Channelkirk and Lauder Churches
Channelkirk and Lauder Church
Channelkirk Service: 10am Lauder Service: 11:30am.
Both
22/09/26
In August 2026, guided by their respective Kirk Sessions, Channelkirk and Lauder Church and Stow and Heriot Church congregations agreed to establish a formal linkage.
Each church had been allocated .5 of a Full Time Equivalent ministry however, attracting interest in either part time post proved unsuccessful. One possible solution to filling the vacancies was the formation of a constitutional linkage thereby calling a full time ministry to cover the four churches.
However, from the date of linkage in August 2026 the allocation of service from Locum ministers fell from two to one – to cover all four churches in the new linkage, currently served by two locum ministers ; this reflected the Church of Scotland principle of one full time vacancy; equals one Locum appointment ministers.
At this point, the Locum to Channelkirk and Lauder Churches decided to resign. The highly respected Rev Scott Guy led his final service at the end of August when he explained his reason for resignation. Scott will be greatly missed by both congregations as will the welcomed presence from Mrs Guy in both parishes throughout the two years.
The new linkage from Heriot through Stow to Lauder and Channelkirk are now in the process of advertising for a full time minister.
Meanwhile Lauder Church services on a Sunday at 11.30 are led by Worship Leaders, members of the congregation. Unfortunately the pastoral and other services provided by a Locum lie in abeyance.
The Church of Scotland has recognised this unfortunate outcome of the new linkage by agreeing to fund an additional Locum for a short period. This ‘vacancy’ is to be advertised!.
Stow St Mary of Wedale and Heriot Church of Scotland Website link
Both
17/06/26
Both Channelkirk and Lauder Churches hold ‘A’ status with Lothian and Borders Presbytery, thereby protected from closure at least until reviewed in 2028 when Presbytery will review the status of the buildings.
Channelkirk and Lauder Churches were linked in the early 1970s under the sole ministry of the Rev John Shields MBE, The churches were united in 2006. Given the significant drop in membership and the implementation of the Church of Scotland Radical Plan, the united churches now seek a new linkage with Stow and Heriot Church. As both united churches are currently without a minister the congregations hope that by linking they might attract a full time minister as each church has been allocated only .5 FTE.
The church in Stow has been closed, Heriot Church remains open, both Channelkirk and Lauder Churches remain under threat of closure with the Kirk Session working hard to retain both churches.
Church services are currently held every Sunday in Channelkirk at 10am and in Lauder at 11.30am. Most of the services led by Scott Guy are recorded for those who are unable to attend Church.
Cruciform in plan, in the shape of the Greek cross with all four arms of equal length. Lauder Kirk is recognised far and wide as one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in Scotland. The original Hearse House and Vestry, built in 1831, became the Session House and is now the Church Centre accommodating a meeting hall, vestry and kitchen.
A Craft group, Art Group, Mums and Babies group , the Dramatic Society rehearsals and a Coffee and Chat meet up on a Friday when the church is open to residents and visitors alike.
Thanks to a very generous gift, a two manual pipe organ was installed in Lauder in 2003
Church activities within the Community
Lauder Common Riding week is a highlight of the community’s year. It begins with the Kirkin’ of the Cornet in Lauder Church and culminates with some 350 horses gathering to ride the marches. At the end of the ride the horses pause at the War Memorial in Lauder where the minister leads a short service.
Lauder Church lies at the centre of community life with the Kirkin’, Remembrance Sunday, Easter and Christmas offering community events. In the past with a Burns supper, family ceilidhs and summer barbecues, the Lauder Christmas Lights switch-on event, as well as the Parish Treat at Christmas for all the young people of the parish.
Interesting links
- Undiscovered Scotland : Lauder Church
- Undiscovered Scotland : Channelkirk Church
- St Cuthbert’s way info
- Information on Channelkirk Wall Hanging
- A Corpus of Scottish Medieval Parish Churches
- Images of Lauder Church
- Images of Channelkirk Church
