St Laurence Church, Forres to close unless new group forms to provide alternative future

A final call is being made for volunteers to help ensure a future for a historic building in the centre of town.

Following a number of public meetings and exhibitions over the last four months, the Church of Scotland (CoS) and partner charity tsiMoray are appealing for people to join a group focused on alternative uses for St Laurence Church, due to close as a place of worship by the end of the year.

tsiMoray social enterprise development officer, Edward Fitsell, confirmed there is overwhelming support for the building to stay open in some capacity.

He said: “The engagement project has been exploring potential for bringing the church into community ownership.

“Key findings reveal strong support for transforming the church into a community hub, with suggestions ranging from hosting arts and cultural events to providing services for young people.

“Despite the enthusiasm and numerous ideas gathered, the project has not attracted enough volunteers to take the project forward.

“It is essential to establish a working group with the necessary skills and capacity to develop a viable proposal for the Church of Scotland to transfer ownership of the building.”

The Church of Scotland (CoS) confirmed the decision to close the church as part of cost-cutting measures in 2020. A West Moray parish covering Forres and surrounding villages will retain St Leonard’s Church for worship at 49 High Street.

An initial community meeting was held at St Laurence in August to gather ideas and gauge interest in an alternative future for the building first opened in 1906.

The CoS explained the decision to close at a further information meeting at St Laurence Church in September for the existing congregation with around 45 people in attendance.

An online survey was carried out and ideas board erected at Forres House Community Centre from September to October to gain input on issues and concerns. Thirty responses were received from the online survey, five as paper versions and 30 as comment slips from the current congregation. A total of 57 ideas were posted on the engagement board.

Finally, a community engagement event was held at St Laurence Church where ideas from the surveys were condensed into key suggestions on large pieces of paper. Attendees were invited to prioritise and comment on them. They were also invited to join a working group.

Key findings include: support for transforming the church into a community hub for activities such as concerts, exhibitions and social events; a wish to continue using the church for religious services, weddings and funerals; suggestions for youth activities, mental health support and community services; proposals for use as a heritage centre; or as an educational and innovation space.

“The feedback shows the community’s emotional and historical connection to the church,” said Mr Fitsell. “It emphasises the importance of preserving its architectural features while adapting it for new uses.

“However, there are concerns about management, funding, and the long-term sustainability of the proposed uses.”

A key aim of the project was to establish a working group to set up a community-controlled organisation, and to seek preferred buyer status from the CoS.

Unfortunately, so far, not enough people have volunteered.

“We’ve seen a significant amount of enthusiasm for St Laurence Church to be taken into community ownership,” said Mr Fitsell. “We now urgently need skilled members of the community to come forward to help make this a reality.”

Without a suitably skilled working group being identified, the building will go on the open market at the end of the year.

To join the group, or for more information, email Mr Fitsell via info@tsimoray.org.uk by Thursday, December 5.