news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
July 2008

From the Manse

Do you ever read autobiographies? I do occasionally, even though spelling the word makes my eyes go funny! There are a lot of these in our book stores and, just in case you are in any doubt - yes, these are life stories that people write about themselves. Perhaps already that speaks volumes! Politicians and those very much in the public eye are often the first to tell 'their life story' before some Fleet Street hack gets in first. There they are sitting in WH Smith smiling all the way to the bank as we queue up for our signed copy! Don't get me wrong, some of these life histories are very interesting and a good read, especially so when written by someone whose life experience and credibility can inspire others for the greater good.

With the imminence of Wimbledon, you might imagine then a little raising of the ecclesiastical eyes, when I read that a very talented young tennis player, by name of Andy Murray, has written his autobiography at the ripe old age of 21 years! Perhaps I've missed out, but at the age of 21, I was still in raptures about passing my Higher English and the rather lovely 'Miss' who marked it! It's not Andy Murray's 'fault' of course, just the encouragement of sponsors and financiers who see a potential buck to be made!

On the other hand, Jesus of Nazareth never wrote a book, yet more has been written about him than anyone else in world history. Jesus never travelled the world, yet he has more supporters worldwide than any other person, living or dead. As 'His' sponsors, let us encourage others to read what has to be the greatest biography ever written! In tennis parlance - it's Ace!

God Bless you and yours. Duncan

Parish Register

22nd June Jack Alexander and Luke James, twin infant sons of Mr and Mrs J Houlding, White Craigs, Fraser Road, Burghead

29th June Callum William, infant son of Mr and Mrs W Cowan, Morven, Dunbar St, Burghead

We extend our condolences to members of the family.

6th June Mrs B Wallace, Drayton House, Church Road, Alves

Guild

Alves Sunday, 13th July:- Strawberry Tea - Alves Church 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm

Sunday Services - Scripture Readings

A NEW list of Bible Readings for each of the services for the next three months is on the Notice Board at the church entrance. Anyone who would like to read a lesson during the service, please append your name to the sheet.

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 22nd July.

The Annals of Alves

The old parish church of Alves, which stands disused today in its God's acre, was built in 1769, and though long and narrow and plain it was one of the most graceful and attractive of this type of kirk.

The Old Statistical Account of 1793 tells us: "The tenant farmers are very industrious and their labours are amply rewarded by excellent crops. For centuries past they have raised wheat, and until lately a considerable proportion of their rents was paid to the Earl of Moray in that grain."

In this account the Rev. Mr McBean recorded that one family in the parish, the Andersons, had occupied the same farm for over 420 years. He also quoted a gravestone of 1590 in the kirkyard which read:

" Here lies Anderson of Pittensere, maire of the Earldom of Moray, with his wife Marjory, whilk him never displicit."

The minister rather shrewdly comments that this was surely " a very uncommon circumstance."

The minister who wrote the New Statistical Account of Alves in 1835 was the Rev. Alexander Gentle who "walked out" with practically his whole congregation at the Disruption in 1843 and founded Alves Free Kirk, the beautiful church south of the main road which is now the building in use. As a boy he fell down a long flight of stone steps and dislocated his thigh. In consequence of which he walked with a limp ever after. (to be continued)