Church return is celebrated
Reopening is in time for gala day
Parishioners are looking forward to getting back into Blackford Parish Church on Sunday - four months to the day since they were forced out.
The community was left reeling in February after a break-in which saw fixtures and fittings in the place of worship seriously damaged.
But residents of the village and the wider Church of Scotland rallied round to ensure that normal service will be resumed - and importantly for a key date in both the church and Blackford parish’s diary.
This Sunday is the Blackford Gala Day celebration event at the church which will see the village come together ahead of the gala week, which is also Pentecost.
Minister of Ardoch and Blackford Rev Mairi Perkins told the Perthshire Advertiser: “We are very much looking forward to getting back into the church on Sunday.
“It is a big day as it is Pentecost, a celebration of the day which effectively established churches, but also for Blackford in particular the gala church service will see a big celebration, with readings from the gala queen and an invite to the whole village and our linked charge in Ardoch.”
The break-in at the 160-year-old church caused significant damage - so much so that the parishioners were initially forced to hold services at Ardoch Parish in Braco and more recently at Blackford Primary School. Repairs were needed to broken asbestos near the church organ and officials gave Rev Perkins the green light after remedial work.
Rev Perkins added: “The primary school very kindly offered us use of the building while we were displaced which was very welcome for those in Blackford Parish Church the village.
“We had people in the village helping out to ensure the church is fit for use again and there was such kindness shown by fellow churches around Scotland and the Church of Scotland. It really was very touching.
“The police were also exceptional. The support they gave was very much appreciated.”
The minister continued: “We’re looking forward to moving on. The past is the past and we forgive those who were responsible. Everyone is invited to come along on Sunday.”
Services resume at Blackford from 11.30am on Sunday.