While COVID has laid to rest, at least temporarily, regular Sunday services at Kenyon Presbyterian Church in Dunvegan, it will not stop the annual Memorial Sunday service on September 6th at 11 am. For many a year, this very popular event has seen folks from near and far gather as a community and commemorate a relative or friend who has been laid to rest in Dunvegan.
As fate would have it, 2020 was to have been an especially memorable occasion as it coincides with the 180th anniversary of the founding of the Kenyon congregation and the Kenyon cemetery. It’s interesting to note, though, that if things had gone according to the original plan, today’s worshippers would have had been forever condemned to suffer the din of traffic from the 417 whizzing by the back door. Written in 1940 to celebrate its 100thbirthday, the Rev. Donald N. MacMillan’s Historical Sketch of Kenyon Presbyterian Church, Dunvegan records the story behind the church’s founding: “The first proposed site for the Kenyon Church was on the farm of J. F. Campbell, north of Dunvegan, on the Skye Road. Near the road, a cemetery was laid out and the remains of those who died during the early years were placed there. The spot is also sanctified by the fact that many a godly sermon was preached under a large elm tree nearby.” But all that remains of Dunvegan’s first place of worship is a plaque just off Skye Road marking the site of the original Pioneer Cemetery. As for the majestic preaching tree, Dutch elm, plain old age or a pressing need for firewood did it in long ago.
Rev. MacMillan continues: “In order to be more central, a change was made and a suitable lot on the present site was given to the congregation by Norman (Capt.) McLeod. There was also considerable discussion regarding the type of church to be built. According to an old story the question was being debated at a certain meeting. Some suggested a brick church, but others said this was impossible and proposed a frame building. Finally, one man said (it was in Gaelic, of course): “Ladies and Gentlemen, it will be nae a brick nor a frame church but a log church.” Hence, for the first forty years of its existence, the church’s home was a cedar log cabin, loving constructed by volunteers from the community. The church-raising bee even included eleven Roman Catholics “some of these men being expert with the axe and therefore useful on the corners.” In 1871, the congregation’s size had grown to the point where a larger house of worship was needed. However, difficulties in raising funds for the 40-foot by 60-foot stone structure resulted in frequent construction delays. So it wasn’t until September 9th of 1880 that the new church was opened officially.
All this is to say that Memorial Sunday 2020 will be a very special day. And the women and men of Kenyon Presbyterian Church extend an invitation to one and all to join them. Naturally, COVID-19 protocols will be followed to the letter, and the gathering will be held outdoors on the lawn in front of the Church Hall. The Rev. Jim Ferrier will conduct the program. The short service (just thirty minutes or so) will celebrate the Congregation’s Scottish heritage by incorporating musical performances by local pipers, fiddlers and pianists. Donations will be welcomed in support of the church’s Cemetery Fund. Please bring a lawn chair and facemask, and be prepared to maintain social distancing during the service. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, no lunch will be offered this year.
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