Six decades of friendship and prayer in Fife town

A ‘place of worship’ for those from Prinlaws and Walkerton is estimated to date back to as far as the 1400s while other churches have existed within the community from the 17th and 18th centuries.

But on Saturday, a similarly significant date, if altogether more recent as far as the history of Leslie is concerned, the congregation of Trinity Church in the town came together to celebrate 60 years since the amalgamation of three churches was concluded.

Townsfolk, invited guests and members of the congregation attended a special 60th anniversary garden party at the church to mark the historic event.

They gathered to commemorate the decision taken in 1956 to unite three Church of Scotland churches in Leslie – West Kirk, which can trace its roots dated back to 1739, Prinlaws Kirk as far back as 1839, and Logan Martin Kirk which began life in 1771.

Worshippers were forced into taking such action as there was a shortage of ministers.

The West Kirk minister was retiring, the Logan Martin Kirk minister was also retiring due to ill health and the minister at Prinlaws Kirk was employed on a short term basis.

The West Kirk was the chosen building and Prinlaws Kirk was turned into a suite of halls for the united congregation.

Logan Martin Kirk was sold to the Roman Catholic denomination and is now known as St Paul’s and St Mary’s, where it continues to be a place of worship to this day.

The name given to the new united congregation in 1956 was to be Trinity Church.

Ever evolving, in 2011 Trinity Church congregation became part of a Parish Grouping agreement with the congregations of St Columba’s and St Ninian’s in Glenrothes of which it now belongs.

And as it is a landmark year for the church, the congregation was keen to mark such an historic milestone, as Alec Redpath, session clerk explained.

“We felt it was an ideal opportunity to involve the community and give them a sense of the church’s history,” said Alec.

“The church is here to serve the community and through the events, services and historical initiatives we hope we can foster a sense of pride and confidence in the town.

“We have a series of events planed both for elderly residents, as well as with the local school children.”

A number of specially prepared display panels have been created depicting the timeline of churches and religious worship in the town, and Alec told the Gazette, they had a wealth of historical artefacts that they also hope to put on show at future events.

And in December the 60th anniversary celebrations will culminate in a Christmas concert to take place on December 21.

In recognition of the 60 years since it’s formation, Trinity Church, Leslie will be holding the following 60th celebration events during 2016:

Open day and exhibition on Saturday, September 10 from 10am to 4pm

Service of celebration and worship on Sunday,September 11 from 10.30am

Supper and Film Evening on Friday, October 28 at 7pm

Afternoon Tea Party on Thursday, November 17 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 21 at 7.30pm