The following letter has been received from Simon and Hilda West
Many will know that the Church of Scotland placed Dalarossie on the open market last year, inviting bids and statements of intent for the building. We were successful in that process and are now the custodians of the church.
Dalarossie is an ancient site of Christian worship. Conservative estimates place its origins in the 8th century, associated with the Celtic ministry of St Fergus, and it is named as a feature of the medieval Diocese of Moray when that structure emerged in the early 1200s. For more than twelve centuries, Christian worship has continued here, ministering to the community and weaving a rich cultural heritage. It is to preserve both that ministry and that heritage that we have taken responsibility for the building.
Our intention is to work towards four traditional Christian services each year, aligned with the seasonal calendar. The first of these, a service of nine lessons and carols for Christmas, was held on the 21st of December. The afternoon was dark and cold, but the church was full! The singing was hearty, wonderfully accompanied by Lucy Cameron-Mackintosh on the piano and Doris Fischler on the French horn. We were delighted to welcome the Rev. Fergus Robertson, formerly of Inshes East Church of Scotland, who preached on the significance of Bethlehem, speaking of God’s sovereignty, provision and care. Mince pies and drinks were served afterwards in the vestry, where the newly recommissioned fireplace worked well to add warmth and good cheer.
Plans are already underway for an Easter service on Sunday, April 5th, at 4pm. Further details will be published online nearer the time. For any other enquiries about the church, please email Simon at dalarossie@outlook.com.
We are humbled to have this opportunity to support Dalarossie and to see some 1,200 years of Christian worship continue at the site, bearing a message as vibrant and as vital today as it has ever been.
Simon and Hilda West
