Christening is a family affair
Great-grandfather baptises little Ella
Little Ella Barr’s parents kept it in the family when it came to her christening – she was baptised by her greatgrandfather.
The ceremony in Dunblane Cathedral was conducted by eight-month-old Ella’s greatgrandad the Rev Dr Jack Barr (92), a retired minister.
The Rev Dr Barr also officiated five years ago at the wedding of Ella’s parents – his grandson Matthew and wife Kellie, now both aged 30.
Cathedral minister Rev Colin Renwick and associate minister Rev Dorothy Anderson helped facilitate proceedings. In 2005 Rev Renwick performed the wedding of Rev Dr Barr, then aged 80, to Violet Shearer.
Matthew’s aunt Dr Jenni Barr, daughter of Rev Dr Barr, said: “Ella’s christening was a great event with a large number of Ella’s friends and family including grandparents Carolyn and Peter Barr, Jamie and Margery Muir and Kay and Peter Laidlaw attending the service, but also a very proud cathedral family, where my father is a valued member.
“Our family and friends would like to thank the Cathedral for a memorable service. It was a thoroughly inclusive event, not just for the welcome to so many young families, including babies, but for the part played at the age of 92 by Ella’s great-grandfather. The pastoral team supported dad so it was he who christened Ella. With the minister holding the bowl of water and associate minister holding the microphone, Dad was able to concentrate on holding Ella as he performed the baptism.
“It was a special day for us all. It was quite a moving service and even members of the congregation had a tear in their eye.”