Howmore Church refurbishment
The Congregation of the South Uist Church of Scotland held a formal service of rededication at Howmore Church, on Sunday, 22nd May.
Howmore Parish Church was built in 1858 by local crafts people and has Category B Listed Building Status. Set on a small hill, the church is visible from the sea and over the generations has become a reassuring point of reference for local fishermen.
Over the last two years, the Church has undergone a substantial programme of refurbishment works, with facilities made up to modern standards, with a new kitchen and a disabled access toilet. The work has all been completed by a small team of skilled local tradesmen, and although the church was ready last autumn, the rededication service had been delayed by the Covid 19 restrictions. Members of the congregation were welcomed by a selection of pipe tunes played by Liam Crouse.
The service was led by the Minister, the Rev Dr Lindsay Schluter, with contributions from the retired Minister, Rev Jackie Petrie, Fr Michael MacDonald, Martin Matheson, and two of the younger members of the congregation, Catriona and Sine Macleod.
During the service, members were invited to sit at a long central communion table, one of very few such tables still in use nationally.
When the formalities were completed, all were invited to join the congregation and share in a cup of tea and some celebration cake for what was described as ‘a truly a joyous afternoon’.
The project has been made possible by the generosity of the local community who have donated their time, enthusiasm and finance. However, the work could not have progressed without the grant funding provided by a dozen or so grant awarding organisations from Uist, Scotland and the UK as a whole.
One final but important element of the development is still outstanding; a small exhibition to display the Church’s history. Organisers have asked that anyone with stories or experiences that might enhance the exhibition contact Tommy MacDonald on 01870 620283 or email macdomhnaill@gmail.com.
The church building is open once again to welcome all who wish to visit.
