The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Merging of presbyteries will mark ‘end of era’
Church: Islands and city joining up
Parishioners will mark the “end of an era” this weekend as churches in Aberdeen and Shetland are brought together in a special live-streamed service.
The new partnership, the Presbytery of Aberdeen and Shetland, brings the oversight of all Church of Scotland churches on the islands and in the city together under a single management structure.
The move forms part of wider proposals to reduce the number of presbyteries across the country.
The service is being streamed live on Ferryhill Parish Church in Aberdeen’s YouTube channel at 11am.
The special event will feature a virtual choir and orchestra leading hymns Hail Thee, Festival Day and
O Breath of Life. There will be a video message from the Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly.
The Rev Hutton Steel, the new moderator of the Presbytery of Aberdeen and Shetland, said: “The merging of the two presbyteries is a natural progression to the strong ties which exist between the city and the islands.
“The church is moving forward with this positive reorganisation of our structures to enable us to serve the people in new and exciting ways, while at the same time preserving the best of our traditions.”
A n d r e w J o h n Williamson, moderator of the Presbytery of Shetland, said: “We have mixed feelings because it is an end of an era.
“But we need a bigger group to handle the business and we are very glad that Aberdeen is willing to join with us to create a joint presbytery.
“We are happy that we can come together and hope that it will be a successful merger.”
Commissioners at the 2019 General Assembly decided the number of presbyteries should be reduced from 45 to around 12 as part of a three-year “radical action plan”.
The presbyteries of Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and St Andrews have united to become the Presbytery of Fife, while Dumbarton and Greenock and Paisley Presbyteries have merged to become the Presbytery of Clyde.
The Presbytery of Aberdeen and Shetland, made up of ministers, elders and deacons, will officially be established on Monday.
A service will be held at a later date when members of the united presbyteries can meet in person to celebrate.