51 years at helm of Fife church’s Sunday School services

Marjory McHattie, of Wellsley Parish Church in Methil, was presented with a long-service award on Sunday.

She led the services for 51 years, and said it was a “privilege” to have taught Bible stories to two generations of families.

The presentation was made by the Rt Rev Colin Sinclair. Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

He also praised the congregation’s commitment to a new community hub next door, hailing it as “yet another sign of the new life in the church.”

Sunday’s celebrations also saw five elders commended.

The main presentation was for Mrs McHattie who has now retired as the leader of the Wellesley Young Church team.

She 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.”

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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 very 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 handed over the mantle to 20-year-old Shannon Reid.

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.

“We serve one of the Kirk’s Priority Area parishes, and the challenges can sometimes feel immense but with people like these five elders as part of the team, we know we can move forward with faith and hope to the future.”

Mrs Paterson said it was a “real joy” to see Miss Reid and a great team of youngsters now running Wellesley Young Church team.