Nigg Kirk to the south was built in 1829 in order to be placed more conveniently for the growing population south of the river Dee. However after the opening of Victoria Bridge the main population growth in the area was around what we would now call Torry. This meant that those seeking Established Church services were no longer conveniently served.
It was some time before a new Church of Scotland church was erected in Torry. From 13 May 1894 the Reverend Hugh Smith began to hold fortnightly Sunday evening services in a wooden hall close to the pierhead. However attendance soon began to dwindle owing to the poor conditions of the hall. It was decided on 24 September 1894 at a Presbytery meeting that something should be done. Progress was slow, but following a second resolution in March 1896 steps were eventually taken.
The site on Walker Road was selected and the foundation stone was laid by Lauchlan McKinnon, junior, convener of the Presbytery’s Church Extension Committee. The Gothic church was designed by A.H.L. Mackinnon. It was planned to be a large church offering 818 seats at a cost of some £2000. However, when it opened it was not entirely finished and provided for only 550 people.
The church’s dedication service took place on 24 November 1899. However it was still some time before a permanent minister was appointed. This finally happened on 27 June 1900 with the appointment of the Reverend Archibald Macintyre. For many years this church was burdened with the debts incurred in its building.
A bell from old St Fittick’s church (Church Micro..11215) survives and is on display in Torry St. Fittick’s. The 18th century bronze bell had cost £153 and 4 shillings. The upper inscription, in Latin, tells that the bell was made by John Mowat in Old Aberdeen in 1759. The lower inscription reads ‘Sabata pango funra plango’; ‘Sabbaths I proclaim, funerals I toll’
Two for one deal
This cache is also at the rear of the Torry United Free (Continuing) Church although you can only claim one CM for the cache
Following the early 20th century reunion of most of the United Free Church and the Church of Scotland the break away United Free (Continuing) Church required a new place of worship. After some negotiation the foundation stone for a new church was laid on 25 June 1932 and the first service was held on 15 April 1933. In 1934 the church was extended when a hall was added. The foundation stone for the hall was laid on 23 June 1934.
The church itself has a number of features, including the altar table, modelled exactly on that in the church they had just vacated in Victoria Road. The church remains in use today as a United Free (Continuing) church.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.co.uk.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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