By Rev Euan Dodds
Last Sunday (8th December) was a very joyful day in Acharacle when the completely refurbished Free Church building was opened again to the public. A thanksgiving service was held, followed by an open afternoon with hot drinks and home baking. Over 40 people attended the service with some having travelled significant distances to be there.
The Free Church in Ardnamurchan is perhaps most famous for its ‘floating church’ which was moored on Loch Sunart for some years. In time, though, stone church buildings were constructed in Strontian and Kilchoan. Some Christians on the peninsula were eager to see a further church building in Acharacle. One such individual was a Malcolm MacPherson was worked as the blacksmith and postmaster in Salen. He would often journey to conduct worship in homes around Acharacle and Gortenfern. Along with two elders – both called Mr Cameron – he fundraised for a new building which was completed in 1878. Malcolm MacPherson is the only person to be buried within its grounds.
The building has been well maintained during this period, but the congregation felt the time had come for a full renovation. We worked together with local firm DMD Construction who brought their enthusiasm and expertise to the project.
We wanted the building to be safe, accessible, energy-efficient and flexible. Externally, a ramp was laid at the front door, and a fire exit created at the rear of the building. The whole interior was taken right back to the stone and timber. It was then insulated, re-wired and re-plastered. An accessible bathroom and a kitchenette were fitted. A modern heating system was then installed.
We received a number of grants from different individuals and charities. One of these enabled us to install an audio-visual system capable of livestreaming. This means services can be broadcast into the church building, or even from it – as was the case on the opening day.
The old pews were removed and the wood repurposed into the kitchen counter, the stage and a lectern. In their place there are now comfortable, upholstered chairs. These can be stacked if needed, allowing the main space to be used for a variety of purposes. Indeed, we hope the building will host a range of services and meetings for both the congregation and the local community.
As a united congregation in Kilmallie and Ardnamurchan Free Church, we give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness to us, and His protection and provision during the project. We pray many will come into the building to learn of the Lord Jesus, and go out from there to serve and witness to Him in this generation.
