St. Michael’s and South Church Holds A History of Halloween Events

In line with its aims to engage with its parishioners and the wider community and in association with the Wild Goose Festival, St. Michael’s and South Church, Dumfries organised two free to attend community events on Sunday

The Church held its usual October Service of Holy Communion at 11.00am lead by The Reverend Bill Hogg at which members observed this beautiful sacrament.

Following this, the first free to attend community event was a guided Graveyard Tour to take place from 5.00pm to 6.00pm however the wet weather forced this ‘indoors’ where the Church’s Development Officer, Fiona Lee expertly delivered the tour talk describing the fascinating history and stories concerning the many famous people interred in the graveyard. Hot chocolate was on hand to partake at the end!

Those in attendance were then treated to a medley of music on the Church’s wonderful Willis organ played by Simon Hsylop while the pews filled again for the next event at 7.00pm – a slide presentation delivered by Judith Hewitt, Museums Curator with Dumfries and Galloway Council. With great skill, knowledge and detail, Judith gave an extremely insightful, thought provoking and detailed talk on the origins of Halloween and its development in various incarnations throughout history from early Pagan, Celtic  and then Christian times not only in Dumfries but in all parts of Britain and around the world.

Suffice to say, even though no actual Witches were present on the night, Judith held the audience spellbound with a fascinating presentation of facts, myths and mysteries surrounding Halloween or ‘Allhallows Eve’ or ‘All Saints Day’ and its relevance to the Church.

Fiona Lee said; “The church is open to members and visitors all year round with Sunday services every week. The Wild Goose Festival, which recognises and celebrates renewal, revival, hope and God’s gifts going into this new season on earth has a symmetry with the real origins of Halloween and so we felt it a wonderful opportunity to hear from Judith and also share our special place at St Michael’s and South Church”

Picture shows speaker, Judith Hewitt (left) and Fiona Lee on a suitably low lit and wonderfully atmospheric church.

Details of all events at the Church can be seen at; www.stmichaelsdumfries.co.uk and Facebook.