Sacrament Burn, Ferintosh

Sacrament Burn, Ferintosh

ID: ROMGH_PA_94_285_P12 DESCRIPTION: The hollow pictured here is set in woodland beside the Ferintosh Burn in the Black Isle parish of Urquhart. It forms a natural amphitheatre with excellent acoustics and was the site of many open-air church services in the 19th century. People gathered in thousands for the Sacrament of Communion when services would be held over several days. The small building was used by the minister before the service. The congregation, some of whom had travelled up to 50 miles, sat on the slopes all around, in sunshine and in rain. Some of the finest preachers in the north of Scotland preached here, among them a famous minister of the parish, Rev Dr John MacDonald, often known as 'The Apostle of the North'. Born in Caithness, he came to the parish of Urquhart in 1813 and remained until his death in 1849. His wife's death in 1814 coincided with his first Communion services at Ferintosh, when thousands of people are said to have gathered to hear him preach. Dr MacDonald was one of the ministers who broke away from the Established Church in 1843 to form the Free Church. He held services out of doors until a new church was built. Open-air services are still held in this spot on some Sunday evenings each summer. This image may be available to purchase. For further information about purchasing and prices please email Groam House Museum This image may be available to purchase. For further information about purchasing and prices please email Groam House Museum PLACENAME: Ferintosh OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Urquhart and Logie Wester SOURCE: Groam House Museum COLLECTION: Groam House Museum Photographic Collection Asset ID: 39330