An historic church will be restored to its former glory after a bid for lottery cash was given the green light.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has announced that St Bride’s in Sanquhar has received £217,000 to renew the roof and set up a heritage project.
Delighted church members will now be able to make the building watertight, allowing it to continue as a place of worship, and also remain available for community use through school assemblies, Riding of the Marches services and as an attraction for visitors to look at the heritage of the church.
Duncan Close, session clerk in St Bride’s, said: “We are delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. The parish church is an important place for the majority of the towns folk and the large seating area allows other events to take place within the church.
“The roof and fabric are in need of serious attention and, with the help of the National Lottery, we can ensure the survival of this very fine building for many years to come.
“Local funders have also given full support and we are grateful to SWEAT and Propel for their important contributions which have allowed this project to get to this stage.”
The building is a focal point for the community and there has been a church on the site since 600AD.
St Bride’s was at the centre of the Covenanting Struggle in the 17th century. Known as the Scottish Canterbury, due to the declarations published at the Merket (Market) Cross, the church flourished in the post-reformation era and today’s building has seating for around 900 people.
The present church was built in 1823/24 and contains several interesting and historical artefacts.
It also has a number of fine stained glass windows by the well-known Glasgow firm of CE & JT Stewart, which are regarded by many people as unique.
St Bride’s also occupies a place in Scottish history thanks to a soldier who “returned from the dead”.
The chancel in the church is dedicated for the preservation of the life of Captain Hamish Weir Samson who was believed to have been killed in one of the most brutal battles of the First World War.
On the morning of May 3, 1917, 22-year-old Captain Samson led C Company in a daring dawn raid on two German trenches.
It was not a success and he failed to return to the British lines with the remnants of the 6th Battalion, many of whom fell that day.
Captain Samson’s body was never recovered and his family were told to expect the worst.
But his father, John, never gave up hope that his gallant son was somehow alive.
And three months later, his prayers were answered when a letter from Hamish arrived declaring he was still alive.
John, who was managing partner of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel Collieries at the time, was so grateful for his return that he made a large donation to St Bride’s to extend the building.
The oak panelled chancel was constructed in 1929-30 and has a stunning stained glass window.
It features a plaque on the wall which gives thanks to the Glory of God for the “preservation” of the decorated soldier’s life. This area of the church will also be a focal point for visitors who will be given free guided tours by volunteers once the work is complete.
