Crimond Parish Church

Built in 1812, Crimond Parish Church lies to the north of the A90 trunk road in the village of Crimond (Aberdeenshire). Now A-listed, it comprises rectangular building, harled with granite margins, featuring a prominent tower and octagonal belfry and spire in the centre of the facade. The clock on this steeple is unusual, in that it includes an extra minute immediately before the hour, along with the inscription 'The hour's coming'.

The interior was altered in 1895 and again 1905, at which time an organ was installed, funded like many others by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie (1835 - 1919). This is an unusual two-manual instrument by Conacher of Huddersfield and it was overhauled in 1984-85 at a cost of £3500. Jessie Seymour Irvine (1836-87), who was an enthusiastic organist and the daughter of a prominent minister here, Rev. Alexander Irvine (1804-84), composed the famous hymn tune Crimond. This first appeared in 1872 and is often used to accompany The Lord is My Shepherd, the 23rd Psalm. It was first played in Auchterless church, but Irvine was unhappy with the harmonisation and asked David Grant (1833-93) of Aberdeen to improve it.

Two of the Communion cups, which remain is use, date from 1745.

Since 2002, Crimond has been linked with Lonmay Parish Church, sharing a minister.


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