Church History

Key dates in the history of Bellie Church

Parish of Bellie founded by monks from the Priory of Urquhart, dedicated in the name of St Peter 

Present church in Fochabers built by 4th Duke of Gordon as part of model village

Rev David Dewar leaves Bellie Church along with several members of the congregation to form the Free Church in the village

Union of Pringle Memorial Church (former United Free Church) and Bellie Church

Present Manse purchased from Crown Estates. Bellie linked with neighbouring Speymouth

Pringle Church building sold

New church hall built to rear of Bellie Church

Bicentenary of Bellie Church

New stained glass windows installed in apse of Bellie Church

Rev Alison Mehigan is ordained and inducted as the first female minister of Bellie Church

The 120 year old Pipe Organ is replaced with a modern Allen organ as the first stage of the Bellie Church Re-order project

Work on major internal renovations of the church building (including a 180 degree rotation of the sanctuary, the creation of a larger chancel area, the replacement of the ceiling, a complete rewiring of the church building, an upgrade to the heating and lighting system, the replacement of pews with moveable chairs and the installation of audio visual equipment) is completed as part of the Bellie Church re-order project

The 50th anniversary of the linkage with Bellie and Speymouth was marked with celebrations in both churches

The linked congregations of Bellie and Speymouth are united

Significant renovations to the Clock Tower at Bellie Church are completed

The installation of a new audio visual system in the church sanctuary is complete

Key dates in the history of Speymouth Church

Speymouth Parish formed as a result of the union of Dipple Parish and Essil Parish

Speymouth linked with Bellie; union with Garmouth broken

Speymouth re-united with Garmouth

Roof structure of Speymouth Church renewed, Church building in Garmouth sold

Refurbishments to the Church Hall, Garmouth completed

Rev Alison Mehigan is ordained and inducted as the first female minister of Speymouth Church

Work on new extension to the church building, encompassing a vestry, kitchen area, disabled toilet facilities and larger hall, is completed

Work on the re-order of the church sanctuary, including the replacement and relocation of the organ, is completed

The 50th anniversary of the linkage of Bellie with Speymouth is celebrated

Church Hall in Garmouth sold

The linked congregations of Bellie and Speymouth are united

Speymouth Church closes after 291 years.