Programme of Events for the Centenary Year
As the year progresses, the hundredth occurrence of each season is being recognised. So our 100th Easter was on 8th April 2007 and the 101st will be on 23rd March 2008 - so much for the vagaries of the church calendar! These will be at the usual times for our services.
2007
- October 7th - 100th Harvest Thanksgiving with a typical display from 100 years ago
- November 4th - 100th All Saints Day when we talk about the place of memories in our lives
- December - 100th Advent and Christmas season
In addition, on Wednesday October 24th, the Colinton Literary Society is having a talk from Dr Elizabeth Cumming, a leading expert on the Arts and Crafts movement in Scotland. This is of particular interest as that movement had a major impact on the design, furnishing and decoration of the new building.
2008
Special Services
In the early part of 2008, there will be a series of "Special" services to which we are inviting all those who were baptised, confirmed or married in the church to join us at our regular Sunday worship. As part of the celebrations there will also be an exhibition about the Building, the historical background to it and its development and life over the last hundred years.
- January 27th at 11.15 - Special Service for everyone married in the building
- February 3rd at 09:30 - Special Service for everyone baptised in the building
- March 2nd at 09:30 and 11.15 - Special Service for everyone confirmed in the building.
If you were baptised, confirmed or married in this in our church, please do come and join us on your day. If you have any family or friends who may not otherwise see this, please also let them know. We would love to see as many as possible who have celebrated major events in their lives at one or more of these services.
Exhibition
Around these services, we will also be mounting an exhibition to mark the celebrations. It will include the background to the village of Colinton in 1908, the design of the new building and its development over the hundred years. You'll also be able to take a self-guided tour of the church to understand a little more about the wonderful building. It is planned to be open from 20th January until 9th March and again over the period leading up to the Birthday Party in June.
Concert
On Sunday 9th March at 7.30, a concert is planned in the church, using music from around the time of the new building and also reflecting the changing styles over the decades since 1908. Taking part will be the Church Choir and Band as well as some invited guests. We are looking forward to welcoming as many as possible on the night. A souvenir programme is planned to commemorate the occasion.
Birthday Party and Edwardian Garden Party
The centenary celebrations will reach their climax on Sunday 1st June after the 11.15 morning service which will also include a rededication of the building. It is hoped to be able to enjoy a special lunch in the Manse Garden, reflecting the style of our Edwardian forefathers. This is in place (for this year only!) of our usual summer barbecue. It promises to be a lively event with a number of happenings still being planned.
Other Possibilities
The year's programme is still being developed. To keep fully up to date with plans, do visit the website from time to time. Make sure you don't miss the fun and keep up to date with news about the celebrations.