Churches
Kirkmichael Church
The Church of Scotland parish church of Kirkmichael is situated on the main road through the village beside the bridge. The present building celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1991 but there has been a church on the site for far longer.
Nowadays this is the main church in a parish of over 200 sq. miles covering Strathardle, Glenshee and Glenericht, and reaching nearly to Blairgowrie. Our churches are linked with the parish of Rattray on the outskirts of Blairgowrie and our minister is the Rev. Dr. Malcolm MacRae. Sunday School meets during the church service and there are monthly meetings of the Guild. We also seek to serve the local community in practical ways, and the church Session House has been renovated and opened up for community use. A warm welcome is extended to any who would like to join us at worship at 9.30am each Sunday.
Rev Dr. Malcolm MacRae (01250) 872462 malcolm.macrae1@btopenworld.com
Kirkmichael, Straloch and Glenshee Church of Scotland, Charity No: SC008021
Sunday School
All children meet in the Church for the beginning of the service, and after a short children’s address and hymn then go to the Session House for their own activities. We mainly use Scripture Union materials, and activities involve games and competitions, drama, short bible studies, craft and drawing, and prayer and reflection. The aim is to give the children an awareness and understanding of the bible and how to apply it in their everyday lives as well as exploring world issues.
In addition children take part in regular family/all age services, often taking the whole service including providing the music and drama, readings and prayers involving the whole congregation in the service.
The Sunday school meets every Sunday morning during school term time from 09:30 am until 10:30 am at Kirkmichael Parish Church and Session House. All children between the ages of 3 and 12 years are welcome to join in either regularly, occasionally or as a visitor. All leaders have been approved to work with children in accordance with the Church of Scotland’s Child Protection Policy. Older children are always welcome to help along side the leaders.
Netherton Church
Netherton Kirk sits by the River Ericht; it is one of three places of worship in the Parish of Kirkmichael, Straloch and Glenshee. Services are held at 6pm on the first and third Sundays of the month.
The Church was built in 1891 to replace a mission cottage which had served for 43 years. Funds for the building were raised locally and local tradesman employed; the notable pitch pine woodwork was crafted by Bridge of Cally joiner Isaac Keay. Netherton United Free Church was an out-reach from St. Andrews United Free Church in Blairgowrie. It won independence in 1920 and in 1929 the United Free Church rejoined the Church of Scotland.
Netherton united with Persie Church in 1939 and with Cray and Glenshee Churches even further up the glen in 1951. The final union was in 1977 with Kirkmichael to form the present parish which is linked to Rattray and all four churches are served by the Reverend Malcolm MacRae.
Kirkmichael, Straloch and Glenshee Church of Scotland, Charity No: SC008021
Glenshee Church
Glenshee Church has stood at the head of Glenshee in the shadow of Gulabin for over a century.
"The name Glenshee comes from the Gaelic word shith which signifies fairies and also means peace. The building as it stands today replaced an old and unseemly edifice. It is said that the new Church was originally to have been built at Runavey but the fairies did not approve of this and when the masons started building they came by night and pulled down what had been built up and this was continued night after night until the committee realised the futility of opposing the wishes of the "little folks" and the church was built on the spot of the previous house of worship."( This is taken from "Tales of a Highland Parish" by Rev. T.A. Miller,M.A.)
The Church has become very popular with couples wishing a Highland wedding and is ideally situated in its lovely spot with Spittal Hotel and Dalmunzie close at hand. Normal times of worship are the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 6pm and a service at 11am on December 25th. Everyone is made most welcome.
Kirkmichael, Straloch and Glenshee Church of Scotland, Charity No: SC008021
St. Michael’s Church Ballintuim
The foundation stone of St. Michael’s Church Ballintuim was laid in September 1898 and was built using stone from three local derelict crofts; the total cost was less than five hundred pounds.
Services began in August 1899 and we have enjoyed the company of visiting clergy who now occupy a purpose built cottage next to the church on a two week rotational basis.
Our service of worship is at 10.30am each Sunday. We welcome all and any visitors who wish to join us in worship.
