We had a good sized congregation for our Easter Sunday service – it was lovely to see such a crowd. Roy had set up an Easter egg hunt for the children and I am sure there must have been some full tummies before lunch!
The church looked lovely as you will see from these photos.
Irene Lukkarinen has kindly sent some photos of Orphanage old boys and girls who attended the service on 12th November 2017.
Left to right, Bobby Balgowan, Margaret Morrison nee Balgowan, Avril Herald nee Clark, Ina Mcguire nee Reside, Binky Lincoln, Catherine Marri Lovie nee Dingwall, George Knight and Mr Rainey
We were delighted to hear of the safe arrival of Otto Findlay, a new son for our German friends Christian and Kerstin Lontzek and a brother for Mathilde. We wish them all the very best and hope to meet Otto in person in 2018.
On Sunday 12th November, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mrs Clare Russell, unveiled a panel in the church depicting the life in the former Aberlour Orphanage. This was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Orphanage in 1967. It also conceded with Remembrance Day.
Mrs Russell unveils the panels
Mrs Russell chats with former Orphanage residents and their families
Visitors look up entries in the church records
The Last Post is played
The war memorial with wreaths laid by the Lord Lieutenant, local Scouts and the congregation
We were delighted when Christian and Kerstin Lontzek came from their home in Halberstadt, Germany to spend three months in Aberlour. Christian had found us two years ago when he and a friend camped in their car outside St Margaret’s and came to our service. He returned last year with his wife Kerstin and then in July this year he and Sebastian Schmook, the other half in their duo of Pipe meets Organ, gave a wonderful concert in St Margaret’s.
In September Christian and Kerstin brought their daughter Mathilde and have been part of our congregation, bringing joy and music to our services. On Sunday, the Rev Roy Vincent conducted a service of blessing in St Margaret’s for their daughter Mathilde.
Diocesan Coat of Arms