Pennyghael Community Hall - Pennyghael in the Past Historical Archive

Pennyghael United Free Church

Pennyghael United Free Church was built in 1891, following a 'disruption' in the Free Church organisation. The other Free Church at Killunaig [now called Church House] continued to function, but the split was a contributory factor in the eventual closure of both the churches. John Auldo Lamont of Pennycross, a stone mason, worked on the building from start to finish. Bertie Black remembered; "The small belfry was his "pride and joy" and he never missed an opportunity to point out to us just how well-made and durable was his particular facet of the 'new church'. As far back as I can recall, there was no resident minister and a minister came from Oban or elsewhere to conduct services. Theological students were much in evidence during the summer vacations. By the late 1920s, it became almost unsuitable for services, and these took place in the Pennyghael Schoolroom. I recall a wedding in the church around 1934/5 and I think it was the last one to take place there. It had been a lovely church when evening services were held there and the oil lamps lit up the scene. "