PITMEDDEN CHURCH was founded in 1843, although the church itself was built in 1864 and the first service, as the United Free Church of Udny was held in 1865.
Architectural details — the church is built on raised ground in the centre of the village. Gothic rectangle in pink squared and stugged sandstone, of six bays divided by wall buttresses and lit by single lancets. There is a pointed arched entrance on the front gable, a clock and bell tower at the angle and decorative band of red and green slates. The interior has a U-plan gallery.
The founder Minister, Rev George Archibald, was ordained in January 1844 and his long and faithful service is commemorated on a tablet on the right hand side of the front wall in the worship area. The church has a fine stained glass triangular window which was gifted by him.
The second tablet found on the left hand side of the front wall, was dedicated by the congregation and friends to the second minister Rev George Abel.
The communion table is dedicated in memory of Rev Galloway who was the last Minister in Pitmedden prior to union with Udny Green. The union of the two churches took place in 1931.
Why did the union happen ? You can learn about some of the principal events in the history of the Church of Scotland on their website.
After the church was built in 1864, it remained unchanged until March 1993 when a Development Appeal began, which has since upgraded and transformed the building. A massive £220,000 was raised and the work began. This refurbishment was completed in three phases.
- Phase I - 1995 saw the demolition of the old vestry, purchase of land and the building of a new extension at the rear of the church.
- Phase II - Commenced shortly after phase I and involved repointing the exterior of the building, roof repairs and window repairs.
- Phase III - The internal works began, this consisted of adding the back reception area/crèche area, a meeting room, a kitchen and toilets.
The sanctuary was also transformed with the removal of the old pews and the introduction of upholstered wooden chairs. The area was painted in bold colours, it included the addition of the main focal point, a large wooden cross on the front wall with a smaller cross replicated on the rear wall. A new lighting system was installed, underfloor heating and carpet and also a new sound system which includes an inductive loop which delivers sound to the whole worship area and the back reception area.
The works were completed in 23rd December 2001, when a Rededication Service was held by Very Rev Prof Alan Main.
This brings us to the Church we have today
Thanks to the dedication of the Development Committee, Contractors, Church Members, Elders and our Ministers, we have a Church of which we are very proud. It is now a flexible building and is a warm and welcoming place to worship God and do so much more besides.
Why not come and see for yourself ?