Lockerbie’s historic Dryfesdale Church and the Hutton and Corrie Parish Church are both to close next year.
Maintenance problems and issues with accessibility and facilities have prompted the decision by the Church of Scotland.
The congregations will become part of a “parish grouping” of other churches in the area and will be served by a shared ministry team.
The B-listed Dryfesdale Church – to the north end of the High Street – played a part in the aftermath of the Lockerbie Air Disaster 33 years ago when it was the venue for funerals of some of those who perished.
Then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was among those who attended a memorial service for the victims held in the kirk on January 4, 1989.
The tall red sandstone building, which is noted for its bell tower, spire, vaulted ceiling and a high marble pulpit, has been falling into disrepair and has not had a permanent minister in charge for some years.
The congregation already has a regular service on the first Sunday of the month across the road at the Dryfesdale Hall which dates to 1866 and was upgrated and extended in 2010 and that will now become their permanent home for worship.
A Church of Scotland spokeswoman said: “The Presbytery of Annandale and Eskdale is in the process of developing a mission plan which will determine how limited resources are allocated to congregations over a five-year period.
“We recognise this is a very difficult situation for many people but unfortunately change is necessary in order to deliver sustainable and realistic new expressions of ministry and effectively deliver Jesus’ call to mission and discipleship.
“The plan, which has been approved by the presbytery, the Faith Nurture Forum and the General Trustees, seeks to ensure well-equipped spaces are in the right places and to provide a roadmap to the future.
“The decision has been made to close the Dryfesdale Parish Church building by September 30, 2023.
“The building has numerous issues with fabric, accessibility and facilities and is unlikely to be a well-used space without significant investment.
“However, Dryfesdale Hall which sits opposite the church building is to be retained and will be used by the congregation for worship services going forwards.”
The present church building, surrounded by grounds and a graveyard, was erected from 1896 to 1898 on the site of an earlier church dating back to 1757.
However, there is a longer heritage as Dryfesdale Kirk is one of the oldest in the country – one of nine in Annandale during the reign of King David 1.
Hutton and Corrie Parish Church sits in its own ground and graveyard, in an elevated position at the south of Boreland and dates back to 1710.
It was linked with Eskdalemuir Church in 1962 and also to Tundergarth Church in 1986 but this came to an end in 2007 when Hutton and Corrie Church united with Lockerbie Dryfesdale Church.
The church of Scotland spokeswoman added: “Hutton and Corrie Parish Church, which also has issues with accessibility and facilities, is to be closed by December 31, 2023.
“Approved mission plans will be reviewed on an annual basis.”
