|
Admin
history |
This congregation had it's origins in the county of Moray, when in 1742 two probationers were sent to Elgin to preach. This proved to be a short-term measure, however, and in 1745 a moderator was appointed, who was given responsibility of congregations: Buchan, Moray and Ross. This arrangement would only come to an end, it was explained, when there was a sufficient number of people in any one of the congregations to form a pastoral charge. Elgin South Street, it seems, met this requirement as its first minister was ordained in 1747. The congregation united with Forres in 1770, but were disjoined in 1772 due to the difficulties caused by the twelve mile distance between the two places. A second church was built in 1807 with sittings for 430, and an even larger church, accommodating 500 worshippers, was opened in 1864. Owing to a dispute, around 1880, over a proposal to change the afternoon service to the evening, many elders and members withdrew from the church and the congregation was reduced considerably. This drop in numbers led to the Presbytery raising the question of a union, and after many difficulties over the next few years, Elgin South Street and Elgin Moss Street were finally united in 1898. |