St Peters Episcopal Church
Townsend Place, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 1HB
01592 206099
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St Peters Episcopal Church
Townsend Place, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 1HB
01592 206099
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Events in 2011
Gladys died on 27 November, two weeks before her 92nd birthday, after a short
stay in hospital. She was a faithful member of St Peter's, and had last
attended church only a few weeks before, accompanied by her son David and daughter
Pamela.
Born in Dorset on 10 Dec 1919, Gladys Stephens married Hugh Thomson
in 1943 and settled in Kirkcaldy. Both were stationed at Donibristle Airfield
during the Second World War.
David, born in 1944 and Pam, in 1946, were baptised
and confirmed in St Peter's, where Gladys was at first a member of the choir.
In 1948, she found her true role in joining the Mother' Union and helping with its
organisation.
In 1970 Hugh retired and the family moved to Melrose. There,
they joined Holy Trinity church, where Gladys became the flower convenor and
sang in the choir.
Hugh's death in 1982 brought the family back to Kirkcaldy,
where Gladys was received back into the Mother's Union with open arms. As she became
older she had to reduce her commitments, but continued to do as much as she was able for
the benefit of St Peter's. She will be remembered by the congregation with great
affection.
On 6 December, her body will be taken to Melrose, to be buried beside
that of Hugh, in Holy Trinity churchyard.
She is succeeded by David, Pam, two granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.
This event, fun for adults and children alike, took place on Friday evening,
18 November. There were two prizes, one for guessing the name of a model snowman,
the other for scoring the highest number of points in the competition. Although
everyone tried their best (helped by snacks and wine or juice ) the prizes
went to two children, Kiana Mackie and Amber Pollock. It was a very enjoyable
evening, just the right thing to put everyone in the mood for Christmas.
The following show some of those who took part.
A labyrinth is an ancient concept common to many faiths. It is a quiet
space set aside for reflection, for prayer or for meditation. On Saturday,
3 September, a labyrinth for St Peter's was set up in pebbles, mostly by
the younger members of our church family. It will be replaced later by a
more permanent construction, but it was built in time to be a special
feature of interest for the 'Open Day' which took place on the following
afternoon. Some of the constructon team are shown below.
At 4pm on Sunday 18 September, Bishop David, representatives from other churches and guests joined the congregation in this service of thanksgiving and dedication. During the sevice, accounts of the church were given from four different viewpoints; its history, the present life of its congregation and Sunday school and its vision for the future. The stained glass window designed by local artist Carole Robinson was unveiled by the bishop and the congregation took part in a litany of dedication to God's mission. Later, wine and a finger buffet were served in the hall.
This concert on Saturday evening, 3 September, was part of St Peter's bicentennial celebrations. It was given almost entirely by members of the church. The only exception was the group 'Pink Champagne', of which Eleanor Hubbard is a member. They sang extracts, which ranged from classical opera to George Gershwin, while Eleanor's solo items were similarly varied. We are very fortunate in St Peter's in having so much musical talent, so that performances by Rob Maguire on the violin, Phil Keir on the piano and songs by Len Coles were also much appeciated. The audience also enjoyed two lighthearted recitations by Jim Rogerson. Most impressive of all were the performances of two of our youngest members, sisters Megan and Shona Briers. Megan (age 10) played two pieces, one on the organ and one on the cello, while Shona (age 7) rounded off the concert by accompanying on the violin the audience singing 'Happy birthday' to St Peter's.
Irene's death on 13 July was an occasion of great sadness
to everyone. She, with Edward, who died barely four months ago, had
touched the lives of so many people.
Their hospitality, warm friendship and practical good sense was
well remembered by everyone present at the service.
Irene was born in 1921 in Macduff, Banffshire, attended Aberdeen University, taught
English at Stirling High School for some time before becoming matron
of a children's home back in Aberdeen, where she met Edward, at that
time the Junior Childcare Officer. After their marriage in 1956,
Edward's career entailed a move to Yeovil, where their daughter Rachel
was born, then to different parts of the country, before a final
posting to Kirkcaldy in 1971.
There, they joined St Peter's and Irene resumed her teaching career.
Apart from supporting Edward in the annual plant sale, she baked
regularly for church events, read in church, served frequently
on the vestry and edited the church magazine for several years.
She continued to contribute articles to the magazine, handing her latest
one to Carol only a few days before her death.
She also wrote letters in support of Amnesty International's campaigns for
prisoners of conscience, and maintained her intellectual curiosity with the
support of the Fife U3A
She had a well stocked library and lent books freely to friends.
It was one of these that launched the present prayer and study group.
In spite of being so active, Irene had an air of great calm,
always having time for anyone who approached her.
It is fitting that her ashes (eirene is the Greek word for peace) will
lie with those of Edward in St Peter's Peace Garden.
At the service, Eleanor Porter read an extract from 'Middlemarch', one of
Irene's favourite novels. Tributes were paid by a cousin, John Gordon,
and by Carol Latimer. Another cousin, also John Gordon, read the
Lord's Prayer in Doric.
She is succeeded by Rachel and her granddaughter Kirsty.
On Sunday, 24 July, we welcomed Bishop David to the 10.30 service. Along with the
facilitators Margaret Dineley and Richard Evans, he came to launch Peter's
"Mission Action Plan", a statement of the aims and objectives of the church for
the years ahead and part of the "Casting the Net" program of the diocese.
During the service, he also commissioned members of the vestry who have undertaken
pastoral care of members of St Peter's who live in their vicinity.
The
pictures below show Margaret, Richard and the bishop chatting with members of the
congregation and enjoying the cake specially baked for the occasion.
This year there were two celebrations, one on the actual date,
Wednesday, 29 June and one on the following Sunday, 3 July.
On Wednesday afternoon a Sung Eucharist was held, followed by
aftenoon tea. An invitation was extended to everyone who
normally had difficulties in getting to St Peter's.
A bus,specially adapted for wheelchairs, was hired
for the purpose.
During the service, there was aso a presentation to Harry
Wall for all of his services to the church, too many to mention, but ranging from
serving on the Vestry to maintaining the electrical systems, often involving
dangerously high ladders.
On Sunday, the normal St Peter's Day service was held at 10.30, followed by a buffet
lunch served in the hall.
On Saturday, 25 June, starting at 7pm, a concert was given in the church by members of Fife opera. It consisted of a variety of extracts from different operas. Some of its younger members had been given the opportunity to take part and the audience was greatly impressed by the exceptional standard of their individual performances. It was also visually appealing, all of the performers appearing in full evening dress. Proceeds from the concert were shared between Fife Opera and St Peter's.
On Saturday, 21 May, over 130 members of churches from all
over the diocese
took part in this annual event at St Ninian's Cathedral in
Perth. The day consisted of workshops on many different topics,
including art, music, yoga, methods of meditation and prayer,
Benedictine practices - even breadmaking.There were also discussion
groups led by Bishop David.
Everyone who took part found it
stimulating and thought provoking.
Lunch at the Ramada Jarvis
Hotel provided an opportunity to socialise. The day ended about 3.30pm
with a moving celebration of the Eucharist.
If you were unable to
attend, keep a lookout for the date of next year's event.
For more
information and photographs, click on
the Diocesan website.
On Sunday, 24 April, Easter was celebrated at the 9.15am
and 10.30am services. They were well attended, the sun shone,
and everyone appreciated the joyous music, especially the solo
sung by Eleanor Hubbard. Hot cross buns and coffee were served
after the 10.30 service, with Easter eggs for the children. Proceeds
from the cake and candy stall and the tombola stalls held on the previous
Sundays will go towards our bicentenary celebrations.
The picture of Gareth shown below was taken on Mothering Sunday.
David died on 16 March, aged 52, after suffering for some time
from an incurable ilness. Although not unexpected, his death
was a source of great sadness to the congregation, because David
was a quiet, gentle person, liked and respected by everyone.
In the eulogy read by his sister Lesley, we learn how he was valued
as a son, a brother and an uncle. To his neices, David was 'great fun'.
As children, he would take them to explore the beach and later show them magic tricks.
As recreation from his work in catering, his interests included music and art,
especially pottery.
With his mother Mary, he was a faithful attender
at Sunday services as well as special sevices in Lent and Advent. For several
years he was in charge of the 100 club.
On 13 March, the first Sunday in Lent we welcomed Reverend Malcolm Freeman to the All Age Eucharist at St Peter's. Now Rector of St James, Ludgershall and Holy Trinity, Tidworth, Malcolm had lived in Fife in the 1980s. He was ordained in 1986 and served with Reverend Canon Ron Leigh for three years as a non-stipendiary priest. His daughter Kirsty, now Kirsty Mackie, remained in Fife and had invited her father on this occasion to perform the baptism of her fourth daughter Emma. Malcolm took the opportunity to catch up with old friends at St Peter's. The pictures show him and some of the baptism party.
The sudden death of Edward Thomas on 1 March 2011 came as a
great shock to the congregation. He was always so active
and contributed so much to the life of the church.
In particular, the annual plant sales he organised formed
a large part of our fundraising efforts.
But he meant
much more than that to us all. He was always at hand with
a ready smile and an offer of help.
Apart from the church,
he supported many other organisations and charities,
including Amnesty International and the Aberlour Trust.
Although born in 1923 into a Quaker family, from the time
of his marriage to Irene, Edward attended
services in the Scottish Episcopal Church, which for many
years meant St Peter's.
He is succeeded by Irene, his daughter Rachel and
granddaughter Kirsty.
The following quotation from
the Japanese Quaker, Inazo Nitobe, was read by Rachel at the
sevice.
"I ask for daily bread, but not for wealth, lest I forget the poor.
I ask for strength, but not for power, lest I despise the meek.
I ask for wisdom, but not for learning, lest I scorn the simple.
I ask for a clean name, but not for fame, lest I condemn the lowly.
I ask for peace of mind, but not for idle hours, lest I fail to
hearken to the call of duty".
This workshop took place between 10.30am and 3.30pm
on Sundy, 6 February. Almost forty members of St Peter's
attended. Its purpose was to identify the strengths and weaknesses
in various parts of our church life. Group discussions followed
introductory talks by representatives from the Diocese. After lunch
the groups came together to hear and discuss a summary of their findings.
The workshop ended with an informal Eucharistic service.
Everyone agreed that the day had been very worthwhile.
The pictures below show some of the parents and children who meet in St Peter's hall on a Wednesday from 10.30 - 12.00.
The first event of 2011 was suitably a party, intended for children of the congregation and their friends, but enjoyed also by the adults who attended. It was held on Tuesday, 4 January, from 3pm to 5pm. Nearly twenty children took part. It included games, painting, stories and singing, as well as goodies to eat. Each child took a present home and had obviously enjoyed the afternoon.
Click on top to go back to the beginning.
Events in 2010
Advent is a time of preparation, of expectancy and hope.
It is a time for believing the promise of God, the promise of
eternal life through the comimg of His son, Jesus.
On Saturday evening, 27 November, the start of Advent was celebrated
in a communal meal where readings and prayers were said before each
course and an Advent candle was lit.
The pictures show
some of those who took part, including the children who each
received from Gareth an Advent candle of their own.
A dinner was held at the Kingswood hotel on Friday 19 November to say goodbye to Rona and to thank her for all she has done for St Peter's during her stay here. She is shortly to return home to South Africa. Apart from making many friends in the congregation, she played a large part in establishing St Peter's prayer group and a leading role in the 'Casting the Net' program. Latterly she was also the Vestry secretary. The pictures below show Vestry members and others who were able to attend.
Three events took place at the 10.30am service. Firstly, Gareth wore the white
cope given to St Peter's by the family of Nancy Low and dedicated four weeeks ago at
Harvest Thanksgiving.
Secondly, the baptism took place of Ewan, son of Rob and
Clare Maguire.
Thirdly, Elizabeth Brooks was presented with a plant and certificate
in thanks for her services to St Peter's. She occupied several positions and for many years was the
lay representative. She continues to organise the readers' rota.
After the service, Ewan's baptism was celebrated with sparkling wine
and Christening cake provided by his family.
On Saturday morning, 16 October, a happy band of amateur gardeners met in the Peace Garden of St Peter's. Under the direction of Jane Legge, they planted the spring bulbs which had been donated three weeks before at the Harvest Thanksgiving service. At lunchtime, Jane provided a welcome meal of soup and sandwiches to reward them for their hard work. We look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.
Sunday 12 September saw St Peter's, along with other public buildings in Fife,
take part in an "Open Doors" initiative. More than thirty visitors from all over
Fife (and even two from Edinburgh) mingled with members of the congregation to view
an exhibition of vestments and memorabilia associated with the church over the years.
Church members were on hand to answer questions concerning St Peter's, its ornaments
and vestments and Phil Kear gave a much appreciated recital on the organ. He even played
a vistor's favourite hymn.
The visitors also appreciated the tea, coffee and delicious cakes and
scones served in the hall.
Thanks to everyone who took part in this survey. The responses of
viewers were analysed and points given according to whether the hymn was
their first, second, third or fourth choice. According to the survey
the top ten favourite hymns of these viewers are the following:
1. Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son
2. Guide me, O thou great Redeemer *
3. O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder *
4. For the beauty of the earth
5. Will your anchor hold in the storms of life
6. Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord
7. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart *
8. All things bright and beautiful
9. Morning has broken
10. The tenth place was shared by four hymns:
Praise my soul the king of Heaven
The day thou gavest, Lord is ended *
Father, hear the prayer we offer
Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee
Of course, this was a small survey, limited mostly to members of St Peter's. It is interesting to compare it with one carried out by the BBC's Hymns of Praise
in October 2005, which showed the following top ten hymns:
1. O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder *
2. Dear Lord and Father of mankind
3. The day thou gavest Lord is ended *
4. Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart *
5. Love divine all loves excelling
6. Be still for the presence of the Lord
7. Make me a channel of your peace
8. Guide me O Thou great redeemer *
9. In Christ alone my hope is founded
10.Lord the light of your love is shining
Note the agreement between the lists, where the hymns are starred.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed.
This is the first time viewers have been invited to interact with the website. Its success shows how viewers may express their views on other issues in the future.
We delighted to welcome on Sunday, 20 July, a visitor from the Thai/Burma border who spoke to us about his work on behalf of the Anglican Province of Myanmar among young people. We were able to present him with a sum of money to be used to support Karen youngsters who are living in hostel accommodation without their own families. He also received a personal gift of a cross and bookmark of Celtic design as a memento of his visit.
A large number of mourners attended the sevice at St Peter's on 1 June
to celebrate the life of Isabella Clarke Johnston, 16 April 1926 - 25 May 2010. This reflected the large number of contacts Isabel had with the community, from her work as a district nurse, her volutary work for the Hospice at Victoria Hospital and Maggie's centre, her services to the Carmelite nuns in Dysart, her attendance at churches of denominations other than St Peter's, to her membership of several walking groups.
Isabel was always one of the first to bring cakes and words of comfort to the recently berieved.
Her enthusiasm for life and Christian service was an example to us all.
Christ raised from the dead,
proclaims the dawn of hope.
He lives in us that we may walk in light.
The Easter service on Sunday, April 4, was a joyous occasion. After the harsh winter and the sombre weeks of Lent, a crowded St Peter's welcomed the ceremonies of this special day, the colours and sunshine, Jane Legge's flower arrangements and music enhanced by Rob McQuire and the choir.
The themes of the sermon were mission and prayer. At this point in the history of the Christian church we are called to mission, but we should not be disappointed at a seeming lack of success - it is not success but effort that is required of us - effort and prayer.
In fact, St Peter's has shown encouraging signs of growth over the past year.
The following pictures show some of the flower arrangements and the congregation chatting and enjoying coffee and hot cross buns after the service.
The deaths of two members of St Peter's have occurred this winter,
those of Isobel Briggs on 16 January, and Nancy Low on her 75th
birthday, 24 February.
Isabelle Briggs came to Kirkcaldy to be near her family in 1994.
She attended the 9.15 service faithfully for several years until
failing health kept her housebound. She had spent her early life
in Kingsbarns, became a petty officer in the WRNS during the 2nd
world war, serving on HMS Angelo, where she met her husband Ken.
They had two children and lived in various locations in England
until his death in 1994. She was awarded the veterans medal in 2006
and presented with it at a ceremony here in kIrkcaldy by the then
Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Her funeral service was held at
Kircaldy crematorium.
Like her husband Jim, whom she survived by just over 5 months,
Nancy Low was a long-standing member of St Peter's. Her sudden death
came as a great shock to the congregation. Her funeral service was
held in St Peter's at 12.30pm on Wednesday, 3 March.
On Sunday, 21 February, bishop David visited St Peter's. During the
service he confirmed Cliff Mwando,Jnr, whose family, originally from
Zimbabwe, has recently joined the congregation.
He also blessed and dedicated a new altar cloth and other decorative
altar linen, presented by Mrs Nancy Low to commemorate the death of her
husband Jim.
A "hunger" lunch following the service raised £270 towards the Haiti
earthquake disaster.
In spite of the severest winter in 30 years, with roads blocked with
snow and pavements treacherous with ice, services at St Peter's over
Christmas and throughout January were well attended.
On Sunday, 31 January, a large number of the congregation attended the
All-age and Pristingle service which raised £300 towards the Aberlour
Trust.
Events in 2009
The tone of the evening was set at the entrance by three violinists, led by Rob McGuire, playing traditional music befitting a celebration of Scotland's patron saint.
The theme of St Andrew was continued in the hall, where the colourful flags and the table decorations showed the saltire, the diagonal cross on which the saint is said to have been martyred.
Before dinner was served, more music was provided by "Pink Champagne", a group of singers from Fife Opera. Richard Fawcett then gave a brief account of what is known about St Andrew and why he is has come to be associated with Scotland and in particular with the town of St Andrews. A toast was drunk and then grace sung by the choir.
The social committee are to be congratulated as ever for providing such an enjoyable evening and such an excellent meal.
The following show some of those who attended.
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he ws rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little in stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he ws to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said unto him, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house". Luke 19: 1-5
Zacchaeus symbolises the man or woman who is seeking to add or restore a spiritual dimension to his or her life. The afternoon service on Sunday, 27 September, was an opportunity for new or former members of St Peter's
to join in an act of worship and to meet members of the congregation over afternoon tea.
It was part of an international event, in which churches from many different countries and denominations were taking part, but it fitted perfectly into our own "Casting the Net" program.
The following show some of those who attended.
Over the summer the deaths occurred of three members of the congregation, Katharine Fiske, Johan Watt and Jim Low.
Their funerals were held in St Peter's, that of Katharine Fiske on 8 June, of Johan Watt on 19 August and of Jim Low on 17 September.
Each of them was a lifelong Episcopalian and for many years a faithful member of St Peter's.
Katharine Fiske (1917 - 2009) was born in Norfolk, worked for some time in London, then moved to Scotland with her husband Bill, first to Kinghorn and then to Kirkcaldy. In the years she worshipped at St Peter's, she was a staunch member of the Mother's Union.Her warm and caring personality will long be remembered and missed. She is succeeded by her husband Bill and grandson Timothy.
Johan Watt (1918 - 2009) was born in Coalton of Wemyss, moving to Kirkcaldy while still a child. She remained in the family home, caring for her parents and being an active and involved sister and aunt. We shall picture her in her last months, sitting in a wheelchair at the back of the church, brought there by Jim and Beryl Rogerson.
See Events in 2008 , Visit of Archbishop Stephen, for
pictures of Johan in her 91st year. We remember her with great fondness.
Jim Low (1933 - 2009) was born in Kirkcaldy and was closely involved with St Peter's all his life, fulfilling many roles includng serving several times on the Vestry. One of his chief interests was in the Scout movement, his troop being one of the most successful in the district. His funeral was attended by his wife Nancy, whom he married in 1956, and many family members. One of the tributes to his memory was an affectionate poem written by one of his granddaughters.
On Friday evening, 26 June, Carol Latimer and Fiona Walker gave a Power Point presentation of their visit at Easter to the Mae Ra Mo refugee camp in Northern Thailand. Mae Ra Mo is one of a string of camps along the Thai-Burma border which give refuge to members of the Karen and other ethnic groups under persecution by the military dictatorship n Burma.
St Peter's has a special mission to the Karen people, giving financial
help in education and currently maintaining a hostel for refugees in Mae Ra Mo.
Why should we care about Burma? It tends to be forgotten when events in other
parts of the world dominate the headlines. But it has half a million displaced
persons, more than 150000 refugees in the Thailand camps and 1100 political
prisoners, including elected democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi shown below.
Its people are demoralised and see no end to their struggle for democracy.
The book below is about the experiences of the young Burmese woman Zoya Phan. You can meet her in Edinburgh on 21 August at 7.30pm. Click on Edinburgh Book Festival for more information.
The presentation included slides of the history of Burma, of the chaos
caused by the cyclone in May 1988, and of the human misery caused by government
persecution. For current news about Burma (now Myanmar) and its people click on
Site 1 or
Site 2.
Carol, her daughter and Fiona were part of a group from a charity which provides
education and other help to the camps.
Click on Burmese Education
Partnership to find out more about their work.
Following the presentation there was an opportunity for the audienceto engage in
more informal discussion with Carol and Fiona over wine and cheese.
The evening raised a total of £283 for St Peter's fund for Mae Ra Mo.
The following pictures show some aspects of life in the camp.
Housing is primitive, built of the locally available bamboo, and food is monotonous,
consisting largely of rice.
We see below a newly arrived consignment of food aid
Clothes are washed in the river
There is some animal life in the camp
The children smile happily for the camera
Classes are held wherever there is a room available, sometimes outdoors
Below we see the church Carol and Fiona attended on Easter Sunday
In spite of their privations the people in the camp were eager to share what
they had with their visitors, were extremely welcoming and grateful for all the
efforts being made on their behalf
Some farewell pictures:
It is several years since St Peter's hosted a performance of this nature. Currently, however, we have a number of highly talented musicians in the congregation, from professional graduates to youngsters performing
for the first time in public.
The concert on Saturday, 13 June, was promoted by the social committee, but was largely organised by Rob Maguire, who also introduced the performers.
It began with Phil Kear playing piano music by Samuel Coleridge, John Field and George Gershwin. There followed contributions from three youngsters. Katie Selkirk on the violin played Londons's Burning, Chelsey Kilpatrick on the viola played The Skye Boat Song while Megan Briers on the piano played London's Bridge is falling down, Turkey in the Straw and Au Claire de la Lune.
Soprano Eleanor Hubbard sang three arrangements by Francis Scott, My Love is like a Red, Red Rose (Burns), Ay Waukin O (Burns) and The Wee Man (Muir).
Rob Maguire played Partita no 2 for solo violin by J.S.Bach.
Claire Maguire, on the piano, completed the first half of the concert with Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and an arabesque by Debussy.
After the interval Phil Kear played three piano pieces by Albeniz, Tango in D, Granada and Cordoba.
Susan Fawcett on the flute, accompanied by her daughter Claire Maguire on the piano, played All Through the Night and Ye Banks and Braes
Eleanor Hubbard sang Vilia from the Merry Widow.
She and Len Coles sang Vaughen Williams' Linden Lea and Len himself sang Answer Me and When I fall in love by Nat King Cole.
Rob Maguire played Arcangelo Corelli's Violin Sonata no 2.
Claire, on the organ, ended the concert by playing the Prelude in G minor and the Prelude in D minor by J.S. Bach.
The audience of 55 were highly appreciative of the content of the concert and by the standards set by the performers.
The proceeds of the evening, £275, will go to church funds.
Note: for information about the professional services offered by Rob and Claire go to Maguire Music Services
Note:
Eleanor Hubbard (nee Herd) was born in Kirkcaldy into a musical family. Encouraged by her mother, by the time she left school she had passed the grade 8 exam in singing, grade 7 in piano and Higher music.
Nevertheless, her first choice of career was in Social work. After graduating with M.A. Honours in Social Sciences at Aberdeen University and completing a postgraduate course at Dundee, she returned to Fife to work.
Currently she is a member of the Fostering and Adoption team in the Social Work Department. She and husband Tom have three children and one grandchild.
Her singing was not neglected, however. While at Aberdeen she sang in the Chapel and University choirs, joined the Havergal Brian society and premiered some of his songs. Back in Fife, she sang with Glenrothes Choral Society, then the Kinghorn Singers. In 1994, she took some lessons with the professsional singer, Robin Gordon, and began to enter and be successful in Fife Festival of Music competitions. She is a strong advocate of Francis George Scott's songs. Since 2000, she has sung with Fife Opera and is a member of the Pink Champagne concert party.
Philip Kear was born in Arbroath. From childhood he showed a keen interest in music. In 1969, as a student at Edinburgh University, he directed from the keyboard the first Scottish performance of Peter Brooks' "Marat/Sade" musical play.
Click on top to go back to the beginning.On Sunday, 31 May, the diocesan initiative "Casting the Net" was launched. This is to be a long-term process, with the broad aim of revitalising the congregations in the diocese, and enabling them to look outwards beyond their existing confines. Events which develop the process will be reported as they occur.
The hunger lunch on Sunday, 10 May and the quiz on Friday evening, 15 May were well attended and raised £200 towards Christian aid.
On Sunday, April 12, at 10.30am, a crowded St Peter's celebrated Easter with traditional ceremonies and hymns. It was a fine spring morning and sunshine flooded the church. Jane Legge's flower arrangements added to the beauty of the service, as did the music provided by the choir and the solo "I know that my Redeemer liveth" sung by Eleanor Hubbard. Later, when coffee and hot cross buns were served, many of the congregation escaped the overcrowding in the hall to chat, to enjoy the sunshine and to admire the Peace Garden. Among the pictures below can be seen Rob Maguire conducting the choir and Judy Webster, holding an Easter card just given to her by two of the girls in the Sunday School, Megan and Shona Briers.
On Sunday, 1 February, at 10.30am, Bishop David celebrated Candlemas, a Christingle service, the admission to communion of 8yr old Chloe Mackie and the dedication of a candle stand to the memory of Cameron Paul, who died 25 years ago. This service, combining as it did several features, was very moving and very well attended, particularly by friends and relatives of Cameron. The Christingle collection was donated to the Aberlour Childcare Trust.
The pictures below show how the church was decorated for the occasion as well some of the children who took an acive part. The candle stand, which was donated by Cameron's parents, June and David Paul, appears in several of the pictures.
There was no "almost" about this celebration of Burns' life and work on Friday, 23 January . All of the traditional elements were included, from the piping in of the haggis to the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
Speeches, songs and readings were introduced between courses of the splendid meal. St Peter's is fortunate in having two music graduates, as well as several very talented singers and speakers.
In the "Immortal Memory", Mr David Potter reminded us of some lesser known aspects of Burn's life, e.g. since the 1945 rebellion it had been illegal to wear tartan or to dispay any tartan object. Normal dress was truly "hodden grey".
Similarly Raymond Mann's Toast to the Lassies" and the reply by Carol Latimer were full of novel elements and greatly appreciated.
They, Rosemary Potter, Eleanor Hubbard, and members of the Social Committee, Joan & Len Coles, Kerry Briers, Judy Webster, Rob & Clare Maguire are to be congratulated for making such a success of the evening.
Events in 2008
On Sunday 10 August we were delighted to welcome Archbishop Stephen and his wife, visiting us after attending the Lambeth Conference. A large number of members came to hear the archbishop preaching, perhaps after hearing Canon Rodger Royle announce the service on Radio 2. Aterwards we were able to meet with him and his wife at a buffet lunch.
We hope they will be able to return within the next few years. Perhaps some of our members may be able to visit them in Burma.
One of our oldest members, Joanne Watt, celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday 10 August and Archbishop Stephen presented her with a card and flowers to mark the occasion.
This was celebrated on Sunday 29 June. A buffet lunch followed the 10.30 service, in which the guest preacher was the Rev Canon John Brown.
In the afternoon, John led a meeting of the USP (Unique Selling Point) group of St Peter's. The picture shows John with some of the group.
St Peter's contribution to the 2008 Christian Aid appeal consisted of the proceeds from three events, the Hunger Lunch on May 11th (£330), the Quiz Evening on May 18th (£95) and a sale of plants by Edward Thomas (£65).
Owing to the disastous situation caused by the recent cyclone in Burma, it was decided to donate the total of £490 raised to that cause.
On 28 April the social committee hosted an Italian evening. About 40 church members and friends enjoyed a traditional Italian meal accompanied by appropriate decorations and music. Later some Italian songs were sung (thankfully in translation).
On 23 March a crowded St Peter's celebrated the festival of Easter. It was a joyous occasion, the flowers, vestments and music adding colour to the day, especially welcome after the sombre period of Lent. The service included the Liturgy of Initiation, in which an adult, James Finn, was admitted into the fellowship of St Peter's through baptism.
The pictures show some of Jane Legge's flower arrangements. There are also picture of Gareth, of Carol, of some members of the congregation and of the children receiving Easter gifts from Joan Coles.
Bishop David visited St Peter's on Sunday 27 January. He was accompanied by Bishop Daniel from Kerala, India, who is currently a guest of the diocese. During the service, one of our younger members, 7 year-old Megan Briers, was admitted to communion for the first time.
It was also our annual Christingle service and fundraising for the Aberlour Childcare Trust, on this occasion raising nearly £200.
After the service tea, coffee and pancakes freshly made by members of the Social Committee were served in the hall.
Events in 2007
Our annual dinner, followed by entertainment from the stars of St Peter's, was held on Friday 7 December. It was a very enjoyable evening, as the following pictures show.
They were married in Jerusalem. The picture on the left was taken on their honeymoon in Egypt. Her husband declined to ride on a camel, claiming it made him feel seasick. The picture on the right shows Peggy in middle life, after settling down in Fife. She became active in local politics and in charitable organizations, especially in work for Save the Children.
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Rev John Brown and his wife Jean |
At the same service on September 16 a new sanctuary lamp was dedicated to the memory of Robert and Catherine Wall.
On the left, the old lamp is lit, indicating the presence of the Holy Sacrament. On the right, Rev Gareth Benson lights the candle in the new lamp and is about to switch off the other.
On Sunday, 3rd June, this memorial of Ron Leigh was dedicated by the Rev Gareth Benson.
Present in the congregation that day were Ron's wife, Margaret and many members of his extended family, including children and grandchildren.
This building was known affectionately in Kinghorn as the tin hut.The Episcopal congregation in Kinghorn worshipped here from 1905 until 2005,
when it was decommissioned. Services since then have been held in Kinghorn Parish Church.
These pictures were taken shortly before the building was demolished in May, 2007 to make room for a housing development.
Events in 2006
Events in 2005
Musician Richard Pattinson, son of Alan Pattinson, was killed in an accident in the Swiss mountains on 18 July. Stunned by news of his death, members of the community, members of St Peter's, representatives of the musical world here and abroad, family and friends attended a service at St Peter's on 29 July.
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