History of the South Church, Stonehaven.
The South Church is one of three Church of Scotland Churches in the town of Stonehaven. A former Free Church, the South Church sits right in the heart of the town, on Cameron Street. The South Church has approx. 340 members and is linked with Kinneff Church, which has approx. 190 members. The minister, Rev David Stewart, has been in post since November 2000. This is his first charge as minister.
The South Church originates back to 1843, however the current building in Cameron Street was not built until 1869. The first minister was a Rev George Philips, who remained minister until 1851. The South Church, then a Free Church, ran a school at the corner of Robert Street and Mary Street from 1846 and 1873, then the running of the school was transferred to Fetteresso and Rickarton School Board.
From 1852 to 1857 the Rev Alexander Roberts was minister and it was during his time as minister that land was purchased and the present manse built at a cost of £412.
During the period 1856 to 1886 the minister was Rev William Dougal and the present building on Cameron Street was built and dedicated on 11th April 1869. A church hall was added during Rev Simon McLennon’s time as minister from 1889-1895.
The church was continuing to grow and during 1895-1920 the minister was Rev HE Michie, and in 1896 the stained glass window was gifted by William Mowatt. In the same year an organ was installed. During Rev Michie’s time the South Church (still a Free Church) joined with the United Presbyterian Church and became a United Free Church. In 1907 the Boys’ Brigade was formed at the Church.
From 1921-8 a young minister by the name of Mr J Sammon was in charge and during his time in 1927 saw the union of the North and South Churches in Stonehaven.
In 1929 the United Free Churches joined with the Church of Scotland, and the South Church under the guidance of Rev Duncan McDairmid (1928-1945) became the South Church as known today.
During Rev RW Urquhart’s time as minister (1948-1958) the ways of the Free Church began to diminish and Easter and Christmas were celebrated, and the youth fellowship was formed.
From 1959-1967 Rev Charles Cameron was minister and during this time the Junior and Company Boys’ Brigade were formed (having been disbanded during WWI).
In 1967 Rev Robert H Richmond took over as minister and during this time the centenary was celebrated in 1969.
Since then only a further two ministers have served the South Church - Rev Kenneth Petrie (1983-1998), who was in charge when the South Church was linked with Kinneff Church (1990), and our current minister Rev David J Stewart (2000 to present day).
