Fr Martin Pletts led the parishioners at St Matthew’s, Auchtermuchty, in a celebration of a great milestone in its history—its 60th anniversary!
“We give thanks for those years,” said Fr Pletts, “and for the members of the church community past and present (especially loved ones and family members who have gone on ahead of us). We give thanks, too, for the ministry of those priests who have served here over the years, nourishing and guiding the Lord’s little flock in this area.”
There were fond memories too of Canon James Malaney who served St Columba’s, Cupar and St Matthew’s for over 30 years.
Built in 1959, St Matthew’s is a beautiful brick-built contemporary building with a dressed-stone front. The lovely white interior is enhanced by five oaken ribs which support the roof and the altar is enclosed in a semi circular arch with a background of blue.
Before the church was opened, Catholics in the area had only been able to hear Mass thanks to the generosity of benefactors. They included the Dick family at Montrave, who provided the first chapel in Cupar in 1864; the Fairlie family who built a private chapel at Myres Castle in 1890, and the Bute family who built a private chapel at House of Falkland in 1901.
The area was served by priests from the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh until 1948 when the responsibility was taken over by Augustinian Fathers from Dundee, one of whom, Fr Leo McCabe, built the present church in Auchtermuchty.
Fr Pletts thanked Bishop Stephen Robson for coming to help us mark the special moment in the history of this faith community.
“May God continue in his goodness to pour out an abundance of graces
and blessings upon St Matthew’s and its parishioners, together may we move forward in faith and charity, praying for and supporting each other, on this journey of life towards our heavenly homeland.”
“On a personal note I want to thank you all, in St. Matthew’s, for your support of me as your priest: for your kindness, your help, and your friendship.”
