A LONG standing church in Upper Annandale welcomed worshippers for the final time on Hogmanay.
Generation of parishioners from Kirkpatrick Juxta gathered for the church’s last service on New Year’s Eve, following the Church of Scotland’s decision to close the church.
Its congregation has united with St Andrew’s and Wamphray to form the Upper Annandale Parish Church, based in the former St Andrew’s in Moffat.
During the service led by the Rev Elsie Macrae, those gathered paid tribute to the place of worship over the years and there was also a christening.
News of the church’s closure has lead to past and present parishioners sharing memories and commiserations via social media, Shonagh Dalling wrote: “A very nice moving service this morning, an end of an era sadly.”
Colin Saunders posted: “A nice service and baptism by the minister. Sad for our family as father was elder for 50 years, fabric convener; uncles also elders and like many in the community, associated with the church for many generations – baptism, weddings, funerals and special services for many over the years. End of an era after 850 odd years.”
Kathleen Hyslop added: “It was a lovely service and so sad to see our little church close. So many memories.”
