THE Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, the Right Reverend Kevin Pearson, will lead a special service this Sunday to commemorate the consecration of All Saints Challoch in Newton Stewart.
The service which coincides with the Feast of Christ the King, will feature musical performances by local musicians and a choir, as well as the blessing of a unique textile panel sewn and embroidered by several members of the congregation over the past several months which features flora and fauna from Dumfries and Galloway.
The church service will start at 11am and welcoming visitors with the sound of the church’s newly refurbished bells, right on cue for this landmark event.
The church and rectory were bequeathed to the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, following the death of local landowner Edward James Stopford-Blair of Penninghame Estate in 1885.
All Saints has been recognised as one of the best examples of a small rural Victorian church and this year was shortlisted in the National Churches Trust Open for Visitors Award.
Lay representative, Gerry Ewan said: “We are extremely honoured that Bishop Kevin has agreed to lead this very special service. Our church has served the community extremely well throughout its long history and is still as relevant today as it has always been.
“We are very much looking forward to celebrating this landmark event on Sunday and welcome all who want to join us.”
The 150th anniversary service of All Saints Challoch will take place on Sunday November 20 at 11am.