About Blairgowrie & Rattray Methodists
Part of the East of Scotland Methodist Church
In May 2015, we bid farewell to our cherished Riverside premises. Before moving on, it’s worth reflecting on the Riverside Church’s storied history, which has been a beacon of faith for countless worshippers over the years. As we warmly embraced the next chapter of our Methodist journey, we now proudly hold services and events at the Wellmeadow Café, located in the SCYD building at Wellmeadow House, Gas Brae in Blairgowrie.
History of Riverside Methodist Church
In February 1885, the residents of Blairgowrie and Rattray were taken aback when they found out that David Borrie, a well-known figure in their community, had bequeathed the majority of his wealth to the construction of a Methodist Church in the town. It was unexpected since Mr. Borrie had been an active member of the Established Church of Scotland and later the Free Church, even holding the position of an elder. Just days prior to his passing, he had taken part in the church’s communion service. Following this generous gift, the Wesleyan Methodist Conference designated Rev. Edward Brailsford as the minister. For two years, they gathered at the Mechanics’ Institute and sometimes held services outdoors in the Wellmeadow. By August 1887, the church we see today was inaugurated.
In October 1915, soldiers arrived at the church where the church members welcomed them with a tea gathering. This event led to the establishment of the ‘Soldiers Club.’ The hall became a hub of activities, equipped with writing tools, board games, reading materials, and a piano. Reports indicate that each night, between 500 to 600 soldiers frequented the club. Over the next couple of years, they managed to serve more than 200,000 light meals at a minimal cost of less than 3d each.
From the 1920s onward, the church served as a rendezvous point for a group named the Brotherhood. They convened on Sunday afternoons, offering speeches and musical events. Adjacent to the church, a war memorial stands. A unique stained-glass window was installed in remembrance of Rev. David Ingram, a former minister of the church whose final resting place, distinguished by an obelisk, is located in the Blairgowrie cemetery. The church’s communion table commemorates his son, Rev. A RH Ingram, who served as a missionary in India but tragically passed away at the age of 25.
Portraits of David Borrie and his spouse adorn the church’s east wall. A depiction of John Wesley greets visitors in the entrance area, and the west wall showcases images of the church’s former ministers.
Labour Corps Memorial Window
On Saturday, December 2nd, 1922, a memorial window dedicated to the Labour Corps was revealed to commemorate the brave souls who perished in World War I.
However, 55 years later, near the end of 1977, the window was desecrated and sustained severe damage. In response, the church’s minister and congregation deemed it necessary to document the window’s history in detail. Although much about its history remains obscure, records indicate that in 1922, the artist, Mr. R.A. Bell, R.A., was commissioned £800 for the work.
From the beginning of 1917, Blairgowrie served as the central hub for the corps. Over the subsequent two years, the headquarters saw more than 20,000 men. On average, between 3,000 and 4,000 men were stationed in Blairgowrie.
The Memorial Fund’s inception was in 1919, driven by the generous contributions from both officers and men of the Labour Corps. Over 1,300 members contributed, culminating in the creation of the poignant stained glass window, positioned to oversee Boat Brae behind the church.
The window is graced with symbolic figures: St. George symbolizing bravery, St. Paul representing endurance, the patriarch Job denoting fortitude, and General Gordon epitomizing self-sacrifice.
