Cullen Methodist Church, Seatown, Cullen,
Buckie, AB56 4SL
Cullen Methodist Church is a strong part of our common bond as part of the North East Scotland Mission Circuit. So we gladly set out out some of our common and historical links here on this page.
However if you are looking for up to date information on Cullen Methodist church you will be able to find it on their own website
http://www.moraycoastmethodistchurches.org.uk/page6.htm
History of Cullen Methodist Church
The following is taken from the Minute of the Circuit Meeting of the 20th September 1997 at which Rev Malcolm Newman, the then minister, gave an outline of the up-to-date situation of the church that the Members were sitting in :-
Some two years ago the Methodist Church at Cullen celebrated its 90th anniversary but, in 1994, the members had been reminded that Methodism had in fact been in Cullen since 1814. So, today, the present-day folk called Methodist stand in that humble succession of some 183 years.
Founded by a fisherman, George Findlay, who found this 'English religion' in the great Methodist missions of Yarmouth and Lowestoft, it thrived 'amongst the fisher folk with whom it belonged', and if you care to visit the present vestry you will see a photograph, not just showing the worthies of that bygone era, but the original church too... thatched and small, soon to be replaced with this magnificent stone edifice.
The opening ceremony on the 7th September 1905 was a grand affair attended by all the notables from hither and yon to observe the wife of the manager of the Highland Railway declare these very premises open. The event is vividly commemorated in our communion silver, donated by H.B. Law of Glasgow. The local paper's report, of which there is an exact copy of the paper of the day in the vestry, carried a full column on the day's events including an extensive summary of the sermon preached by Prof George Findlay, a distant relative of the original founder. The text he used was from Hebrews 10:22
'So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith'
That self-same text was used on the 90th anniversary service, which was conducted with a full church made up of all denominations. That situation summarises the position and love of the church in the community of the township of Cullen. It has held a proud place 'among the fisherfolk' but has never held itself aloof from 'serving those who need the love of God most'.
There have been many characters gracing this House of God, and many still remain! But the love and friendship engendered through fellowship, worship and study have created a society that knows its Lord and relies on Him. When the Church Council was encouraged to 'dream dreams and see visions' there were a few who wondered what on earth they were being exhorted to do but, praise the Lord, there were those who 'caught the wind of the Spirit' and sought a vision for this church's future, despite those in authority who considered that it would all be a waste of time and money!
Some four years ago, the folk had embarked on the re-pointing of the exterior and renewing spouts and guttering - they looked at the internal decoration - the need for a sound system and induction loop - the removal of the form pews and the provision of individual seats - a carpet .... and God saw that it was good, and He mightily blessed the deed! Over £30,000 was raised and spent, without a penny of a grant being sought, and that is with a membership of 46, and a very generous community who cares passionately about this little Methodist Church.
See their own website for more up to date information
http://www.moraycoastmethodistchurches.org.uk/page6.htm
WE GO FORWARD IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD!