St Laurence Church Forres to celebrate 120 years since foundation stone laid
A historic building in the town centre that is to be closed permanently is marking its 120th anniversary.
St Laurence Church’s congregation is inviting the wider community to celebrate the the laying of its foundation stone a century ago.
A church spokesperson said: “There will be a cream tea in the church on Saturday, August 17 from 2-4pm.
“There will also be a church service on Sunday, August 18 at 10.30am, followed by Songs of Praise at 6.30pm. Everyone, whether a church member or not, is welcome to attend.”
In 1895, a petition was presented to the Kirk Session of the original building, complaining about the discomfort felt by visitors and the building’s insanitary state.
Over the next nine years, the congregation made a huge effort to raise funds for a replacement. They organised a ‘Grand Bazaar’ over two days in 1897, raising £1500. Additional public subscription, legacies and bequests meant the £9000 cost of the new church could be met.
One of the donations - of £1500 - was made by Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, a wealthy Canadian businessman and philanthropist, who, as Donald Smith, was born in Forres in 1820.
The Kirk Session wanted a building which would make a statement and act as a focal point for High Street. Architect John Robertson of Inverness - famous for his grand Gothic designs and use of stone - was appointed to draw the plans and oversee the work.
Work on the site began early in 1904 and the foundation stone was laid by Lord Strathcona on August 17, 1904. Eighteen months later on February 28, 1906, the building was complete and open for worship.
The east and west stained glass windows were unveiled in 1922 and windows by Aberdeen stained glass designer Douglas Strachan were placed in 1931 and 1939. These were commissioned and paid for by Sir Alexander Grant’s family.
A more comprehensive account of the history is available in Forres-based author Norman Thomson’s pamphlet ‘Forres Parish Church of St Laurence: eight centuries of Christian worship’.
St Laurence Church faces an uncertain future as a place of worship due to the Church of Scotland Mission Planning exercise which will see hundreds of churches close.
Depute Session Clerk for West Moray Parish Church of Scotland, Ann Kurylak, said: “There will be a statement at some time in the future. Until then there will be no other comment made."
