History – Langtoun Central Church

Langtoun Central History

Langtoun Central Church came into existance on 1st January 2025. It was the coming together of four congregations in Kirkcaldy: Abbotshall, Bennochy, Linktown, & St. Bryce. You can read about the history of these Churches via the links below.

Abbotshall	Bennochy	Linktown
Old Kirk	St. Andrew’s	St. Bryce
St John’s

The first Church service under the name of Langtoun was held on Sunday 5th January 2025 in the Abbotshall Church building.

These pages will document key events in the life of Langtoun Central Church.

Langtoun Central History

2025

The January Blues offered, for three days a week at the Bennochy:Methven Hall, a ‘warm space’ for anyone to enjoy social contact, play boardgames or jigsaws or just relax with a hot drink or a bowl of hot soup. There was background music and some people even brought along their own instrument! (see below). Cosy knitted blankets and wheatbags were also available. It was well timed as early January was very cold! We had 50 visits over the month and the blankets left over were donated to the hospice and Abbeyfield Home.

Enjoying the January Blues events at Bennochy — The January Blues with Entertainment! (Jan 2025)

We received our updated Eco congregation certificate now proudly showing Langtoun Central Church.

This ties in with the ECO activities undertaken last year. We have a video from the Bennochy ECO Fayre held in August 2024.

ECO Fayre 2024

At the start of February the Community Choir performed at the Fife Festival of Music at the Adam Smith Theatre. A great evening was enjoyed by all.

Later that month the Kirk Session decided that Sunday worship will take place in the Bennochy building. There was a strong feeling to have a settled place for worship and this building was considered the most appropriate. St. Bryce would remain the administrative centre and also be available for worship.

The Service of Union organised by Fife Presbytery was held on Tuesday 18th February in St. Bryce with the moderator Revd Arthur Christie, preacher Very Revd Dr G Russell Barr and clerk Revd Alec Shuttleworth taking the service along with Rev Stewart McPherson. You can watch the service below:

Service of Union – 18 Feb 2025

A Church Ceilidh was held on the 22nd February in the Bennochy Halls. A great time was had by all as they danced to the music of Ceilidh band “Quern”. A total of £750 was raised for CHAS, a charity supporting children and families in life.

Rev Stewart McPherson, our Interim Minister, retired after leading our Easter Service in April. We have a selection of pitcures taken at his retiral party.

Stewart McPherson Retiral Party (Apr 2025)

Photo Gallery: Retiral Party

We raised a total of £327 in donations over our various Easter services for an appeal to help those affected by the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

The annual Women’s Group Bunny Drive was another great success which raised £600 on the night.

May marked the 90th birthday of the 20th Kirkcaldy Guides meeting at the Bennochy (formally St. John’s) building.

To mark the 80^th anniversary of VE Day on May 8th, we held an Afternoon Tea in the Olive Branch café (see photo, below).

VE Day 80th Anniversary Afternoon Tea (May 2025)

Photo Gallery: VE Day Tea

A simple soup lunch was provided for all after the service on 11^th May to conincide with Christian Aid week. A sum of £1,216 was collected over the week and sent to the Kirkcaldy Christian Aid Committee.

In May, the café at St Bryce won an award for Community Café of the year Fife 2025! Well done to all at the café.

Bruce Davies in Concert at Langtoun (Jun 2025)

On 21^st June, an audience of over 160 attended a concert in the Church given by church member Bruce Davies. £1,795 was raised for much-needed upgrades to the Church’s sound system. Professional entertainer, Bruce, and the large audience (some of whom had travelled from as far afield as Manchester and Ireland) were thanked by Session Clerk, George Drummond, and a memorable evening was enjoyed by all.