Kirkyard's First Service for 60 Years

Wednesday April 23 2014

A mediaeval north-east churchyard that has lain largely untouched for more than 60 years played host to a special service on Easter Sunday.

Dozens of worshippers attended the ceremony at the Old Kirkyard in King Edward, which is believed to be one of the earliest Christian sites in Aberdeenshire.

The event, which was blessed with blue skies and sunshine, was jointly organised by the linked parish churches of King Edward and Banff.

The service started a morning of activities for Easter in the Banffshire settlement.

The Rev David Locke, who conducted the ceremony, said: “The last service held at the church was in 1848, when the congregation moved into the present building.

“The kirkyard has been preserved, to some extent, ever since. I know there was a centenary service in 1948, but that’s really the last time it was used."

Mr Locke said the two churches always organised something special for Easter Sunday and this year, it was King Edward’s turn to host.

“We thought having it at the kirkyard was a symbolic way to connect to history,” he said. “We had a great turnout, with more than 60 people. It was a really special morning.”

The service was followed by a breakfast in the King Edward Community Hall and a Family Service in King Edward hurch.

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