Kemnay Church building has seen many changes over its history, the replacement of the building itself about 170 years ago followed by changes to the interior.  A connecting passage between the galleries was removed while the Chancel and North Window and Organ alcove added. The arrangements of pews have changed over the years with the removal of some to provide more space at the front of the Chancel and under the East Gallery. Some years ago a new lighting system was provided and more recently a disabled toilet, new windows and doors at the Session House.  We are not strangers to change at Kemnay with each generation seeking to provide something better for the next.

The next stage of improvement of the building started on Wednesday 24 September. Already pews have been removed and internal changes made. Wiring for new lighting and AV system will start soon along with the installation of a new heating system.  Oak and glass screens are being made at the contractor’s workshop while paints and carpets are being ordered.  New chairs are being manufactured in readiness of the work being completed. The Organ builders are preparing to come into the church once the dust is settled and work done to provide a clean and overhaul.

The whole project has been warmly welcome by the worshipping congregation. Those who are there Sunday by Sunday are now looking forward to a brighter and more comfortable building that will be warmer and more welcoming.
 
It is hoped the work will be completed sometime around Christmas and a Service of Dedication will follow sometime into the New Year when the Organ is back in service. Meantime Services are being held in the Church Centre each Sunday with new arrangements for children during the 9.30 am Service. Please continue to pray for the Project Group as it deals with day to day issues connected with the refurbishment. Pray also that God will use the skills of the craftsmen involved as they work to provide us with a building worthy of God.
 

Over the past few months a great deal of activity has taken place for the Church Project.

FUNDRAISING: Quite a number of members have taken up the opportunity of making one off donations and also new Gift Aid donations. This along with general fundraising through the Car Boot Sales and a Wine and Wisdom evening have helped to boot our funds. We have also received a £10,000 grant from NTrust, a £3000 reduction in central allocations of the Church of Scotland and a gift of £10,000 from Mr Alan Hart in the memory his wife Elsie who was our Attached Reader. The fundraising group would wish to thank everyone who has supported the Project so far for their generosity. There is still an opportunity to contribute by Gift Aid on a monthly basis or through a ‘one off ‘ gift. Contact our Gift Aid Conveners Mr and Mrs J Thomas.

TENDERS: The architects and quantity surveyors have now prepared information to send out to building companies for Tenders for the work. It is hoped we will have a clearer idea of the way forward by the end of May and at that time all information available will be taken to the Congregational Board.

DATE FOR STARTING WORK: This depends on the chosen builder, however since it is unlikely the work could start immediately and it is probable the builders would prefer to work inside in the autumn and because there are a number of weddings over the summer the Board has agreed to postpone work until the early autumn.
 

For almost two years now Kemnay Parish Church of Scotland has been seeking approval for work to be done in the Church building at Fraser Place. We are pleased that approval has now been given locally from the Church Congregational Board, responsible for financial and fabric matters, regionally by the Presbytery and now nationally by the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland. This means the work of making improvements to the building can proceed.

The Church building in Kemnay is used very much by the community for school visits as well as parish funerals and weddings.  It is a valuable asset to our village life. You may remember a time when you have gained solace at a service or joined family and friends for a celebration. Apart from small charges for music and cleaning of the Church, the services of minister and the use of the building are free to all who live within the Parish. 

Work has already been carried out to provide disabled access, a disabled toilet and to replace some wooden windows. The next stage includes providing improved heating and lighting as well as seating. There will be better audiovisual equipment for use in services. In all, the plans aim to make the building more attractive and comfortable.

One of the things we agreed at the outset was that nothing of architectural value would be changed and whatever was done would be sympathetic with what is one of the most attractive churches in the North East of Scotland. Many people have been pleasantly surprised with what was done with the old church halls on the hill when they were transformed into a modern Church Centre with coffee bar and halls that are in regular use for community groups and family celebrations. The same high standards of furnishing finishes will be used at the Church building at Fraser Place. 

All of this will cost a great deal. The Congregation have been fundraising and have raised about 27% of the cost through a number of events. About 30% will come from funds set aside for a special project such as this. This means about 43% of the cost is still to be found. The Congregation are being invited to contribute to the work this month. It was also felt that there might be members of the community who would also like to support this work and help provide better facilities for the community of Kemnay. If you would like more information about how you can help, please contact us:

Church office 01467 643883   kemnay.church@btconnect.com

or Dr Sheila Simpson:  sheila@timeless-images.co.uk

Alterations giving flexible layouts