Youth and Children's work
The first Sunday School was founded by the Rev. William Anderson in the 1830’s. He was such an excellent teacher that he attracted pupils from many miles around; indeed, men and women as well as children attended his classes. Because of the success of his classes, Lady Burnett of Leys donated a new building to accommodate the pupils. The Sunday School continues today as Kid's Kirk.
The present structure of our children and youth groups originated in 1992, when Laurie Wheeler, a youth worker from a Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington State, USA, became the first full time Youth Leader in Banchory. To maximise the effectiveness of her work, the East and West Church Kirk Sessions combined to establish a Joint Youth Programme. Laurie returned to the United States to study for the ministry in 1995 and the Rev. Tony Stephen was appointed. In 2012,Tony was called as Parish minister to Banchory West church and the co-ordination our youth work was taken over by Amy Pearce. Amy's work is being continued by Chloe Hutchinson at present.
Bill Stone and Caitlin Marno have both worked with us developing our children's ministry, providing activities in a variety of interesting ways.
The Youth Groups have been able to contribute to projects both at home and abroad and currently about 100 young people participate in the Youth Programme.
The present structure of our children and youth groups originated in 1992, when Laurie Wheeler, a youth worker from a Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington State, USA, became the first full time Youth Leader in Banchory. To maximise the effectiveness of her work, the East and West Church Kirk Sessions combined to establish a Joint Youth Programme. Laurie returned to the United States to study for the ministry in 1995 and the Rev. Tony Stephen was appointed. In 2012,Tony was called as Parish minister to Banchory West church and the co-ordination our youth work was taken over by Amy Pearce. Amy's work is being continued by Chloe Hutchinson at present.
Bill Stone and Caitlin Marno have both worked with us developing our children's ministry, providing activities in a variety of interesting ways.
The Youth Groups have been able to contribute to projects both at home and abroad and currently about 100 young people participate in the Youth Programme.
