Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire – In a heartwarming display of solidarity and pride, members of the worldwide Jardine Clan have come together to save the historic Applegarth Church near Lockerbie. The Church, which holds great significance as the spiritual home of the Jardine family, was in danger of being sold earlier this year. However, an appeal through the Clan’s Facebook group has garnered an overwhelming response from across the globe, with pledges totaling nearly £70,000 in just 48 hours.
The campaign, led by Andrew and Kirsteen Michell of Applegarth House, has been met with enthusiasm and support from the international community. The Michells, who live next door to the church, have been instrumental in galvanizing efforts to save the ancient building.
According to Andrew Michell, the history of the church and the surrounding area is rich and goes back centuries. “We believe there has been a church at Applegarth since around 600 A.D. This is the heritage of the Jardines and other families. We couldn’t see it lost,” he says.
Sir William Jardine of Applegirth Bt., the chief of Clan Jardine, has commended the joint effort, highlighting the emotional ties that bind the Jardine diaspora to their ancestral lands. He also notes that this connection extends to other families, such as Porteous, Rogerson, Bryden, Johnstone, Dinwoodie, and Boyes, who have their roots in Applegarth.
In a show of support and celebration, Jardines from South Africa, America, and other parts of the world are planning to visit Dumfriesshire for the handover of the church to a new charity, “Friends of Applegarth Church SCIO.” The ceremony, which will include a symbolic handing over of the keys and a blessing, will take place on Sunday 30th November at 2pm. The clan chief, Sir William Jardine, will be present with his family, and the event is open to all who wish to attend.
The vision for Applegarth Church extends far beyond preservation. The new charity aims to turn the site into a community hub, a center for heritage and education, and a venue for blessings, weddings, and funerals.
For further information, please contact Kirsteen Michell at admin@applegarthchurch.org or 07791 561618, or Andrew Michell at 07802 247294. More details can also be found on the website www.applegarthchurch.org, which is currently under construction, and the Facebook group “Friends of Applegarth Church SCIO.”
