little ones were laid to rest. I contacted David McGovern of Monikie Rock Art who, when he heard what the memorial was for, very kindly donated the stone which he created. Raymond and Kelly prepared the area beside the stone and we were able to dedicate it on Sunday 25th of April not only to remember those little ones and their heart-broken families but also those today who go through the same tragic loss.

B.R.