St Laurence Church, Forres newlyweds call for Church of Scotland to reverse closure decsion

A church marked for closure at the end of the year hosted what could be one of its final weddings.

Leisure assistant Robert Paterson and family support worker Pamela Reid from Forres tied the knot at St Laurence Church, hoping that owners Church of Scotland reconsider the move and keep the much-loved, historic building open for at least another century.

Pamela said: “We are all devastated the church is closing - it will be a massive loss. It’s upsetting to think that part of our family history is coming to an end. St Laurence Church brings so much to the town and should never be closed.

“Our guests have written to the Church of Scotland to try and keep it open. I can’t imagine us never having use of it again.”

There has been a church on the site of 129 High Street since the 1200s when King Alexander III erected a chapel in memory of his late wife Margaret dedicated to St Laurence, the patron saint of Forres.

Today's St Laurence Church is the latest in a line on the site. Its foundation stone was laid on August 17 1904 and it was first used for worship on February 28, 1906. The church cost £9600 to build: it is estimated that it would cost £6million to replace today.

Rev Stuart Finlayson conducted the Paterson’s wedding ceremony.

He said: “It’s always a joy to be asked to conduct a wedding ceremony - especially when one knows the couple!

“The entire day was one of love and laughter and I believe it was made all the more special since Pamela and Robert’s marital journey began before God.

“The setting was perfect and meant a lot, particularly to Pamela’s family who have long connections with the church of St Laurence here in Forres. To be able to stand by the lectern which was donated in memory of Pamela’s family was lovely.”

He added: “My hope and prayer is that more people would begin to come to the church for special life moments like marriage. It seems that the church has fallen out of fashion, largely due to growing secularism, but the reality is that the church is the ideal place to tie the knot.

“We even included this ancient ritual during the Paterson’s wedding using a long piece of tartan - another nod to Pamela’s family - her granny being a kiltmaker.

“I think we got the balance right with the love of God being at the centre of the ceremony while making it personal too.

“I look forward to being able to marry more local couples in the years to come.“

Both Robert and Pamela attended Sunday School at St Laurence - their families have historic ties to the church, through worship, funerals and weddings.

“I didn’t want to be married anywhere else,” said Pamela. “My grandpa, Sandy Reid, was church beadle, rang the church bell and would light its fire to heat it before services started. I also used to go with my granny Bessie to clean the building.

“My extended family members still help out there and go regularly.”

She added: “It’s the most beautiful building, inside and out. It sits on beautiful grounds and has so much character. The stained glass windows are amazing and everything inside is kept beautifully.

“Not so long ago, it had a glass meeting room installed which offers a great space.”

Pamela and Robert were grateful the weather was dry for their big day in their hometown, which added to a happy atmosphere.

Robert’s best men were Dave Mcconnachie and his son Robbie Paterson. Pamela’s bridesmaids were her sister Karen Reid, daughters Faye and Millie Nichols, and cousin Aileen Hepple.

“It was an amazing day full of laughter and fun with all our family and friends.” said Pamela. “All of the guests loved the church as well as the town hall, which we used for our reception.”

Around 250 guests attended the evening reception which featured a buffet from The Little Lunchbox, Elgin, a Westerlea Events bar and dessert from Capaldi’s Ice Cream in Nairn.

“The wedding’s band City Limits kept the dance floor full all night,” added Pamela, “and Forres and District Pipe Band played unexpectedly as they returned from the Highland games.”

The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Turkey are hopeful that the building that has given her family so much joy over the years has a future on their return.

“I would be happy to see the church being used more by groups for non-religious events,” finished Pamela, “but it needs to remain as a church and a place for celebration.”