The parishioners of Kilbride Parish Church have recently buried a time capsule which won’t be seen again until 2068. Those who open the capsule then, will learn all about life in the parish in 2018. The time capsule is buried at St Bride’s Church and is part of the parish’s 150th anniversary celebrations!
The specially crafted capsule was stowed underground on Sunday 21st October 2018. Around 100 people watched as it was put into the ground, below a marble plaque bearing the words from Hebrews 13: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.”
The 150th anniversary of the consecration of St Bride’s was June 9th 2018. During the course of this year the parish has organised several events to help celebrate this milestone. This included a celebration service on June 10th at which the Primate, the Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, preached.
The children of the Parish helped to put items in the time capsule which won’t be opened until 2068.
The rector of Kilbride, the Rev Canon David Humphries, said:
“One of the things which we thought would help the children to get involved was to bury a time capsule in the church grounds. It will be brought up in 50 years’ time – the year of the 200th anniversary of the consecration!
The kids got involved in a big way, both as individuals and through their organisations. Paintings and other ‘arty’ works were included, as well as details of the uniformed organisations and their badges, etc.”
Other present day items were also placed in the time capsule including currency and photos
David said the capsule contained a project on Sterling currency as it is used today. Also the original key of the church door, and many photos of parish events, Select Vestry meetings, and more.
Finally, a letter from the rector today to the rector at the time of the 200th anniversary was included.
“We found that we had to think very hard about what parish life might be like in 50 years’ time. Whether or not the people then would understand everything that we put into the box now,” David said.
“Also, in the light of some rather famous disasters with time capsules, we made as sure as we could, that the box and its contents would survive 50 years underground.
We created a waterproof chamber and sealed the box professionally so that everything would remain intact. We have placed a notice in the vestry informing people of the existence of the box, and when it should be brought up.”
The box is now secure under its concrete plaque, and perhaps some of the children who contributed to its contents will be involved in its excavation in 50 years’ time!
Find out more about Kilbride Parish news, services and events on their website here.