Celebratory events to mark 1,000 years of Christian Worship in Cruden Parish in North East Scotland.
The Churches of Cruden invite you to join them for a celebration of 1,000 years of Christianity in the Parish of Cruden
It was in 1012 that there took place around the sand dunes of Cruden Bay the Battle of Crochdane between the Scots and the Danes. After the battle, out of sorrow for the many left dead on the battlefield, there was established a chapel dedicated to St Olaf.
So in 1012, Christian worship started in Cruden and has continued to the present day. The Churches of Cruden want to celebrate this millenial anniversary by holding three events described below.
- United Thanksgiving Service pictures (28 October 2012)
- Flower Festival (18-19 August) Poster
- Pictures of Flower Festival (Cruden Parish Church)
- Pictures of Flower Festival (Congregational Church)
- Pictures of Flower Festival (St James Church)
- Press Release about Open Air Service and Flower Festival (9 August 2012)
- Photographs of the Open Air Service (29 July 2012)
- Photographs of Open Air Service in Web Gallery
- BBC Scotland News Item on the Open Air Service
- Article by Gerald Stranraer-Mull about the Battle of Crochdane
- Press release about the Open Air Service (18 July 2018)
- Press release about all the planned events (6 July 2012)
Outdoor Service
29 July 2012 9:30 am
Click Here to see photographs of the Open air Service
St Olaf's Well
Almost 150 people attended the first event organised by the Cruden Churches to celebrate 1,000 years of worship in the parish, the first chapel being built in 1012 and dedicated to St Olaf.
An open air service took place on St Olaf’s Day – 29 July - beside St Olaf’s Well adjacent to the 17th fairway of Cruden Bay Golf Course and was led by the Episcopal Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, the Rt Rev Bob Gillies assisted by the parish ministers. A BBC camera was present and the service was featured in the following day’s Reporting Scotland on BBC television.
Many of those attending stayed on to enjoy refreshments in the Golf clubhouse after the service.
Flower Festival Weekend
18/19 August 2012
- Flower Festival Poster
- Flower Festival Pictures (Cruden Parish Church)
- Flower Festival Pictures (St James' Church)
- Flower Festival Pictures (Congregational Church)
Cruden Bay Congregational Church
From 10 am to 5 pm you can visit the three parish churches enhanced by the many flower arrangements and accompanied by information on the 1,000 years history. There will be an opportunity in each church to make a donation to help defray costs.
St James' Episcopal Church
Saturday
Refreshment will be available on the Saturday as follows :
Morning - Congregational Church
Lunchtime - Cruden Parish Church
Afternoon - St James Church
Sunday
Please note that the usual services will take place in the Churches on the Sunday as follows
9:30 am St James
10 am Cruden Parish Church
11 am Congregational Church
Thanksgiving Service
Sunday 28 October 2012 11 am
Cruden Parish Church
After the first chapel was buried by sand, another was built not far from the Water of Cruden as it flows into Cruden Bay. The third church site is where the present Cruden Parish Church, the oldest church building in the parish, stands.
Guest Preacher at this service in the Parish Church will be the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland – the Right Reverend Albert Bogle.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated and all are welcome to attend. Tea and coffee will be available after the service.If you would like to come along to any of these events uniting the three parish churches, please do so. We will be delighted to have you share with us on these special occasions.
Further information may be had from
St James Episcopal Church
Rev Peter Mander 01358 720366
Cruden Parish Church
Rev Rodger Neilson 01779 841229
Cruden Bay Congregational Church
Ann Findlay 01779 812597