St Philips, Catterline: A brief history
The fishing village of Catterline expanded in the early 19th Century after its harbour had been built. In 1842 a group of 19 male communicants, speaking for a community of 132, petitioned the Diocesan Synod for a church at Catterline, because the Episcopal Chapel at Drumlithie was seven miles away. In 1843 the first Catterline pastor - the Reverend James Stevenson from Stornoway - was elected. The present church of St Philip was opened in 1848 and consecrated by Bishop Forbes of Brechin.
A notice in the Entrance Porch records that the Founder and First Priest, James Stevenson, was buried in the Churchyard after his death on 5 March 1868 at the age of 64 years.
A plaque on the West Wall records:
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In the Name of God, Amen The Late John Scollay, Master R.N. for the Glory of God and for the good of his soul, bequeathed the sum of £100, the Interest in all time coming, to be applied in payment of the Feu-duty of the ground upon which this Church is erected; and also the sum of £50 the interest to be applied for the benefit of regular communicants of this congregation occupied in the calling of Fishermen, who may suffer loss from disasters at sea; or for the benefit of their orphan children. |