GORDON, James 6th of Letterfourie, Wine Merchant in Madeira ^{1 2}

   User ID: V636.

  General Notes:

"For many years, (after the Reformation) Roman Catholic worship was conducted in a room at Preshome or in one of the 'secret' chapels in the area. By 1788 however, John Reid, the priest in charge of the eastern Enzie, felt that it was possible to build a place of worship which actually looked like a Church so, the site was chosen with-the distinct aim of avoiding much publicity and a too conspicous situation.

It was proposed to build a Church of stone and lime, and to hold 700 persons. The estimated cost was £3.50, but, as is so often the case, the actual cost was nearly double. The Baronet of Letterfourie and his brother took a lively interest in the project and were to supervise the the work and contribute very liberally to the cost.

The foundation stone was laid by the two brothers on the 29th May 1788 and the Chapel opened on Whit Sunday 23rd May 1790, but unfortunately the Baronet did not live long enough to see this auspicious day, for he was found dead in bed on April 30th.

The Dedication to St Gregory the Great comes from the presentation to the Church by the last Earl of Findlater of a fine painting (some would say a copy) of St Gregory, by Annibale Caracci. This remarkable picture has formed the gem of the Church until the present day."

from St Gregory's Preshome web page




"Letterfourie

The actual Laird of Letterfourie (in the Braes south of Buckie) has his own memorial in stone - St Gregory's Preshome which, when erected as the spirit of toleration grew in Scotland, was Britain's biggest Catholic chapel after those of the foreign embassies in London. The Rev. John Reid took responsibility for building it to the design of James Byres of Tonley (who created Aquhorties for Bishop Hay). The laird paid for most of it but died before the church was opened. The simple dedication beside the front entrance, 'DEO 1788', instead of the aristocratic donor's arms, has been taken as a sign of his 'piety and unostentation', so the following story from Blundell's Ancient Catholic Homes of Scotland should not be taken to show that he was careless in religious matters. It must have been in the previous chapel, St Margaret of the Craigs: 'He loved to tell the story of the correction he received on one occasion from that reverend gentleman [Mr Reid], who was as famous for his sharp sayings as for his kindly deeds. "Good morning, Letterfourie! Last in and first oot!" he is said to have flashed from the foot of the altar one Sunday as Mr Gordon appeared - Mass half over, sermon just beginning,'"

from Scalan News web page




"1790 May 14th ... James Gordon of Letterfourie died on the 30th ult."

from The Journal of Bishop Geddes




"Gordon
James
4/10/1790
Esq., of Letterfourie
TD&I
Aberdeen Commissary Court
CC1/6/53B"

"Gordon
James
17/12/1791
esq., late of Letterfourie
Eik
Aberdeen Commissary Court
CC1/6/54B"

from Wills and Testaments ^{1 2 3}