Monquhitter Church welcomes new session clerk
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After 50 years, Alistair Strachan stepped down from his role as Monquhitter and New Byth Parish Church’s session clerk.
Minister Reverend Jim Cook said: “Alistair and [his wife] Evelyn have done just about everything that needs doing in this church.
"He has worked hard to keep this place up and running and still open!
"There have been many changes here since Alistair first took on the role - not least quite a few Ministers have come and gone.
"I have been fortunate to have worked with Alister for about twenty of those fifty years.
"I happen to know of how hard he has worked not only for the Church, but for this community, and he was honoured for his hard work a few years ago by receiving a well deserved MBE.
"I also know that the one person whom Alistair has depended on greatly during all of this time is his lovely bride Evelyn.
"Between them, Alistair and Evelyn have done just about everything that needs doing in this church, especially these past two years of closure during the pandemic!
"This includes keeping the roll current and up to date, making sure that all of the proper forms are filled out and turned in when they are due, helping to make sure that things like coffee mornings, sale of work and carolling in the community all take place and are well attended.
“It takes a lot of hard, dedicated work to keep a church operating.
"This is what Alistair and Evelyn have been doing for us all of these years, and it has gone on without our notice because they make things look so effortless.”
In recognition of their dedication the couple were gifted a bench for their garden as well as a rose bush and crystal glass.
The session clerk vacancy has been filled by David Taylor, while Alistair continues in his capacity as church elder.
