Fyvie has had a worshipping Christian community for over a thousand years. St Peter's Church has stood proudly since 1808 but many of the surrounding features have belonged there since the 13th century including the abiding bells and ruins of pictish sculptures. Several members of the community choir have reported odd experiences in this building, many concluding to the idea that a ghost lives in the balcony- why this ghost isn't at peace with God however, no one knows. The cavernous space can play on the imagination when there, especially if alone, and there is a sense of change in atmosphere from time to time that cannot be described, only felt. Nevertheless, what truly makes the building feel special is the weight of emotions that have filled this space both of great joy and sorrow. The woodcarving and neo-gothic chancel adds to this particular church's character, not to mention the star of the show- the Tiffany window. In 1901, the Tiffany & Co founder's son Louis Comfort Tiffany was commissioned to create a stained glass window in New York. Alexander Forbes-Leith, the baron Leith of Fyvie and then owner of Fyvie Castle, had asked for this window to be designed after earning his fortune in the American steel industry. While Forbes-Leith and his wife, Marie, were visiting the Tiffany factory, Marie wept with astonishment in the resemblance between the depiction of Archangel Michael and her son, who had tragically passed away at 19 years old. Due to her moving reaction, the business colleagues of Forbes-Leith purchased the window and donated it to St Peter's Church. The window now stands close by the granite memorial for the late Percy Forbes-Leith. Archangel Michael is depicted standing on the 'wheel of time' in a beautifully detailed coat of armour, holding a flaming sword and banner. The colours are astounding to view in person with the best view being found in the balcony, and if the sermon is starting to bore you, the window offers the fun challenge of counting the little stars placed within the clouds. St Michael is seen to be a warrior against evil and the angel of death. His role is regarded to accompany souls to heaven which provokes the question, who would you choose to accompany you into the afterlife?
Lucy - Alan Rickman. A great voice to listen to, and the perfect balance of comforting and eery.
Rumi - Freddie Mercury. He’s my answer to everything, and you’d get a great soundtrack to dance on in to.
Inaya - My boyfriend and best friend, Tomas. It's the only way my afterlife could be spent laughing and sharing ideas.
Alison - In John's Gospel, Jesus promises to take us to the place prepared for us in God's house. That will do for me. Everyone I have lost from this life hopefully waiting behind that door, and my Dad will be the first one I meet.
Dad - Dua Lipa. Enough said.
Maram - My Mum because we do life together so it would be the only person I would want there.
Jed - Michael Sheen. Watch his rendition of ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ on Youtube, that is why.
Omer - Nina Simone. Or my hamster, I miss her.
Zoe - Louis Theroux. He’d be great at helping you through your emotions, and I guess a bit of dry humour wouldn’t go a miss in that predicament.
Grace - Ann Boleyn. I think we'd have a good gossip.
Steph - My boyfriend. He's patient and always cares for me. Gross, I know. But it's so I can annoy him in the afterlife too.
Alice - Graham Norton. He'd know all the cool people there.
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