Covid-19 crisis and worship
Mindful of the Governments guidance on social distancing, following the statement from the HE Cardinal Sarah yesterday in relation to the ceremonies of Holy Week, and taking into account the actions of many of the major Christian denominations, the trustees of the congregation have decided that until further notice all Masses will be private.
The daily Offices of Morning, Midday, & Evening Prayer will continue in their usual pattern .
The Mass will be offered in private as frequently as circumstances permit. The Town Bell will be rung five minutes before Mass is celebrated giving notice to the faithful that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is about to be offered for them.
T Ormond
Trustee, SC040685
20/03/20
Mindful of the Governments guidance on social distancing, following the statement from the HE Cardinal Sarah yesterday in relation to the ceremonies of Holy Week, and taking into account the actions of many of the major Christian denominations, the trustees of the congregation have decided that until further notice all Masses will be private.
The daily Offices of Morning, Midday, & Evening Prayer will continue in their usual pattern .
The Mass will be offered in private as frequently as circumstances permit. The Town Bell will be rung five minutes before Mass is celebrated giving notice to the faithful that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is about to be offered for them.
T Ormond
Trustee, SC040685
20/03/20
COMMUNION AND THE CORONAVIRUS
I have on my bookshelves somewhere in my study the bound volumes of the parish magazine of St Michael’s, Hill Square, Edinburgh from the period surrounding WWI. As a young server I remember discovering the Mass registers from St Michael’s in one of the cupboards by the confessional at All Saints, Tollcross. I was astonished by the Baptism numbers on Sundays but more intrigued at the communicant numbers at the High Mass. There was usually a communicant figure of one. The 0700hrs & 0800hrs Masses had relatively large numbers for what was a small church. Likewise, on major feast days the High Mass was at 0600hrs and no communicants but clearly lots of folk, organist, & choir. I asked Gordon Reid, our priest, why this was so. I was too young to remember such masses. The fact is that for many years this was the pattern. Many of the great Anglo-Catholic shrines had non-communicating High Masses on a Sunday. Folks made their communion at the earlier low masses.
As many of you know we have for the last two weeks only administered holy communion in one kind. I am writing this following the news that the diocese of Rome and others have stopped public masses as we move in time through the Coronavirus crisis. The comments from the Italian doctor on Radio 4 today emphasised our need in the UK to learn from Italy’s experience and act now to restrict movement and help stall the spread of this virus. That means restricting our movement and levels of communication.
It is time to act even though we are a small congregation. We will not stop the daily mass but only the named server on the rota will be in attendance. These Masses will in effect be private which is what is happening elsewhere. The Mass on Sundays and major Feast Days will be public. Masses from now on will all be non-communicating. The sacrifice of the Mass will be offered in just as full and effective way and we will maintain our tradition of pleading that great offering to God for ourselves and for the people of Dumfries.
I know that some folks will be unsettled by this, but we must do our bit to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. Let us all pray that we can get back to our settled routine by Easter.
11/03/20
Peregrine Falcon Spotted
25 August 2019
The church is providing a haven for wildlife in the town centre! A peregrine falcon has been using Greyfriars Kirk as a killing perch in the town centre (the bird is at the top of the pointed window in the steeple) and it is killing pigeons and gulls, as well as the occasional rat. Bob from Dumfries Camera Club spotted it and was taking photos.
25 August 2019
The church is providing a haven for wildlife in the town centre! A peregrine falcon has been using Greyfriars Kirk as a killing perch in the town centre (the bird is at the top of the pointed window in the steeple) and it is killing pigeons and gulls, as well as the occasional rat. Bob from Dumfries Camera Club spotted it and was taking photos.
THE FUTURE OF ST BRIDE’S/GREYFRIARS KIRK
A new exhibition showing the history of the Dumfries Burgh Church and looking at its possible future development will run throughout June and July.
The exhibition will show the fascinating history of the church, and the area surrounding it, and will also look at how the church might be preserved for future generations.
“This is an important and imposing building set in a key position at the top of the High Street. The congregation of St Bride’s have been in the church for ten years and are worried about the long-term viability of the building,” said Father Andrew Crosbie of St Bride’s. “We have been looking at ideas that could maintain the front half of the building as a functioning church that could generate income.”
The exhibition will be open three lunchtimes a week, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (12.00 to 3.00 pm) to give everyone who lives and works in Dumfries a chance to see it and leave a comment in the comments book. It will also give people an opportunity to see the interior of the church.
A new exhibition showing the history of the Dumfries Burgh Church and looking at its possible future development will run throughout June and July.
The exhibition will show the fascinating history of the church, and the area surrounding it, and will also look at how the church might be preserved for future generations.
“This is an important and imposing building set in a key position at the top of the High Street. The congregation of St Bride’s have been in the church for ten years and are worried about the long-term viability of the building,” said Father Andrew Crosbie of St Bride’s. “We have been looking at ideas that could maintain the front half of the building as a functioning church that could generate income.”
The exhibition will be open three lunchtimes a week, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (12.00 to 3.00 pm) to give everyone who lives and works in Dumfries a chance to see it and leave a comment in the comments book. It will also give people an opportunity to see the interior of the church.
Press Release 12 June 2019
New Interpretation panel and Church notice board
A new interpretation board at St Bride’s/Greyfriars is due to be unveiled by Tracy Little, Provost of Dumfries, and Dr Elaine Murray, Leader of Dumfries & Galloway Council at St Bride’s/Greyfriars at 12.45 on Wednesday 12 June.
The interpretation board will show an artist’s impression of how the Greyfriars Friary might have looked, gleaned from contemporary descriptions, and the history of Maxwell’s Castle, where St Bride’s now stands. It has been partly funded by the congregation and by the Dumfries Common Good Fund.
“This area of Dumfries is historically significant in terms of the history of Scotland, and visitors should be given information as possible about the original sites and buildings that stood here,” said Father Andrew Crosbie of St Bride’s Church. “The congregation are very proud of the origins of their building, and we hope that this new interpretation board will promote more awareness of the area, and the part it played in the development of a modern Scotland.”
Ends.
Notes to Editors
1. Photographers and press are very welcome to attend the event.
2. Digital images of the board can be sent if needed.
3. More information on the Dumfries Common Good Fund can be found here: https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/15152/Common-Good-Funds
4. More information about St Bride’s can be found on the website: https://www.greyfriarsdumfries.com/
New Interpretation panel and Church notice board
A new interpretation board at St Bride’s/Greyfriars is due to be unveiled by Tracy Little, Provost of Dumfries, and Dr Elaine Murray, Leader of Dumfries & Galloway Council at St Bride’s/Greyfriars at 12.45 on Wednesday 12 June.
The interpretation board will show an artist’s impression of how the Greyfriars Friary might have looked, gleaned from contemporary descriptions, and the history of Maxwell’s Castle, where St Bride’s now stands. It has been partly funded by the congregation and by the Dumfries Common Good Fund.
“This area of Dumfries is historically significant in terms of the history of Scotland, and visitors should be given information as possible about the original sites and buildings that stood here,” said Father Andrew Crosbie of St Bride’s Church. “The congregation are very proud of the origins of their building, and we hope that this new interpretation board will promote more awareness of the area, and the part it played in the development of a modern Scotland.”
Ends.
Notes to Editors
1. Photographers and press are very welcome to attend the event.
2. Digital images of the board can be sent if needed.
3. More information on the Dumfries Common Good Fund can be found here: https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/15152/Common-Good-Funds
4. More information about St Bride’s can be found on the website: https://www.greyfriarsdumfries.com/
Press release: 4 April 2019
Riverside Explorers Scout Unit find a new Home
The newly revived and renamed “Riverside Explorers Unit” were welcomed to their new meeting place at the Centenary Hall under St Bride’s Church (Greyfriars) in Dumfries town centre today.
The Scout unit was revived after a 10-year spell of inactivity, thanks to the efforts of District Commissioner Craig McEwen and District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Evan Kier. The Scouts have spent the past few months decorating their new home, as part of the 150-year centenary celebrations at St Bride’s.
“We are delighted that our hard work has paid off, and we now have a bright and comfortable space for our meetings,” said Evan Kier. “This has been many years in the planning, but the Explorers are now back in Dumfries.”
“The congregation of St Bride’s were keen to offer the space to a youth group in order to support the Scottish Government’s theme of the Year of Young People last year”, explained Father Andrew Crosbie. “It is good to see the Centenary Hall being used on a regular basis.”
Explorers are aged between 14-18, and any young person keen in getting involved can contact dumfriesshire@swscouts.scot for more information.
The image shows (L-R) Father Andrew Crosbie, Evan Kier and Craig McEwen outside the front of the church.
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Riverside Explorers Scout Unit find a new Home
The newly revived and renamed “Riverside Explorers Unit” were welcomed to their new meeting place at the Centenary Hall under St Bride’s Church (Greyfriars) in Dumfries town centre today.
The Scout unit was revived after a 10-year spell of inactivity, thanks to the efforts of District Commissioner Craig McEwen and District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Evan Kier. The Scouts have spent the past few months decorating their new home, as part of the 150-year centenary celebrations at St Bride’s.
“We are delighted that our hard work has paid off, and we now have a bright and comfortable space for our meetings,” said Evan Kier. “This has been many years in the planning, but the Explorers are now back in Dumfries.”
“The congregation of St Bride’s were keen to offer the space to a youth group in order to support the Scottish Government’s theme of the Year of Young People last year”, explained Father Andrew Crosbie. “It is good to see the Centenary Hall being used on a regular basis.”
Explorers are aged between 14-18, and any young person keen in getting involved can contact dumfriesshire@swscouts.scot for more information.
The image shows (L-R) Father Andrew Crosbie, Evan Kier and Craig McEwen outside the front of the church.
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Press Release: 24 February 2019
St Bride's is currently researching the possibility of developing the back of the church for housing for vulnerable groups. We are especially interested in supporting the Council's long-term plan to bring more people to live in the town centre. We want to preserve the iconic front of the building, and maintain this part of the building as a centre for Christian worship. The rear of the building has space for around 18 one and two bedroomed flats. The Trustees and congregation of St Brides are very pleased that Dumfries & Galloway Council's Communities Committee decided to support the research project with funding from the Town Centre Living Fund
We will be continuing to update this website with news about the project and we will be running community events to ensure that everyone is kept up-to-date.
Press release: 22 November 2018
St Bride’s Church, Dumfries, is proud to host a double celebration on St Andrew’s Day 2018.
The building, known as Greyfriars Kirk, will be 150 years old on 30 November. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the centre of the town providing a dramatic backdrop to the Robert Burns statue and Dumfries High Street. It is also the Burgh Church of Dumfries with the first church opening on this site in 1727. The present church was opened in 1868.
The church was rescued from dereliction ten years ago by the Anglican congregation who were determined to restore the building back to its original purpose of Christian worship. There are a number of events being held to celebrate this double anniversary.
Evensong and Benediction will be held on the eve of St Andrew’s Day at 6 pm on 29 November. During the day of 30 November, there will be a Rosary for Scotland at 12.00, and a Sung Mass at 3 pm with a sermon by The Reverend David McCarthy, Rector of St Thomas’, Edinburgh.
In the evening at 6.30 pm, the Dumfries Town Band will be performing Songs of Praise with a guest preacher, The Right Reverend Andy Lines, Bishop with Pastoral care of the Scottish Anglican Network.
“We are delighted to have reached such a significant milestone in the life of the church and we welcome everyone to join with us to celebrate many more years of St Bride’s Church”, said Father Andrew Crosbie, priest at St Bride’s Church who spearheaded the saving of the building ten years ago.
“This is an important milestone for such a landmark building and we hope to continue to worship in the town centre for many more years.”
St Bride’s Church, Dumfries, is proud to host a double celebration on St Andrew’s Day 2018.
The building, known as Greyfriars Kirk, will be 150 years old on 30 November. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the centre of the town providing a dramatic backdrop to the Robert Burns statue and Dumfries High Street. It is also the Burgh Church of Dumfries with the first church opening on this site in 1727. The present church was opened in 1868.
The church was rescued from dereliction ten years ago by the Anglican congregation who were determined to restore the building back to its original purpose of Christian worship. There are a number of events being held to celebrate this double anniversary.
Evensong and Benediction will be held on the eve of St Andrew’s Day at 6 pm on 29 November. During the day of 30 November, there will be a Rosary for Scotland at 12.00, and a Sung Mass at 3 pm with a sermon by The Reverend David McCarthy, Rector of St Thomas’, Edinburgh.
In the evening at 6.30 pm, the Dumfries Town Band will be performing Songs of Praise with a guest preacher, The Right Reverend Andy Lines, Bishop with Pastoral care of the Scottish Anglican Network.
“We are delighted to have reached such a significant milestone in the life of the church and we welcome everyone to join with us to celebrate many more years of St Bride’s Church”, said Father Andrew Crosbie, priest at St Bride’s Church who spearheaded the saving of the building ten years ago.
“This is an important milestone for such a landmark building and we hope to continue to worship in the town centre for many more years.”
PRESS RELEASE: 7 September 2018
St Bride’s Church Ltd have been today awarded £103,000 from the Dumfries & Galloway Council Town Centre Living Fund to help with the costs of converting a once-derelict building into four rentable properties.
47 Castle Street, one of Dumfries’ most important A-listed buildings, was lying empty and derelict after its property developer owners went bust. Castle Street is an important street in the town’s Conservation area and Number 47 was derelict for several years. The charity has worked tirelessly to renovate the building and will use the Council grant to finish work on the gable end of the building and complete the flats.
“We are very pleased that Dumfries & Galloway Council have chosen to support us in our efforts to provide more rental properties in the town centre of Dumfries”, said Father Andrew Crosbie, one of the charity’s trustees. “We have worked closely with the Council’s conservation officer and planners, and we are delighted that our project has met with universal approval from elected members.”
“It is our firm belief that Dumfries does benefit from having more people living in the town centre, and we know our efforts will support the regeneration of the town.
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. St Bride’s Church Ltd also own and manage Greyfriars Kirk, Church Crescent, one of the most iconic buildings in Dumfries, providing the stunning backdrop to the Burns Statue. St Bride’s have also renovated and re-opened Rugman’s Hall at 92 Whitesands. St Bride’s Church Ltd is a limited company, registered with the Office of Scottish Charity Regulator as a charity (SC 040685) Company number: SC362396.
2. Details on D&G Council’s Town Centre Living Fund can be found here: http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/17435/Town-Centre-Sites
