Elder honoured for her 51 years of service to Fife Sunday school

Minister’s ‘huge debt of gratitude’ to longserving parishioner

A Fife woman has been recognised for leading a Sunday school for more than half a century.

Marjory McHattie, of Wellesley Parish Church in Methil, said it was a privilege to have taught Bible stories to two generations of families over 51 years.

She was presented with a long-service award by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, on Sunday.

Mrs McHattie said: “I have loved working with the children in Sunday School and Young Church.

“Teaching the children and explaining to them through story and crafts that being kind, thoughtful, gentle, good, and most importantly to love one another has been very important to me.

“Everything that young people need to learn can be found in Bible stories.”

Mrs McHattie, a church elder, said celebrating Christmas over the years had given her a lot of joy and sharing the Easter story with children was a particularly moving time.

“It is important that children know right from wrong but also to bring love, hope and kindness into the world, which then brings peace and harmony so that they find the right road in life,” she added.

Mrs McHattie has now retired as the leader of the Wellesley Young Church team and handed over the mantle to 20-year-old Shannon Reid.

The Rev Gillian Paterson, minister at Wellesley Parish Church, led the service, along with the Moderator who preached.

Mr Sinclair said it was a “real joy” to be with the congregation who are in the process of overseeing the building of a new community hub centre next to the church.

He described the project as “yet another sign of the new life in the Church”.

Mrs Paterson commended all five elders on their dedication, selfless commitment and faithful service.

Mrs Paterson said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Marjory for all she has done and continues to do as our new treasurer.

“Joan, Margaret, Dave and Sandy, along with Marjory, are examples of how to put your faith into action.”

“Everything that young people need to learn can be found in Bible stories

Marjory McHattie received her award from the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Colin Sinclair.