Laich of Moray Parish Church (formerly Lossiemouth Church of Scotland)

We, the Kirk Session of Lossiemouth Church of Scotland (LCS), are providing the information below to try and give a clear and open update on several important matters concerning our church and the former St Gerardine’s Church building.

We understand there has been much discussion and, at times, misinformation within the community, and we want to ensure you have the facts from our perspective.

This article aims to clarify our efforts regarding the sale of St Gerardine’s, our role in that process, how any future proceeds might benefit LCS, and our current financial situation, especially in light of the proposed union with the Parish of Duffus, Spynie, and Hopeman (DSH).

The Journey of Selling St Gerardine’s

The process of selling the former St Gerardine’s Church building has been a long and, at times, challenging one. The General Trustees of the Church of Scotland approved the movement of the building back in February 2024. Since then, we have worked diligently to prepare the building, including emptying it of contents, with some items like the defibrillator and fire extinguishers already removed. We also confirmed the location of the wooden carved German herdsman (now in the local library) and the 2000 Time Capsule in the church grounds.

The property was initially valued at £150,000 by an RICS surveyor and marketed at “offers over £150,000”. We received our first offer in late May 2025, with proposed purchaser having the stated intention of retaining it for community use. Based on advice, it was rejected to allow more time on the market. By mid-June, there were 10 notes of interest, leading to a closing date of June 24th.

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The following is the text of a letter sent by our minister to members and adherents of both congregations, dated 26 November 2023. [NOTE: This post was originally published on 27 November 2023 and republished on 12 January 2024 so as to ‘bump’ the information to the top of the website].

Minister’s Letter – Sunday 26th November 2023 – Lossiemouth Church of Scotland

Dear Friends,

The union of St. Gerardine’s High and St. James’ Parish churches will become effective on 1st January 2024.

I would like to ensure that you are up to date with arrangements in advance of the new year.

As we look forward to the union of the parishes, it is important to understand that the two uniting parishes, their histories and heritages continue into the new relationship. This is a coming together of the parishes which is best understood as a marriage rather than a new birth.

The newly united parish will be known as Lossiemouth Church of Scotland.

Weekly Sunday services will be held in the current St. James’ building at 10am.

The united Kirk Session will consist of the elders currently serving on St. Gerardine’s High and St. James’ Kirk Sessions. Members of the united Kirk Session will be the local charity trustees of Lossiemouth Church of Scotland.

As Lossiemouth Church of Scotland will be operating under a Unitary Deed of Constitution there will be no Congregational Board.

The Kirk Session will be responsible for all matters; spiritual and temporal.

It is possible for the Kirk Session to proceed without delegating any of its work, but I think this would be a missed opportunity.

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