Carlingwark Loch, Castle Douglas

 

Castle Douglas Parish Church

Recent History

The congregations of St Ringan’s and St Andrew’s were united in 1990, to become Castle Douglas Parish Church. Rev Robert Malloch came here in 2001, after the sudden death on 1.1.2000 of Rev Jack Fraser, who had done so much to nurture the new Church family. Mr Malloch developed strong community relationships, especially through the Church’s Friday youth club. He introduced us to more modern themes and ways of worship. In 2013 Mr Malloch was called to a charge in the Central Belt.

Castle Douglas was linked with the Bengairn Parishes, formed by the union of the two formerly linked charges of Auchencairn with Rerrick and Buittle with Kelton and we were joined by Rev Stephen Ashley-Emery who encouraged ecumenical links with other local churches and widened our vision as a church of service and our open doors to the Community. Rev Ashley- Emery was called to a city charge in 2016 and in September 2018 we welcomed Rev Alison Burnside as minister.

 The Parish

The boundary of the historic parish of Kelton curves round the north of Carlingwark Loch. The town of Castle Douglas, founded in 1792, was/is technically within the Parish of Kelton.

The Parish Church now serves the people of Castle Douglas and those from outwith the town who have chosen to worship with us.

The Parish Church in the 21st century

It has been fitted with a first phase of solar panels and recent upgrades to the heating and lighting.

It is carpeted throughout and the comfortable chairs can be rearranged to suit specific needs. There is an induction Loop system and IT equipment allows for computer- generated graphics.  A new suite of Halls was built in the 1990s. Four rooms of varying sizes, (with or without use of the well-equipped kitchen), are available and extensively used by the congregation and the community for a wide variety of activities. The church can also be used as a venue for concerts and drama. Availability and charges can be checked by contacting Mrs Rena Reid 01556 503226, who also takes the bookings.