Scottish vicar dies at his church
Written by Sunny Unachi on 7th September 2021
Tributes have been pouring on for a well-respected Scottish vicar who died while “doing the Lord’s work” at his church on Friday.
Emergency services were called to Peterhead Methodist Church last Friday in after reports that a man had died in the church building.
Later, 60-year-old Reverend Colin Plenderleith, the church’s minister, was confirmed dead at the scene. Police say the circumstances of his death are not being treated as suspicious.
Peterhead Methodist confirmed the death with a post on social media:
“Peterhead Methodist Church Stewards, Jeannette Taylor and Mary Brander announce with infinite and deep sadness, the sudden passing of our loving, caring minister and faithful friend, the Reverend Colin Plenderleith.”
“He died in the Lord’s house, doing His work on Friday 27th August 2021. He is now at peace in his Lord’s arms.
“Special thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Frances, and daughters, Grace, Kate and Fiona and their extended families.
“There will be a Condolence Book in the Church foyer, in which to write your messages of condolence.”
The Buchan Battalion Boys’ Brigade posted its condolences, noting that Plenderleith was a “supportive chaplain”.
They added: “All in the Battalion were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of the Buchan Battalion’s Chaplain, Rev Colin Plenderleith.
“We send our condolences to his family and to members of the 4th Peterhead Company to whom Rev Plenderleith was a very supportive Chaplain.
“All are in our thoughts at this incredibly sad time.”
The vicar’s death was described as “unexpected”.
“So sorry to hear the news about our minister Colin, who died suddenly,” one person wrote on social media.
“Colin was a really nice man, he would keep in touch ,either by phone or before the virus come round to the house, thinking of all the family at this time.”
Another added: “Having attended the toddler group at the church over the past 9 years i’ve have brief encounters with Colin.
“He was a lovely man with a heart of gold and always made the effort to speak with everyone who attended.
“So sorry to hear of his passing. Thinking of all at this sad time especially his family and friends. Rest in peace.”
