New era for Dumfries' St Mary’s Greyfriars Church
An historic church in Dumfries town centre has been snapped up and will remain a place of worship.
The Church of Scotland put the landmark St Mary’s Greyfriars Church on St Mary Street – which is B-listed and dates from 1837 – up for sale in May, asking for offers over £38,000.
This week the River of Life Church in the town announced that it has been successful in purchasing the church – and its hall across the road, which they’ve been using for a while.
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A public Grand Rededication and Celebration event will be held on November 21 in the church, which River of Life Pastor Mark Smiths said is “to usher in a new season in the life of this beautiful building”.
The existing congregation – which has now been dissolved – held its final service on Sunday as a busy Songs of Praise joint meeting with Caerlaverock Church.
St Mary’s Greyfriars’ outgoing session clerk, Anne Mackie, said it is appreciated that the church will continue to be used for Christian worship: “It’s been a hard period of difficult decisions over the past few years and our congregation have been amazingly patient and supportive though this time.
“It is sad to see the end of an era, but the knowledge that the River of Life will bring new life to our mission and make good use of the building is a great consolation to us all.
“We’re delighted to pass it on to a new generation and hopefully many more generations to come.”
The River of Life will continue Christian worship there from this Sunday and Pastor Mark said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the congregation of St Mary’s Greyfriars’ for their generosity, warmth and helpful attitude towards the River of Life, over the past 20 months that we’ve been using their church hall for our Sunday services.”
The church stands on high ground, overlooking Dumfries, which was once the site of a small chapel erected by King Robert Bruce in memory of his brother in law Sir Chrystell Seton, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Its ruins could be seen until around 1715 and all that now remains is the small pillar at the top of the steps from the street, constructed from stones from the original building.
The adjacent graveyard is maintained and owned by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The present church’s foundation stone was laid on May 24, 1837, and it cost £2,520 to build and opened on November 17, 1839.
Pastor Mark added: “From the moment we moved our services from our initial building at the railway station, our numbers have steadily grown.
“This move to own the hall and the magnificent church too, comes at the perfect time.
“ We feel it’s a real privilege to continue the great work of St Mary’s, over almost two centuries.
“Our services may have a different style, but the message is the same – the good news of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.”
He added: “We’re planning to immediately make use of the church sanctuary for our 11am Sunday services.
“Our Kids Church and Little Wonders children’s activities will continue in the hall with fun, games and learning.”