Deconsecration of St James Church in Dingwall marks the end of an era
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THE closure and sale of St James’ Church in Dingwall, the town’s only Scottish Episcopal place of worship, is being lamented.
However St James’ priest, the Reverend Julia Boothby said the church remains committed to ministry in Dingwall in new ways.
St James Church was deconsecrated last week, but the general congregation could not be invited to the special service because of health and safety concerns over the state of the building.
The St James’ shared a joint congregation with St Anne’s Church in Strathpeffer, and services alternated between the two buildings for more than 20 years.
Rev Boothby, who remains priest of St Anne’s, said: “The cost of maintaining the two buildings is no longer viable, after a building report on St James’ in 2019 revealed the need for extensive repairs which were beyond the means of the congregation.”
A decision to sell the building was taken.
Rev Boothby added: “Sadly, given health and safety concerns about St James’, the congregation has not been able to worship in the building since September 2021.
“For the same reason, it was not possible to hold a thanksgiving service with the full congregation in the building to mark the de-consecration, and instead the Bishop led the de-consecration service before just five people.”
The congregation were kept informed, she said.
Regarding the future she said: “While the loss of a building is sad and can be painful, we remain very committed to ministry in Dingwall in new ways.
“The development of an ecumenical town centre chaplaincy is exciting, and we will be on the High Street in Dingwall on the Saturdays in December offering tea, coffee, chat and prayer.
“The chaplaincy is also manning the warm space in the community centre in Dingwall on Mondays, and we encourage everyone and anyone to join us for warmth, coffee and a chat.
“In addition a healing garden for the local community is planned for St Anne’s, reflecting the village’s spa history, and the congregation will continue to meet there weekly for worship at 10.30am.”
One church member said she thought there had been a lack of information about the closure in the general public or on social media, adding: “It seems very sad that there will no longer be an Anglican Church town, and this will be a great loss to the community. It is the only Episcopal church in Dingwall and St James has a long history here.”
