Church History
Key dates in the history of Bellie Church |
|
1153 |
Parish of Bellie founded by monks from the Priory of Urquhart, dedicated in the name of St Peter |
1797 |
Present church in Fochabers built by 4th Duke of Gordon as part of model village |
1843 |
Rev David Dewar leaves Bellie Church along with several members of the congregation to form the Free Church in the village |
1947 |
Union of Pringle Memorial Church (former United Free Church) and Bellie Church |
1959 |
Present Manse purchased from Crown Estates. Bellie linked with neighbouring Speymouth |
1982 |
Pringle Church building sold |
1985 |
New church hall built to rear of Bellie Church |
1997 |
Bicentenary of Bellie Church |
1998 |
New stained glass windows installed in apse of Bellie Church |
2003 |
Rev Alison Mehigan is ordained and inducted as the first female minister of Bellie Church |
2007 |
The 120 year old Pipe Organ is replaced with a modern Allen organ as the first stage of the Bellie Church Re-order project |
2009 |
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 |
2009 |
The 50th anniversary of the linkage with Bellie and Speymouth was marked with celebrations in both churches |
2015 |
The linked congregations of Bellie and Speymouth are united |
2016 |
Significant renovations to the Clock Tower at Bellie Church are completed |
2018 |
The installation of a new audio visual system in the church sanctuary is complete |
Key dates in the history of Speymouth Church |
|
1733 |
Speymouth Parish formed as a result of the union of Dipple Parish and Essil Parish |
1959 |
Speymouth linked with Bellie; union with Garmouth broken |
1988 |
Speymouth re-united with Garmouth |
1991 |
Roof structure of Speymouth Church renewed, Church building in Garmouth sold |
1993 |
Refurbishments to the Church Hall, Garmouth completed |
2003 |
Rev Alison Mehigan is ordained and inducted as the first female minister of Speymouth Church |
2004 |
Work on new extension to the church building, encompassing a vestry, kitchen area, disabled toilet facilities and larger hall, is completed |
2008 |
Work on the re-order of the church sanctuary, including the replacement and relocation of the organ, is completed |
2009 |
The 50th anniversary of the linkage of Bellie with Speymouth is celebrated |
2012 |
Church Hall in Garmouth sold |
2015 |
The linked congregations of Bellie and Speymouth are united |
2024 |
Speymouth Church closes after 291 years. |