SEI and St Moluag’s, Eoropaidh

St Moluag’s Church at Eoropaidh, Ness, Isle of Lewis, is one of the oldest churches in the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. It is thought to be a 12th-century structure. Following several centuries of abandonment, the building was restored in 1912 and further work was carried out in the 1970s. The building has neither running water nor electricity. Light is provided by candles and oil lamps, giving insight into the experience of earlier Christians who worshiped here. 

Holy Communion is held there every month, as well as Compline. Once a year, in December, a Christingle Service is also held. Because St Moluag’s sister church St Peter’s in Stornoway are in vacancy, Anne Macdonald (a second-year ordinand who’s a member of St Peter’s) presided at the Christingle Service on Sunday 17 December 2023. The sound of the singing was loud and joyous. As night fell singing Bernadette Farrell’s hymn ‘Christ be our Light’ was a fitting reminder of why Christians still gather there.

Photo courtesy of Anne Macdonald