St Laurence Parish Church, Forres
Denomination: Church of Scotland
Address: High Street, Forres, IV36 1BU
Local Authority: Moray
Listing: A
WEBSITE
Church Overview
A place of worship since 13th century, the foundation stone of the present category B listed building, designed by John Robertson of Inverness, was laid in August 1904 and the building opened for worship on 28th February 1906. The interior has many features, among them a white marble baptismal font, a copy of the prototype in Dryburgh Abbey, a marble Communion Table, a brass eagle lectern, and a pulpit of Caen stone copied from a Reformation abbey. The stained glass windows greatly enhance the beauty of the church. The War Memorial window above the Chancel, and the commemorative window over the main doorway, are the work of Percy Bacon of London. Along the south wall is a series of windows by Dr Douglas Strachan of Edinburgh, also responsible for the Baptistry window. In the belfry are two large bells each weighing aroung four hundred weight, and a fine chime of Eight Tuning Bells, gifted by William Douglas of Lenzie. The organ, fully overhauled in 1989, was installed in 1905, costing £525, a three-manual Lawton pipe organ, which has led the congregation’s praise of God Sunday by Sunday. Major repairs to the spire and roof pinnacles cost over £23,000 in early 1990. In 1997 the church was completely rewired, and new lighting installed. Fund raising was begun in 1999 to restore the church, estimated cost 3500,000. A new gas boiler was installed in 2000. In 2003 all external stonework was repainted. The vital repair work was made possible by a grant from Historic Scotland, and the Hunter bequest of 1989, along with interest on this capital investment.
Services
Sundays: 10.00am.
Opening Arrangements
Open May to September, Monday to Friday 10.00am-12.00 noon, 2.00-4.00pm. Other times by arrangement
Contact St Laurence Parish Church, Forres.
Disclaimer
The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.