We worshipped Sunday at one of the oldest churches in Britain, right around the corner from our B and B, dating back to the sixth century. There was a famous battle fought there in 1010, as the Danes tried to conquer the Scots. As the story goes, the Scottish King for victory and told God if they won he would expand the church by three spear lengths. They won the battle and he did as he had promised. Three lancet windows commemorate the Scottish victory and the three spear lengths.
In the center of the cemetery is a stone memorializing the battle.
Inside the vestry are stones from the sixth century marking the Pictish ancestry of the area.
Worship was interesting--no notes in the hymnbooks, we stood for all the hymns but not until the verrry last second, then popped up all together.
They have communion twice a year and this was one of them. Distribution was in the pews, in silence, and a bit like a "tea service." The pews were lined with white clothes in honor of this important day.
I took a few notes from the sermon, so if I break into a Scottish brogue you'll know I'm quoting him.
He gave me some good advice after worship : "There is no bad whisky; some is just better." Aye, I'll raise a wee dram to that!
The people warmed up slowly to us...but Karen soon had them charmed and they became very talkative. The interim pastor told us quite a bit of the church's history.
We even had coffee and tea! It was a lovely morning.
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