Young People

Under 5’s

The Creche

This cheerful room with adjacent toilet is conveniently placed just off the north aisle and always has two approved children’s workers in charge. There is a wide range of toys and story books, as well as a travelling cot so that babies can sleep in peace. Ask any elder to direct you to the crèche or to a crèche worker. If you hope to keep your children with you during the service unless they become restless or distressed, it’s a good idea to sit on the north side to get to the crèche quickly if necessary.

Mums and Tots Group

This meets monthly, on the last Friday of the month in the afternoon, usually in the manse. It’s an opportunity for the mums to get together for a chat over coffee while others look after the children as they play and have their snack. For further information ask any elder to introduce you to Christina Kincaid or Sonia Richardson.

The Sunday Schools

The number of classes running in any year depends on the number and age-range of the children attending. At present, there are classes, for primary and secondary age children.

Primary: These meet every Sunday of the school session during the service. Generally, children spend a part of the time in church but have their lessons – which includes a music session - in the east gatehouse. 'These classes cover 5-7 and 8-11 age ranges depending on the children’s reading and writing development.

On occasional Sundays the whole time is given over to crafts. Visiting children under 12 are welcome to join the others. Ask an elder to introduce you to a Sunday School teacher.

Secondary: These are generally young people with busy lives and many commitments! They, teachers and parents negotiate a programme of lessons each term. On other Sundays they are encouraged to participate in the life of the Cathedral: some are members of the sound system team, assist with coffee, or help with the younger ones. Again, ask to be introduced to a teacher.

Junior Choir

This is open to all between the ages of 7 and 16. Young people are trained in choral singing in a friendly atmosphere. On several occasions in the year the choir, in blue robes, participates in morning service joining with the Cathedral choir and singing an anthem on their own. Practice is on Fridays, 6.15 – 7.30, in the Cathedral. For more information, contact Margaret Downie on 703563.

See also Music / Junior Choir

The Boys’ Brigade

The 3rd Aberdeen Company has a joint affiliation with the Cathedral and St Columba’s, Bridge of Don. The three sections (covering ages 6 – 18) meet in St Columba’s on Friday evenings but the minister here takes an active interest in the Company and the boys attend occasional services in St Machar’s. In October, the Boys’ Brigade will celebrate its 125th anniversary. For more information, ask to be introduced to John Cameron who can put you in touch with the Company Captain.

School Visits

St Machar’s is open every day from 9 –5 in summer, 10 – 4 in winter. Many schools bring classes to explore history and/or religion. Materials are available for the church and the graveyard, some with clear links to 5-14. Often members (some of them former teachers) are available to help. Moreover, the gatehouses – with toilets, one with disabled access can be made available for children to have their interval snacks though if the weather is fine Seaton Park close by is even more attractive. Contact the Cathedral office to make arrangements. It’s a good way to spend a morning.

While there is no charge, please remember that the Cathedral has no financial support other than from the congregation. Donations are warmly welcomed.