Memorial saved

“I have been watching the sale of the Church of Scotland’s Knox’s Church in Howard Street, Arbroath,” emails Patrick Anderson of Letham. “The church merged last year with West Kirk (formerly St Margaret’s) in the town.

“Knox’s Church has a Great War memorial, 1914-1918, in marble.

“Those commemorated are: Norman Deboys (driver, Royal Field Artillery); Robert K. Keillor (able seaman, Royal Navy); William Mcintosh (Private, King’s (Liverpool) Regiment); Norman G. Mcintosh (Lance Corporal, Black Watch); Hugh Wark (Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders and the son of Knox’s Church minister Rev J. R. Wark.); Edward G. Williamson (Gunner, Royal Field Artillery); James Boyle, (Lance Corporal, Highland Light Infantry); James Cameron (Private Highland Light Infantry).

“The pipe organ has a memorial plaque on it. The organ was made by Peter Conacher & Co, Huddersfield. This organ was removed from Brechin West Free Church in 1948, so this memorial to losses in both world wars may be nothing to do with Knox’s Church.

“Knox’s Church was a United Free Church before returning to the Church of Scotland .

“I contacted the Church of Scotland head office and was told that the property is on offer. The war memorial is to stay at Knox’s Church.

“The new purchaser has a military background and is happy to keep the memorial in place. It will be available for the public to view.

“Do any of your readers know if the pipe organ was moved to Knox’s kirk from the former Brechin West Free Church in 1948?”