Crimond Church

Crimond Church stands in the heart of Crimond village on the east side of the A90 road in Aberdeenshire. Built in 1812 to a design by Robert Mitchell, it is a Category A listed building and a key landmark in the area. The church is best known as the home of the popular hymn tune ‘Crimond’, which is traditionally sung to ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’. In 2012 it marked its bicentenary with a special service led by The Very Rev. Prof. Alan Main, a former Moderator of the Church of Scotland. The church’s most unusual feature is its clock, which has 61 minutes in the hour. This extra minute was added in the early 19th century by Dr James Laing and later removed in 1949, causing public outcry. The clock now runs on electricity, though its original mechanical movement is displayed inside. A fish-shaped weather vane, once lost and vandalised, now tops the spire again. The church also houses a rare two-manual pipe organ built by Conacher and Co., restored in 1985. Inside, etched glass panels honour Jessie Seymour Irvine, who composed the ‘Crimond’ tune in 1871. The panels show Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the opening bars of the hymn. The churchyard holds the family grave of Jessie and her father, Rev. Alexander Irvine. Visitors find a quiet place of worship with a strong musical heritage and striking architectural details.