Fetlar Kirk
Fetlar, Shetland Islands
Fetlar kirk, built in 1791, is beautifully situated on Fetlar, Shetland between Tresta beach and a freshwater loch, Papil water and has a peaceful simplicity.
The building dates from 1871, founded by Adam Clarke who travelled throughout Shetland, spreading Methodism. The attractive stone built building contains a worship area which was extensively renovated and modernised in 1993-4, after a storm lifted and moved the roof.
There are two stained glass windows in the worship area. The south window (to the left of the organ as you face it) is in memory of the Revd William Goudie, born at Channerwick in 1857. He served from 1882 until 1906 in India in the Madras District and was distinguished as a missionary leader and thinker. He was designated President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference but died before he could take up the office in 1922.
The north window (to the right of the organ as you face the organ) is in memory of the Revd Dr Frederick Luke Wiseman (1858-1944), a former President of the Wesleyan(1912) and Methodism(1933) Conferences. As Connexional Home Mission Secretary from 1913, he is remembered as one "who did much for Shetland Methodism."
The lectern has a wooden copy of the Papil cross carved into it and the Pulpit Fall made by embroidery and textile artist Nina Herning, resonating with influences from her original home in Kazan, Russia.The Greek word ΙΧΘΥΣ 'fish' was an early Christian acronym meaning "Jesus Christ. Son of God, Saviour". The rays emanating from YAHWEH give light and warmth to the universe.
The church community has a strong emphasis on social justice as an out-working of faith. The building is perhaps best known in the community as the heart of the Food for the Way / Fresh Start project, providing meals for anyone who would appreciate food and company on a Wednesday lunchtime.