50th Birthday Celebration Report

Dunblane Cathedral bells peal as Scottish Churches House celebrates 50^th anniversary

On Saturday 17^th July over 200 people from all over Scotland and beyond came to celebrate the 50^th Birthday of Scottish Churches House at its Anniversary Open Day.

The day began at 12.15 with a short Act of Celebration, which included Ian Fraser and Volunteer Tina cutting a large Birthday Cake baked by the staff of the House.

Visitors to the open day were entertained by a variety of events.

Music was provided in the form of the Allanwater Jazz Sextet and a recital on piano and violin by Jean Keltie and David Todd.

Open Conversations took place on the Arts, Politics, and Ecumenism:  involving Richard Holloway and Ewan Cameron, local MP Anne McGuire and Tim Duffy, and Kathy Galloway and Stephen Smyth.

There were also short reflections in the Chapel on the hour focussing on each decade (led by Joan Craig, Anne Hepburn, Brian Baker, and Alastair Hulbert), tours of the House and a photographic exhibition.  Children enjoyed their activities – Bouncy Castle and Face Painting, as well as a supervised Crèche.  And throughout the day the Dining Room was a continual buzz, serving lunches and teas.

The day ended with a service in Dunblane Cathedral at 5.00pm, preceded by a quarter peal of the Cathedral bells.  At the service, the large congregation was joined by a number of church leaders:  the Moderator, two Bishops, Methodist Chair, and representatives of the Quakers and the United Reformed Church.  They participated in the very moving act of dedication involving the whole congregation going to different parts of the Cathedral based on the gifts they felt they had to offer.

This was a day to celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years, but more importantly one in which many friends dedicated themselves to the future of Scottish Churches House as it re-interprets the tasks and ecumenical challenges ahead.  In July 1960 a number of world Church Leaders stood outside a row of almost derelict cottages in Dunblane across the road from the Cathedral.  They unveiled the ecumenical sign “Oikumene” on the gable end of the building and dedicated the venture that was to be Scottish Churches House.

50 years on Scottish Churches House continues this work.  It is a place where both church and non-church groups can enjoy its welcoming hospitality, stimulation and challenge, rest and retreat, fun and relaxation through conferences, retreats, courses, and relaxing breaks.

A selection of comments on the Day:

Great privilege to take part in final liturgy, which was a very moving and encouraging experience

It was indeed a super day

It really was great fun with such an interesting and varied programme as well as meeting up with friends

The kitchen staff did exceptionally well to cope with the unexpected numbers

The final act of worship was most impressive and meaningful and will remain with me

It went very well, coping with a larger number than we expected, and the House staff responded very positively and smoothly

It was a wonderful day and a privilege to be part of it

How enjoyable, engrossing and educative the Birthday event was – might it not serve as a template for an annual event!

Brilliantly, lovingly, imaginatively planned and executed

Our thanks go to all those who put together and co-ordinated the various aspects of the day, and especially to Bruce and Elaine Cameron who made sure everything came together so well.