The following is an extract from "The Renovation of Ellon Parish Church" by the Reverend Stanley J. Raffan with photographs by John H. Cordiner, which was prepared to commemorate the Re-dedication of Ellon Parish Church on Sunday 29th. September 1968.
MINISTERS OF ELLON PARISH CHURCH SINCE THE REFORMATION
circa 1602-1604 John Herriott (First minister of the Reformed Church)
1605-1638 Robert Mercer
1638-1649 David Leitch
1649-1659 John Paterson
1660-1663 John Paterson
1664-1677 James Fraser
1678-1711 Walter Stewart (The last Episcopal minister)
1713-1744 James Burnett
1754-1774 Andrew Moir
1775-1797 James Milne
1798-1810 Thomas Tait
1811-1831 Robert Douglas
1832-1844 James Robertson, D.D.
1844-1859 William Brewster
1860-1862 Donald Dewar
1862-1872 James Smith
1872-1919 Thomas Young, D.D
1914-1923 William Colquhoun
1923-1947 Hamilton Dunnett
1948-1962 Alastair Gibson
1962- 1977 Stanley Raffan
1978-1998 Matthew Rodger
1999-2006 Eleanor Macalister
2006 to present Stephen Emery
THE SYMBOL STONE
Ellon Parish Church stands on a site that has been used for Christian worship at least as far back as the year 1132 when the earliest known reference is found in the "Book of Deer" (a 9th-10th century Manuscript). There may be some evidence of a much earlier connection with Christianity in what is known as the Pictish Symbol Stone which is to be found in the masonry of our church. Such stones are believed to be a relic of pagan worship, and their appearance in or near some old churches per- haps indicates where the first missionaries proclaimed the Gospel - just as St. Paul at Athens pointed to an altar bearing the inscription "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD", and said, "What you worship but do not know- this is what I now proclaim." The Ellon Symbol Stone had been used by previous builders without any thought as to its possible significance. It had been built into the north wall of the present church building on the right hand side of the window that is now the door at the new chancel end of the church. As it would have been completely covered by the building of the new North Wing it was decided to rescue it from complete oblivion and give it a place of greater prominence. The Symbol Stone has now been placed about five feet up in the stonework used to close the old east doorway of the church, and in a position below the large stained glass window.
CONNECTION WITH KINLOSS AND THE OLD NAME OF THE CHURCH
The Kirk and kirk lands of Ellon were conferred on the Cistercian Abbey of Kinloss in Morayshire by David I. About 1310 Robert the Bruce confirmed by charter to the Abbot of Kinloss the "advocatioun and donatioun" of the church of Ellon. The church and revenues belonged to the Abbey of Kinloss up to the time of the Reformation. From about 1516 to 1532 there are references to a prominent Abbot of Kinloss called Thomas Chrystal who took considerable interest in the church of Ellon (The name' Abbotshall' still survives in Ellon). It is recorded that Thomas Chrystal, the Abbot of Kinloss, "to the church he added many necessaries, such as roofing and pavement renewed; and some things ornamental. . . . a table of picture and statuary equal to that of the Blessed Mother and Virgin at Kynloss". The church at Ellon was known as St. Mary's up to 1947 when there was a union with St. Andrew's Church, and the church assumed the designation of Ellon Parish Church.
REMAINS OF THE PRE-REFORMATION CHURCH
The ancient church of Ellon which stood on the same site as the present building was cruciform in shape because two aisles or transepts had been added to the original building. There was a south aisle for the Bannermans of Waterton (and later the Forbeses); and there was a north aisle for the Cheynes of Arnage and Esslemont (and later the Rosses). Both of these aisles were used as places of burial for the respective families. There is fixed on the outside south wall of the present church building a very much weathered stone marking the site of the Waterton aisle. There was also placed on the north wall a white marble tablet marking the site of the Arnage aisle and the burying place of the Rosses. For some reason this tablet disappeared so that James Godsman in his history (1958) had to record "the tablet no longer exists". Strangely, however, this tablet turned up very recently. During the course of the renovation we replaced this tablet on the north wall of the church on what we hope is approximately its former position. All that now remains of the previous church is an elaborately carved, but very much weathered, memorial known as the Annand monument. This seems to have been part of the old Chancel wall. The Annand monument is situated in the graveyard a short distance from the east end of the church.
THE DEMOLITION OF THE PRE-REFORMATION CHURCH
After the Scottish Reformation of 1560 it seems that the church of Ellon stood neglected for about forty years. It required many repairs. Repairs recur again and again. The Records indicate that the Kirk Session had great difficulty in raising the necessary funds. (We seem to have heard of other Kirk Sessions in more modern times faced with the same problem). By 1737 the fabric of the church is in such a bad state of disrepair that a Session entry notes that it is agreed to erect a tent in the churchyard on Communion days "owing to the weakness of the lofts".
About another forty years were to pass, however, before it was finally decided to demolish the church and build a new one. A certain event which happened makes it look as if the Session and congregation were 'bulldozed' into making a decision about the old kirk. Apparently an old prophecy of Thomas the Rhymer foretold that on an Easter Sunday the kirk would "Collapse and that the catastrophe would be preceded by the perambulation of the kirk by a white bull". Sure enough on Easter Sunday 1776 a member of the congregation sitting in the gallery happened to look out of the window. Expecting the church to collapse any moment, he broke the window and let himself down by means of the bell rope. Apparently this produced such a panic that the kirk speedily 'skailed', while one old woman cried for help to dig her daughter ‘Oot o’ the redd o’ the kirk’ At the end of the day, however, it still took a demolition squad to knock down the old kirk and prepare the way for a new kirk.
THE BUILDING OF THE PRESENT CHURCH
17th April, 1776 - "It is agreed that there must be erected a new church capable of accommodating 1200. Several plans are submitted. That adopted is for one 80 feet by 40 within walls, at an estimated cost of £650 sterling, the materials of the old church being given. And so the present ungainly oblong, with an eye only to capacity, was reared, and was opened for service in 1777. (Thomas Mair - "Records of the Presbytery of Ellon. ")
CHURCH RENOVATION: 1967-68
Since the church was rebuilt in 1777 there have been a number of alterations made in the course of various renovations over the years. (1829, 1876, 1884, 1888 and 1907). Two of the best features of previous alterations which we are still fortunate to have in the church are the lovely wooden ceiling and the Two-Manual Harrison organ.
Prior to the most recent renovation of 1967 -68 it had become obvious for some considerable time that the church was again in need of major repairs. A thorough survey of the building was made in 1963. Among other things requiring attention, this special survey revealed the serious state of the gallery. A Renovation Committee, was appointed and given the increasingly time-demanding responsibility of supervising a major renovation and attending to a multitude of duties - countless letters, plans and meetings, not to mention the 'battle' against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world'-The Renovation Committee has discharged its many duties with exceptional diligence and in the face of many frustrations and difficulties over a period of five years. One all important stimulus has of course been the increasing interest and support of many members and friends of the congregation. At a special meeting of the Congregation on the 21st January, 1965, plans were submitted for approval. At that meeting it was agreed "That we go ahead with repairs and renovations to the interior of the church and the erection of a new porch at the West end and that the North Wing be reconstructed as soon as funds are foreseeably available". Early in 1968, during the course of the renovation, it was decided to carry out the reconstruction of the North Wing in order to provide additional and necessary accommodation of a Vestry, Choir Room and Session Room.
The work of renovation started in 1965 when the roof of the church was re-slated and certain repairs done to the outside walls. The major part of renovation was done during 1967-68. We vacated the church after the Services on the 3rd September, 1967, and held the Services in E1lon Academy Hall and the Church Hall, having the use of the church of St. Mary-on-the-Rock for Wedding and Funeral Services. A considerable saving in cost was achieved by the use of a very willing and enthusiastic band of voluntary workers who completely cleared the church by removing pulpit, pews, gallery and by filling in the old aisles with new flooring. Later voluntary work helped with the demolition of the old Vestry and Choir Room.
With the completion of the work by all the contractors the church has been wonderfully transformed. When the original letter of financial appeal was sent to members of the congregation in March, 1964, it was said, "it is generally agreed that the appearance, accommodation and atmosphere of the building could be greatly improved". At last this has been achieved. A plaque in the vestibule of the church records the fulfillment of a congregation's wishes and work. The picture below was taken in July 1965 when the roof was being reslated.
Before and After Renovation
1. The two dormer windows in the north side of the roof and chimney which were all removed during 1967-68
2. Vestry and Choir Room at the North side of the church (later demolished to make way for the new North Wing).
3. The small East Window (now enlarged for the stained glass window).
4. The East doorway (now built up).
5. The Annand monument on the left edge of picture.
Below is a last glimpse of the old interior as it was on 4 September 1967.
THE ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH
One justifiable complaint about the church prior to the renovation was the very poor and inadequate entrance that looked more like the entrance to a derelict cottage than to a church. This was the entrance at the North wall of the church, an entrance which came to be used more than the East or West doorways. On either side of this North entrance there was a small Choir Room (with boiler house underneath) and a Vestry. This was all demolished and replaced by a new North Wing with Choir Room, Session Room and Vestry.Permission was obtained to make the new main entrance to the church at the West end by opening the graveyard wall. Because of costs a certain amount of pre-cast concrete had to be used for the building of the new Entrance Porch.
THE GALLERY
The gallery across the West end of the church is completely new, replacing the old gallery which occupied three sides of the church (East, North and West). The frontage of the old gallery was preserved and incorporated in the new gallery. With the removal of the old gallery the very attractive wooden ceiling of the church is now shown to much greater advantage.
THE ORGAN
The organ was moved from its former position in the Apse of the South Wall to the gallery. The organ is a Two-Manual Harrison built in 1884. During the course of its removal to the gallery it was completely renovated and a number of modifications carried out to make it a better instrument.
THE MEMORIAL APSE
With the introduction of the Pipe Organ in 1884 this Apse was built on to the south wall of the church as an organ chamber. With the removal of the organ from this position we have now created a Memorial Apse in which we have placed the three brass War Memorial plaques which were formerly on three different walls of the church. The greatest memorial for mankind's salvation is depicted by the theme of the Apse windows and by the central Cross. The Cross is made of Burma teak. It was originally intended to have this Cross fixed on top of the roof of the new North Wing, but having tried it in this position the idea was abandoned because of its appearance in relation to the conical-shaped roof. The Renovation Committee then decided to have the bottom shaft of the Cross cut off so that it could be placed in its present position in the Memorial Apse.
THE PULPIT
With the removal of the organ from its original, position, the high pulpit which was attached to the front of the organ had to be demolished. A new pulpit was made by voluntary labour. The wood and the use of machines and workshop were donated by Messrs. William Bruce & Sons (Builders) Ltd., and Mr. Adam W. Skinner donated the metal work. Work on the pulpit was carried out by Mr. George Duncan and Mr. James Greig, and also by Mr. Stephen Burnett and Mr. Jack Smith. This donation of material, time and skill is not only much appreciated, but is also rather symbolic. We may not all feel called to preach the Gospel, but there is something we can all do to help with the preaching of the Gospel.
THE PULPIT FALL AND BIBLE MARKERS
The Pulpit Fall and the Bible Markers were embroidered by the Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey, Callow End, Worcester. They are the gift of Pluscarden Priory to Ellon Parish Church - a gift much appreciated both for itself and because it is a unique ecumenical gesture. Before we knew it was to be given as a gift we had asked that the motif for the new Pulpit Fall be the symbol of the World Council of Churches. This symbol consists of a boat with the Cross as the mast, and in a semi-circle the Greek word' oikoumene' meaning 'the whole inhabited earth' - a word that has given us the English word 'ecumenical'. For a number of reasons we thought this would be a rather appropriate symbol to keep in front of us in our renovated church. Summer 1968 marked the Fourth Assembly of the World Council of Churches at Uppsala in Sweden with its theme: "Behold, I make all things new." More important than that is the fact that here we have a visible reminder that the Church is much more than a building, even although it is so necessary to have a building to serve as a focal point for worship, witness and work. The Church has responsibilities that extend far beyond a building, and far beyond one particular parish - 'the world is our parish '.
The symbol of the boat is a very old Christian symbol to represent the Church with Jesus as Master of the vessel to "lead us o'er the world's tempestuous sea ". Perhaps it goes back to the days when Jesus sailed with his fishermen disciples and said to them, "Come with me, and I will make you fishers of men".
THE COMMUNION TABLE
Our old Communion Table although rather small was very much in keeping with the former very restricted choir area. With the creation of a new and very much more spacious Chancel area it became obvious that our old Communion Table would look rather 'lost'. It was decided that we could not put a very recent Legacy for the Fabric Fund to a better or more fitting memorial than the purchase of a long Communion Table. This was the legacy of one of our very esteemed Elders, the late Mr. William Joss. This legacy also enabled us to have all the Chancel furniture (Chairs, Lectern and Font) lightened to their original oak. Our old Communion Table has been placed in the new Session Room. The new Communion Table greatly enhances the Chancel area. A small plaque on it has this inscription:
“Dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of William Joss a faithful and generous Elder of Ellon Parish Church, who died 7th July, 1968."
THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
Undoubtedly one of the most striking and inspiring features of our 1967-68 renovation is the introduction of three stained glass windows. The large East window was made possible by a £1,000 legacy of the late William Kidd who during his life time also generously donated the three oak chairs for the Communion Table. A small plaque underneath the East window has this inscription:
"This East Window is dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of William Kidd who died 24th December, 1964, and who bequeathed the cost of the window. 29th September, 1968."
The two stained glass windows in what is now the Memorial Apse were donated by the late Mr. and Mrs. James Forbes and by an additional gift of their daughter Mrs. W. Scott, Dufftown. An inscription on a small plaque states:
"The two windows in this Apse are dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of Mr. and Mrs. James Forbes and their daughter Mildred. 29th September, 1968."
While we were fortunate in receiving the money for our three stained glass windows, we have also been fortunate in having a member of our own congregation, Mr. John S. Milne, D. A., who planned the original designs with artistic genius. The new windows were executed by Dom Ninian Sloane, O.S.B. and the monks of Pluscarden Priory. Both Mr. Milne and Father Ninian kindly agreed to our request to write an article on the windows for this booklet.
The Stained Glass Windows by John S. Milne, D.A. (Supervisor of Art, Aberdeenshire Education Authority)
The desire to create an atmosphere of reverence and humility provided the stimulus for the designs. I am much indebted to Dom Ninian Sloane of Pluscarden Priory and to his assistants for the brilliant development and interpretation of the first design sketches and for their skill, devotion and craftsmanship in the construction of the windows.
On entering the church the words "FATHER FORGIVE" shine down the aisle as an immediate reminder of the supreme sacrifice which forms the basis of Christianity. The semi-abstract concept permits the onlooker to make a personal interpretation as opposed to a clearly defined "picture" window leaving little to the imagination.
THE EAST WINDOW
The risen Christ, hands upraised bestows comfort, healing and peace on troubled mankind. Vertical shapes in the folds of the robe accentuate and complete the Cross forming the background. The human family kneels at the Saviour's feet. At the bottom left a woman raises her infant child for blessing, whilst immediately above another turns away her head. The centre panel contains male figures representing "everyman", their heads and hands in an attitude of repentance. On the right another woman looking upwards kneels in reverence.
The colour scheme of this group, dark in the lower area, rising to warmth and light is symbolic of man's salvation through forgiveness, whilst the lighter areas behind, representing Everlasting Light, emphasise the structural arrangement of the figures whose simple attire lends a timeless quality. Muted cool tones were considered advisable in the lower sections to minimise glare.
THE APSE WINDOWS
"This do in remembrance of Me". These two small lancets echo the motif of the large East window. The dimensions dictated a simpler and less realistic approach.
SOUTH EAST WINDOW
The hands of Christ hold aloft the chalice from which light streams upwards culminating in a circular arrangement of lines suggesting the crown of thorns against a subdued cruciform shape. The design of the chalice was influenced by the type in use during the early days of the Presbyterian Church. A predominantly blue colour scheme was chosen to harmonise with the large East window, as both are seen simultaneously on entering the church.
SOUTH WEST WINDOW OF APSE
In several slabs of vivid red orange glass are wheat heads. As in the other lancet light streams upwards from the hands "breaking the bread". Towards the circular thorn motif, and beneath the hands against cool greens, are an oval loaf of bread and two round portions bearing the Easter Cross. Extremely skilful faceting of the glass accentuates the warm brilliance.
The Stained Glass Windows by Dom Ninian Sloane, O.S.B. Pluscarden Priory.
The essence of glass is not to represent the scene in 'glorious Technicolor' but to represent the artist's vision through a screen of lead and glass, in this case Epoxy Resin and glass, as in faith one sees through the 'glass' only imperfectly - but the translation of an idea must always be so - the medium itself always obscures the original idea to some degree.
Verre d'Alle or 'glass flagstones', however, is a medium no other form of modern art can challenge for depth and richness of colour. Even on a grey day its resonant deep blues and intense rich browns and greens delight the eye, but, like all glass, it really comes into its own when blessed with sunlight - then one sees a modern medium that owes nothing even to the medieval pieces in Chartres, Le Mans or Notre Dame. For the one inch thick slab glass from which the windows are built cannot but be richer than the quarter inch thin plate glass that was all they had for almost nineteen hundred years; Faceting also gives an added dimension of modernity and beauty. This process is where the craftsman chips the glass to diamond-like planes that give quality to the rich spectrum of the fifty eight colours used.
The large East window took two monks and one lay assistant two months to build along with the two lancets in the south wall of the church - one designed around the chalice, and the other mirroring Ellon's golden fields of wheat and barley grown for the breaking of bread which has gone on within these walls for so many centuries.
GIFTS OF MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
The total renovation of the church cost approximately £22, 000 (including the re-roofing done in 1965). By September 1968 the congregation had raised about £18, 000. When one considers the large amount of money raised and also the large amount of money saved by voluntary work, it is a most notable achievement. We acknowledge with deepest gratitude and appreciation the offerings of so much money and such great efforts on the part of members and friends. We remember some who did not live to see the fruit of their labours and their givings. We also wish to acknowledge additional gifts that have been generously given to furnish and beautify the church. As well as gifts already mentioned in this booklet, the following gifts have been given:-
Amplifier System - the Woman's Guild.
Chairs for Session Room - members of the Kirk Session.
Chancel carpet - money transferred from Communion Linen Fund with the consent of the anonymous donor of this Fund.
Carpet for aisle and lino for floors of church - Mr. and Mrs. Willjam Bruce, Snr.
Clock for gallery and clock for Session Room - Mr. Norman Bruce.
Donation of £100 towards organ renovation and additional microphone (in memory of a faithful choir member) - anonymous.
Flower Stand for vestibule (in memory of Mae) - Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Scott.
Flower Stand - Mr. and Mrs. William A. Wildgoose.
Flower Stand and 4 Vases - Mr. and Mrs. David Low.
Mirror for Vestry - Mrs. M. McDonald.
Notice Board for Vestibule - Miss J. Simpson.
Plaque commemorating Re-Dedication of church - anonymous. Pew cushions - Sir Edward Reid.
Session Room and Vestry curtains - anonymous.
Settle in Vestibule - Mrs. Victoria Ingrams. Visitors' Hymn Books (50) - anonymous.
Visitors' Book (in memory of the Rev. James Lochore)
The following gifts previously given to the church still have an honoured place in the Chancel area of the renovated church:-
Pulpit Bible (in memory of Ann Elizabeth Dunnett) donated by John S. Dunnett.
Chairs for Communion Table - donated by William Kidd.
Lectern (in memory of Nathaniel Scott Russell) - donated by Margaret Russell.
Font (in memory of Professor A..B. Davidson)
Praise Boards - anonymous.
THE RENOVATION COMMITTEE
Rev. Stanley J. Raffan, B.D. (Convener)
Mr. William Bruce, Snr. (property Convener)
Mr. Frank M. Duguid, B. Sc. (Clerk to Congregational Board)
Mr. Alasdair W.S. Forman (Session Clerk)
Mr. Ian F. Fraser (Treasurer of Renovation Fund)
Mr. John S. Milne, D.A.
Mr. William Osborne (Church Treasurer)
Others who have served on the Renovation Committee:-
Former Session Clerk - Mr. George Low.
Former Clerk to Congregational Board - Mr. Victor S. Mowat.
Former Treasurers - Mr. George Cockburn, Mr. James Milne, and Mr. Harry Philip.
ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS
Architects: Herbert G. West and Associates, Aberdeen.
(Architect: David Kinghorn, Dip.Arch., A.R.I.B.A.)
Surveyor: Mr. J.G. Martin, A.R.I.C.S., Aberdeen.
Main Contractor: -Messrs. William Bruce & Sons (Builders) Ltd., Ellon.
Re-slating of Roof (1965): Messrs. Peter Guthrie & Sons, Peterhead.
Electrical Contractor: Mr. James Innes, Ellon.
Railings and Gates: Mr. A. Skinner, Ellon.
Carpets, Lino and Pew cushions: Messrs. J. Fraser, Ellon.
Organ Builders: Messrs. J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd., Ruislip.
