Goforit Associates

The History of Banchory-Devenick Parish Kirk

Click on photograph above for slide show of pictures of Banchory-Devenick Kirk & the Graveyard
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The kirk and it's graveyards of Banchory-Devenick ( banchory or bancor 'the Ministries of' Devenick) are situated just off the Lower Deeside road approximately 2 miles from the Bridge of Dee. As far as we know the original kirk was built in the twelfth century on the legendary site of St Devenick's tomb (Saint Devenick who was an evangelist, sent out to minister to the Picts and who died in Caithnes) and it was repaired in 1620's on the orders of Bishop Forbes and rebuilt in 1822 which is the kirk building that stands on this site today.

Not only did St Devenick found two churches, one at Banchory-Devenick and one at Methlick but he also had an altar in St Machar Cathedral . It is known that he travelled as far north as Caithness where he worked among the wild tribes and he is honoured in the counties of Caithness and Sutherland annually on November 13th. At Methlick there is a well that's waters are said to have great healing powers and on the 13th November was the scene of pilgrimages.

It is said that St Devenick died in Caithness and it was his wish to be buried where it is believed he lies to this day at Banchory-Devenick, Scotland.

St Devenick

Saint of the Deva stream, whose clear strong voice
Woke the dark echoes of our Northern vale,
Bidding the souls of mortal men rejoice
In Gospel light, and o'er their sins bewail;
We hail thee from the century afar,
DEVENICK, the preacher-saint of Celtic zeal,
Who with Saint Machar didst point the star
Of Christ's bright love that men might see, and feel
That 'mid the darkness of their heathen life
Hope had arisen, and the dawn was near
Of-deathless Joy, and Peace 'mid sturdy strife;
That men might love, and never more should fear.
Patron and Saint! For thy great work we joy:
Thy sturdy zeal be ours without alloy.

If you have any historic facts about the kirk or the parish you think should be included on this site please contact us.

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