Christianity reached Banchory over 1,500 years ago. Saint Ternan, who was born in Fordoun in Angus about 440 AD, built a monastery here and, as well as preaching the Christian gospel, he and his followers taught the local people farming, arts and crafts.
Unfortunately, we do not have any historical records covering the next few hundred years. The next significant date is 1143 AD when the Abbot of Arbroath received a grant of land from William the Lion which extended as far as Banchory. A new settlement was created near the churchyard, and a church, school and houses were built.
From that period it is thought that there was a continuous Christian presence in Banchory with several churches being built in succession. We know that a new church was opened in 1664/65; the bell from this church now hangs in the old Watchtower recently restored by the Men's Group.
This church was demolished and a new one built in 1775, but it proved to be too small for the growing congregation and was dismantled in 1824. The stones were used in the construction of the present church in 1825.
As would be expected, the church building has been modernised and extended since its original construction. The beautiful stained glass window with the theme Faith, Hope and Love was installed in 1971. The window is an outstanding feature of a very attractive church building, but we should always remember that 'the Church' is not merely the building but comprises the whole congregation of members who are brought together by their Christian beliefs.
Click Here to read about the Ministers of Banchory